500 size CH-54 Tarhe (Skycrane) Build

Got a few more things finished up on the CH-54A over the weekend. I painted on the final markings (my first time using a vinyl cutter to make paint masks) and added a rear cover to mount the tail stinger and false tail rotor driveshaft. I also weighed it.

With the 6S 4000mah battery installed, it weighs in at 10.5 lbs, the heaviest 500 size machine I've ever built.

I completed a few test hops in the yard, and on the 2nd flight, the sounds suddenly changed. I quickly landed to find approximately 30% of the main gear teeth stripped. I disassembled the mechanics and found that gear mesh was a bit loose. I've since changed out the gear and put fresh loctite on the motor bolts. Will need to be pretty careful with this one. Might need to upgrade to the helical gear in the future. No video, but a few photos below.

For now, I'm awaiting better weather for further test flights. If that goes well, I'll try a sling load with my lightest payload.