toy helicopter with launching mechanism

 

Code Number: 10C10.40

Demo Title: Helicopter Rotor

Condition: Good

Principle: Rotational Lift

Area of Study: Chemistry and Physics

Equipment: 

Zoom Copter

Procedure: 

Caution Note: Make sure the person launching the Copter has safety glasses on.  There is a danger of the Copter Rotors hitting the face if the launch is not done properly. 

 Set the Zoom Copter on the launching mechanism.  Pull the string and at the same time lift the launch mechanism out and away from you.  With practice the copter is supposed to come back to the launcher.  However in the lecture rooms the air currents usually deflect the copter to some nearby point.

NOTE: Warn the students before doing this so they can catch the copter if it goes astray.

References:

  • Philip Blanco, "Rotorcraft RPM on Mars", TPT, Vol. 59, #6, Sept. 2021, p. 388.
  • John Strong, "Downwash and Lift Force in Helicopter Flight", TPT, Vol. 49, #3, Mar. 2011, p. 132.
  • Michael Liebl, "Investigating Flight With a Toy Helicopter", TPT, Vol. 48, #7, Oct. 2010, p. 458.
  • Ron Edge, "Caught in the Draft", TPT, Vol. 45, #6, Sept. 2007, p. 338.
  • Guinness World Records, "Largest Helicopter in Production", 2003, p. 154.
  • Guinness World Records, "Earliest Helicopter Flight", 2003, p. 139.

  • Guinness World Records, "First Production Helicopter", 2003, p. 120.

    10C10.40 - Helicopter Rotor