AudAcity Models has revisited their original 50-sized Model MAking it More versatile With a history of producing

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REVIEW words/pictures: James Wang Pantera P6 AudAcity Models has revisited their original 50-sized Model MAking it More versatile With a history of producing

doesn t have to be harder than model aeroplanes.

The newest Pantera P6 is the fourth iteration of the fundamental design.

Background 50-size traditionally refers to engine displacement, but as the Pantera P6 may be optionally converted to electric power, Audacity had to think

A 50-size nitro helicopter and an electric 600-class helicopter are physically the James has tested the Pantera in nitro and electric modes, experimented with

1 REVIEW words/pictures: James Wang Pantera P6 AudAcity Models has revisited their original 50-sized Model MAking it More versatile With a history of producing mechanically simple and easy to hover model helicopters, Audacity Models have once again delivered on their basic premise; building and flying model helicopters doesn t have to be harder than model aeroplanes. MHW has reviewed 50-size Audacity products since their initial foray into the market in 2005, the Tiger and Pantera. The newest Pantera P6 is the fourth iteration of the fundamental design. However, while the model has evolved, one thing hasn t changed; their goal of making model helicopters, that are easy to build, easy to set up, and easy to fly. Background 50-size traditionally refers to engine displacement, but as the Pantera P6 may be optionally converted to electric power, Audacity had to think differently about how to name the new Pantera. A 50-size nitro helicopter and an electric 600-class helicopter are physically the James has tested the Pantera in nitro and electric modes, experimented with flybar and flybarless rotors, and they all fly quite well Author s Pantera P6 powered by a Redline 53H engine with Audacity Models $ mm carbon blades This is the author s Pantera P6 electric with flybarless rotor head and a 630 kv electric motor powered by 8S LiPo battery Close-up of the nitro version Pantera P6 reveals the engine air filter hides inside the canopy to draw clean air This is the Pantera 50, the precursor to the Pantera P6. Notice the difference in canopy shape; the P6 canopy looks much sleeker 18

James also experimented converting his older Pantera 50 to flybarless The Pantera P6 kit upon opening the box same size, sporting the same 600 mm long blades and hence Audacity chose P6 to

Nitro 50 or 600 electric models are generally considered all-purpose machines and so it is a very popular size because flying larger machines imposes higher costs while those flying smaller

As you research which sport model is best for you, you may discover it pays to carefully consider factors such as how it flies in the hands of non-professional pilots, as well as issues dealing

The P6 design offers some flexibilities in that it is possible to convert it for electric power, or you can buy the optional Nitro Express option to convert it to 91-size nitro engine power, or

The left and right sideframes are keyed so they can only fit together one way and there s no possibility for misalignment Evolution As the Pantera has evolved, Audacity has incorporated

For example, when customers said the first generation Audacity 50-size model was too docile, a variable Bell-Hiller mixing ratio was subsequently developed to permit easy tuning of the cyclic

When a customer complained about ruining an engine following a crash with a nitro helicopter because the engine kept running and ingesting dirt, Audacity responded by designing an elegant air

Another customer once voiced that 50-size models have insufficient horsepower at high altitude, so reasoning that there s no substitute for cubic inches, Audacity set about figuring out how to

2 James also experimented converting his older Pantera 50 to flybarless The Pantera P6 kit upon opening the box same size, sporting the same 600 mm long blades and hence Audacity chose P6 to describe the new Pantera. Nitro 50 or 600 electric models are generally considered all-purpose machines and so it is a very popular size because flying larger machines imposes higher costs while those flying smaller helicopters discover Very rugged moulded nylon frames are massive and strong wind impacts on when they fly. As you research which sport model is best for you, you may discover it pays to carefully consider factors such as how it flies in the hands of non-professional pilots, as well as issues dealing with ease of building, maintenance and repair. The P6 design offers some flexibilities in that it is possible to convert it for electric power, or you can buy the optional Nitro Express option to convert it to 91-size nitro engine power, or you can buy a longer boom and belt to stretch it to accept 700 mm length blades, or get the optional 4-blade rotor conversion. The left and right sideframes are keyed so they can only fit together one way and there s no possibility for misalignment Evolution As the Pantera has evolved, Audacity has incorporated customer feedback. For example, when customers said the first generation Audacity 50-size model was too docile, a variable Bell-Hiller mixing ratio was subsequently developed to permit easy tuning of the cyclic response. When a customer complained about ruining an engine following a crash with a nitro helicopter because the engine kept running and ingesting dirt, Audacity responded by designing an elegant air filter assembly, similar to that used on 1/8 scale racing buggies. Another customer once voiced that 50-size models have insufficient horsepower at high altitude, so reasoning that there s no substitute for cubic inches, Audacity set about figuring out how to stuff a 91-size engine into their 50-class airframe (and have it survive the extra power). Luckily, the Pantera uses radial ball bearings, which are 40% larger than others in the class, and has clutch shoes large enough to harness the power of a 91. It turns out these rugged features prove quite beneficial to novice and sports pilots alike due to the heavy-duty nature even if they never fit the big-block engine. However, if you believe it s Left side of the assembled mechanics Three very solid and massive moulded bearing blocks are used to support the main rotor shaft and to tie the left and right sideframes together impossible to have too much horsepower, then the Audacity s Nitro Express conversion option, which substitutes 3.4 hp (from an average 90- size engine) versus the 2.1 hp of an OS 55 or YS 50 or TT53 can be great fun. I did not try this 91 conversion, but Audacity says the Pantera will not only hover the same, but looks and sounds utterly normal, until giving it full throttle/collective results in the Pantera effortlessly racing away from others. Right side of the assembled mechanics Three bearings supporting the main shaft 19

The front pinion and pulley for the belt drive tail rotor comes assembled Moulded upper and lower main gear with driven tail capability for autorotation Audacity pointed out that one customer

precise manoeuvres. The crew at Audacity responded by designing an optional anchor system to prevent the centre of the servo arm from shifting under external feedback loadings.

