Bell 360 Invictus

After deciding I wanted to scratch build something unique. I chose the Bell 360 Invictus because of the similarities it has to the RAH-66 Comanche.

I then decided to dive into building the model on a computer first. So I enlisted the help of my son who we sent to SCAD. For his degree in the area.

With the craft being a prototype we hade to use concept drawings and YouTube promo videos to build the digital model

I'll be posting more about that next.....

I need a KDE 700XF 535-G3 or a KDE 600XF 530-G3.
Only one or the other. No other brand. If you have one or know where I can get one please help.

Good morning all,

After much consideration of the pros and cons. I have decided to increase the size of my model to 1:6 over 1:7.
The results will take the length up to2360mm(7ft-8in). and give it a rotor diameter of 2032mm(6.6ft)
Considering the full scale is only 42ft witch is relatively small. It will make scaling the details much easier.

The main mechanics are coming along nicely. We should have a test bed ready for a maiden in the next month if not sooner.

I decided to re make the plug. I'm going up to a 1:6 from 1:7. We are looking at about 3 to 4 weeks worth of printing.

He going to be a BIG BOY...

With increasing the size from 1/7 to 1/6, i need to re work a few things. Today i got serious about getting a test bed worked out.

I got the reciever and Axon set up to what i call level1. Next i will work on the tail-fenestron system. Normally i would have the ESC"s included. But with the new seperated systems i will need to work out the tie in of the main and tail side rails.

Looking at all three side by side. Im going to have a couple drinks stare some more and get back at it.

I seriously hope to have a flying prototype this weekend.

If you have questions or requests on the how, what, where. Please let me know.

Im going to keep the 1/6 scale line drawind up in the office to dream, plan, and keep build notes on.
He's going to be a BIG boy!

Well it is time to dig into getting these parts put together and see if we can get something off the ground.

Tail / Vario 8 blade fenestron target 9500 RPM. Direct drive 6S.
Main / Vario 4 blade 2000mm dia. target 1100 RPM 12S

I'm going to start with the Castle brand ESC's because of familiarity of being able to program in specific numeric rpm choices. i have inquired for years both reps and manufactures only to get back. they can not or do not have this feature. I am either asking the wrong questions or this is just going to have to be the direction I must follow.

THE QUESTION: Can your ESC store a specific RPM in the Components and not the radio. Example I can tell a castle to run 1000rpm(normal), 1200rpm(idle 1), 1300rpm(idle 2) ?

The FBL/ Flight Controller will be a Bavarian Demon AXON with a JRPROP Xbus system.

Please give comments and questions as to this is going to be a unique and fun project.

I have full plans to get back to build on this model.

All of the components to get a madden flight of the mechanics are here. And as the title says I just need to make the time. I do have to admit working on the project like it is a hobby and not a job is much more enjoyable.

ENJOY the build season everyone.

Now that there it a BIG event coming up I'm going to really enjoy getting this project ready for the SHOW!

The plan for my test cradled is have it built out of materials that weigh the projected flight weight(25 to 30lbs).

Between Mark over at HELI WORKSHOP, Butch over at TEAM WELLMAKER and JRPROPO, my project has taken new life and a super positive progression.

😎😎😎

Taking a stab at trying to design a set in autodesk FUSION360.

I just got confirmation on an exciting package coming to my fleet!

Thank you,
#teamhelieworkshop

#360M #bellavation #Vario

I have had a few ask me where my project stands now that Bell has made thier announcement concerning the FULL size.

Those of you how know me, know me "R.O.D." And for those of you who don't, lol "you betta ask sum body..."😎👊🔥

Where to start..... Life has been kicking my ass. But this is the test of the blessing to come.

The plug..... First I must thank Butch, Mark, Daryle. Their support, means the world to me. If not for them this would have been nothing but a past and long gone dream
Enough on with where we are.....
1. Learning to use a spray gun from ZERO experience.....
2. I put down the first coats of 2part high build primer.
3. Sanded everything down till the ocean bed showed up.
4. Applied several coats of high-end bondo in that area that the primer needed assistance.
5. Orbital sanding till the light bed showed and clouds out the tips.

NEXT we shoot more primer 3 I hope but if it is 5 then we make it so. I also forgot I have 2 major areas to address.... The air intake and exhaust... I should have taken care of that back in the 3D phase. Say la vee....

Remainder of the pics......

I'm trying out this sculpting clay in the large areas. We will see how well to sands.... As long as the 2k primer sticks to it we will have no issue. Yes I should have and could have done a test peace but what the hell. Lets all learn together............LOL

After getting some amazing feedback at the Scale Challenge last September, I decided to scrap that plug. This is a rendering of the past few months of work on FUSION, and having a great team. I also went all in and upgraded my printer to an H2D by Bambu Lab.

I've learned a lot over the past year and a half, and I'm ready to push this project forward.

Here I have 3D printed a PLA static planning model and a PETG that will be used as the detailed plug. This final plug has panel lines, hatches and doors all included and ready to go! Next comes the filler , the primer. And sanding.........