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If you prefer building model helicopter for your
personal gallery, then you have several helicopter models to choose from.
Scale models such as Mi-28 HOVOC, Augusta A-109, Whirlwind, Mangusta, Huey
Hog, AH-6J, Mi-24 Hind, Bell 412, SH-60B, RAH-66, 500D CHP, EC-135
Eurocopter and more are just waiting to be build by your own hands.
If you prefer military helicopters, you can get scale models such as FL 282,
H-25, S-55, Rotodyne, Bo 102, H-1 Huey, Sea King, Mi-2, OH-6, Filper, H-46,
Chinook, AH-56, Mi-24, Mi-26, Ka-27, XV-15, Bell 206, Puma, XCH-62, S-67,
Blackhawk, Apache, Lama, S-72, Dauphin, Mi-28, Mangusta, Ka-50, Super Cobra,
Tiger, NH-90, OH-1, V-22, ALH, and Comanche.
These models are also available in woodcarvings carefully handcrafted to
come out as a perfect replica of the original helicopter. It can cost at
around $100 to $500 depending on the type of wood used and how much detail
was put to the model. Meanwhile plastic models could cost around $7 to as
much as $50 while the rc model helicopters could cost at around $100 to over
$1000. Helicopters are measured in terms of passenger capacity, comfort,
versatility, speed, and of course cost.
Choosing the right one for you depends on these criteria. For example, if
you want a cost effective helicopter strictly for personal use, you can take
the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 (helicopter for 2). It has basic
comfort and few features. The exact opposite are the McDonnell-Douglas 500,
Enstrom Shark, and the Agusta 109A. They are fast and more convenient to
fly.
In between these 2 extremes are Eurocopter Squirrel and the Bell Jet Ranger.
These are single turbine-engined helicopter that are more commonly used for
filming work and charter flying. The Eurocopter Squirrel and the Bell Jet
Ranger are agile, fast, and comfortable, but are constrained to fly on a
fair weather. This is not the case with the Sikorsky S76 and The Eurocopter
Dauphin 2 which can fly at 200mph and can accommodate up to 14 people safely
and comfortably.
With these, we can narrow down your selection into 3:
Light Piston-engined Types - If you want a cheap personal helicopter that
could sit for two, the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 would be your
choice. They can fly at the speed of 80-110 mph. With a seating capacity and
small size, these helicopters are light, easy to fly, and easy to maneuver.
Surprisingly, the light piston-engined helicopters use a more expensive fuel
than that of the kerosene based turbine engines but they consume less fuel.
However, the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 is less buyable for charter
and corporate use. They are more popular, however, on training and personal
use.
Light turbine helicopters - McDonnell Douglas 500E, Eurocopter Squirrel and
the (Agusta) Bell Jet Ranger are widely used around the world for its
practicality and mid-range amenities, comfort, size, speed, versatility and
price. Private owner often prefer light turbine helicopters among other
types for these given reasons. The look is sporty and performance is almost
perfect (if not perfect).
Twin Engined Helicopters - Stronger, safer, faster and more versatile
helicopters are the likes of the Dauphin, Sikorsky S-76, Agusta 109, and
Eurocopter Twin Squirrel. These are powered by 2 engines and can go places
that other smaller helicopters can’t go. These are far better choice for
high-end market with high price bracket.
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