JAviator V1 Single-Rotor Hover Tests
Initial Hover Tests
The initial hover tests were performed with just one rotor installed, which was powered externally by a car battery in order to avoid any additional payload. The intention was simply to determine the frame's mechanical stability and its sensitiveness to vibrations caused by the rotor. Of course we were keen on testing the general behavior of our design and also to reveal possible drawbacks. It turned out that the frame is much sturdier than we thought and the propulsion system appeared to be pretty powerful. Having gained some first experiences, we installed the JAviator's onboard battery to prepare for the essential thrust measurements.
Varta Car Battery
The car battery used for conducting all single-rotor hover tests.
First Hover Test
Rotor in front almost invisible - spinning at approximately 2,000 RPM.
First Hover Test
Two fingers suffice for stabilizing the frame, easily lifted by one rotor.
First Hover Test
An amazing feeling! Somewhat like holding a big hoverable fan in your hand.
LiPo Battery Charger
High-power lithium-polymer battery already onboard and charging.
Video Clips
Thanks to Johannes Pletzer, who never goes anywhere without his brand-new camcorder, the historical moment of the JAviator's initial operation is documented right from the first second. The remaining four video clips should give an impression of the thrust generated by a single belt-driven rotor at approximately half of its full capacity.
- Initial Operation of Rotor (3:44)
- Single-Rotor Hover Test 1 (0:59)
- Single-Rotor Hover Test 2 (0:12)
- Single-Rotor Hover Test 3 (1:13)
- Single-Rotor Hover Test 4 (0:42)
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Madeleine Kirsch and Johannes Pletzer for taking pictures and videos.