Adams-Wilson Hobbycopter

The Adams-Wilson Hobbycopter (later named the Choppy) is a small, single-seat, open-framework helicopter designed for homebuilding, to be powered by a motorcycle engine. Plans were first marketed in 1958 and have been revised and revived by various designers many times over the years.

The company was formed by T.G. Adams and Paul Wilson to market plans for a simple single-seat helicopter named the HobbyCopter, of which they have built a prototype. This prototype flew successfully for the first time in November, 1958

The AW Choppy was designed to use commonly found materials that were readily available to consumers. The Choppy (also known as the Flying Triumph) was designed to use a motorcycle engine of about 50 hp for the powerplant. Various engines have been used. Some people have even used a snowmobile motor. More recent choppers commonly use an ultralight 2-cycle Rotax engine with about 52 horsepower.

Specifications (Choppy, typical)

General characteristics

• Crew: one pilot
• Length: 15 ft 0 in (4.57 m)
• Main rotor diameter: 21 ft 6 in (6.55 m)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Main rotor area: 363 ft² (34 m²)
• Empty: 300 lb (136 kg)
• Loaded: 600 lb (272 kg)
• Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: various - typically a 4-stroke Triumph motorcycle engine

Performance

• Maximum speed: 85 mph (136 km/h)
• Range: miles ( km)
• Service ceiling: 8,500 ft (2,590 m)
• Rate of climb: 950 ft/min (290 m/min)
• Main rotor loading: 1.7 lb/ft² (5.3 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: varies

Related content

Related development: A-B Helicopters A/W 95 - Ben Showers Skytwister

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence:

External links

• All The World's Rotorcraft