Build Story
Vario Chinook XL
Gonzalo M.
Chapter 16 of 20
Mechanics Flight Test
Feb 15, 2026
Our first test flight is officially in the books, and I couldn’t be happier with how smoothly everything performed. Huge thanks to Stefan Reusch for sharing the setup information and the BD 3SX parameters—much appreciated.
One of my favorite parts is diving into the incredible telemetry data from Jeti. Here are a few highlights:
Hover current: 59.2 A on the motor pulling
RPM: rock solid at 854 RPM
Kosmic ESC temperature: 23°C
Motor temperature: 59°C
Amps pulling by the servos about 1amp
Tracking was absolutely perfect, thanks to some custom tooling I built.
The fuselage is nearly complete with all the scale details. There are just a few more areas to finish up before it heads to the paint booth.
71 Comments
Theo sure made a fine scale fuselage...
Wow....
Outstanding, which model is this? looks like the MH version by the nose chin glass, not the F model
The plan is for an MH-47
My understanding is that fuselage fitment will be easier than on the 1:11 model, yes?
So far it looks like but I am far from that step at the moment.
Also wondering, given the quantity of bolts, whether you are applying thread lock as you go or after you are satisfied with the final assembly?
It all depends.... I do a lot of alignments before I apply thread lock. You always need to be a few steps in advance.
That is one bad mamma jamma 😳
Looking Good Gonzalo!👀
Gustave Eiffel would have loved this engineering 😄
That bridge can get airborne with a few Vario modifications
Looking like the smaller version but with bigger parts so old guys can see them!
I also like how you pull out the shafts to get the mechanics into the fuselage.... a lot more simple
I like the jig! I assume one of the main shafts is tilted so you would need to elevate the front to get it vertical before setting up the swash?
Oh, and I’m proud of you for keeping this build going here! Future Chinook builders will be able to use this as a resource (just as I used your 1:11 pictures to help me with mine)!
Those are nice looking gear, my friend! Do you like the tire quality?
Very nice tire quality!
That’s pretty cool, I’m sure you know this but on the real one only the left rear steers the right one castors .
Wow! I didn't know, thank you!
Very nice work !
What a beast that is, nice clean setup as usual
What are the specs on the ESC?
DuoCOOL KOSMIK 300 HV-I, 300 amps, probably is an overkill as it might be OK either the 170, but you need the heat sink and a fan if you are flying in hot conditions.
I would do the same for something that size and something that won’t auto!
Gonzalo, I see you are using the CB220... and a wire loom to connect the BD 3SX. Is there a reason for the wire loom and not just a single wire?
Asking as I will use a similar setup (CB200) and intend to use a single wire to connect the BD.
I used the loom as it that way I have more power coming to the 3SX plus I added an additional cable to provide sufficient power to drive the servos.
Nice…
Out of interest, will you use the vario rotor head or the one developed by XXL helicopters : https://www.facebook.com/groups/660409615620055/permalink/105789999...
Beautiful work!
Looks great!
Stunning!!
Grill just came out from the scanning, edited on Fusion 360 and to my printer!
Great work as always. This will be a stunning model. I would love one myself but it is just too big for me to move around as my workshop is upstairs in my house.
Thank you! Yes it's big and I will need my son to help me to move it into the van.
Impressive. What filament are you using?
Formlabs and is a resin based 3D printer
Loks great. How well do the 3D parts fit - I was considering doing this helicopter.
Really Awesome Gonzalo!
Amazing detail on the powerplants.
B
Very nice work, lots of details on the parts !
Impressive…again. What resin are you used for the FormLabs printing?
Black Resin V4.1
awesome... simply amazing...
Always Outstanding Gonzalo!!!
Nice details, stable support of the CF fuel boom. Great job!
That Looks Really Good Gonzalo!!!
Gonzalo where did you source the files for 240B's?
I love this kind of work and you did splendid on the smaller Chinook. I have no doubts that this one will be even more stunning. My quiestion is did you try spinning the mechanics with the refuelling probe installed? These tend to be vibration amplifiers if not done correctly....
Another great chapter, thank you!
Great work ! Very fine details.
Your work is always impressive Gonzalo!
Outstanding!
Insane (as usual)!
Incredible work. The FormLabs systems are amazing. Are you using BlackV5?
I'm using V4.1
just WOW!!!
Very nice work, look great even without fuselage.
Gonzalo, congratulations on a successful test flight. Q: how did you determine the motor temp via telemetry? Built in sensor?
Cool…Really Cool Gonzalo!
DANG!!!!
That is "OFF THE HOOK"
B
“WOW” Gonzalo…this so cool !!!
really nice....
Very nice work !
“SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL GONZALO!!!”
Looks awesome Gonzalo!!!
Absolutely AMAZING!!!
B
Congratulations on a successful maiden... it looks stunning
Gonzalo, this is a masterpiece! Now I MUST attend HSM next year!
Fantastic !!!
Beautiful…just Beautiful Gonzalo. Realistic flying too!!!
Congratulations!!!
Awesome!