This screw has a hex in the middle, which enables one to tighten the arm to the shaft, but the other end of the shaft is smooth.

characteristic. Although not new, this bit of lateral thinking demonstrates the Audacity commitment to simplicity and ingenuity.

They only allowed electric models, which meant buying and outfitting another helicopter (an added expense at the wrong time).

The P6 offers a variety of rotor options. The stock flybar rotor head could be converted to flybarless using existing parts in the kit.

3 The front pinion and pulley for the belt drive tail rotor comes assembled Moulded upper and lower main gear with driven tail capability for autorotation Audacity pointed out that one customer mentioned that with some helicopters during aggressive 3D manoeuvres, the three eccpm servos could move or wobble under the loads of the blades feeding back into the servos, which resulted in less precise manoeuvres. The crew at Audacity responded by designing an optional anchor system to prevent the centre of the servo arm from shifting under external feedback loadings. This anchor system uses 3 mm diameter machine screws to secure the servo arm onto the splined output shaft (see pictures). This screw has a hex in the middle, which enables one to tighten the arm to the shaft, but the other end of the shaft is smooth. Over this is fitted a plastic bridge with a ball bearing, which slips over the shaft preventing the servo from rocking on the rubber mounts while also not interfering with their vibration damping characteristic. Although not new, this bit of lateral thinking demonstrates the Audacity commitment to simplicity and ingenuity. Similarly, there was one Pantera owner bemoaning the fact he d taken a new job and moved house only to join a new club, which had noise restrictions. They only allowed electric models, which meant buying and outfitting another helicopter (an added expense at the wrong time). Once again, lateral thinking kicked in demonstrating where there s a will, there s a way and so Audacity now offers two electric conversions; the Stage I and Stage II electric conversions. The P6 offers a variety of rotor options. The stock flybar rotor head could be converted to flybarless using existing parts in the kit. There is a 700-stretch conversion featuring a larger rotor head, as well as longer boom/belt to permit using 700 mm blades. There is an optional 4-bladed rotor head, I have one on order and will offer a review in future because Audacity explains this head is not just for scale but works superbly at harnessing the horsepower of a Nitro Express (with a 91) using four 600 mm main rotor blades or using a 12S electric power system, which can easily develop more power. That should make the P6 a super rocket ship. Design Fundamentals Instead of using carbon sideframes, Audacity says it opted for an engineered-polymer; fibrefilled Nylon 6/6 that is prized as a durable impact-resistant material used by Glock for their handgun frames. Audacity explains it chose this material because, unlike rigid carbon fibre, it flexes on impact instead of cracking. Despite using a moulded frame system, rigidity is engineered into the structure by first having left and right frames snap together, using three mainshaft bearing blocks, and locked together There is no gear mesh adjustment, but it comes out perfect Massive moulded sideframe and huge clutch bell, Audacity went for Panzer tank ruggedness and not butterfly lightness! The optional snorkel air filter, no other companies offer this extra feature The silicone snorkel air filter system fits over the Redline 53H carburettor venturi 20

Pantera clutch bell and bearings are bigger than other 50-size helicopters Optional auxiliary fuel tank can be added, note the raised section for the receiver switch Quite a hefty and solid main

The individually moulded left and right sideframes are keyed for accurate assembly once they snap together, they are in perfect alignment.

of vibration through rigid carbon sheets.

This polymer is more forgiving during hard arrivals and other daily abuse. The end results are lower cost of ownership due to fewer and less expensive repairs.

This allows servo mounting for fuel mixture control, retractable undercarriage, or lighting. Secondly, the material is workable using conventional modelling techniques accepting glue and paint.

for experienced sportsmen. The former is because it can be tuned to hover nearly hands off, and the latter because it withstands the rigours of daily abuse.

system. Three different durometer rating rubber dampers are available, which permit customising the basic feel of the model.

Novices learning to fly are well served by Built-in head button A solid swashplate, the fore/aft cyclic control bellcrank, and guide rail behind the swashplate, prevent the swashplate from rotating

4 Pantera clutch bell and bearings are bigger than other 50-size helicopters Optional auxiliary fuel tank can be added, note the raised section for the receiver switch Quite a hefty and solid main rotor with many adjustable features Notice the 15 degrees droop on the flybar control arm with 3 mm bolts. The individually moulded left and right sideframes are keyed for accurate assembly once they snap together, they are in perfect alignment. Thus, it avoids accelerated gear wear or reduced bearing life, which are a concern for inexperienced builders of carbon fibre sideframe helicopters because of misalignment or increased transmission of vibration through rigid carbon sheets. The intrinsic toughness and durability of the polymer frame is an advantage for novice pilots because learning to hover inevitably involves tip overs and other hard knocks. This polymer is more forgiving during hard arrivals and other daily abuse. The end results are lower cost of ownership due to fewer and less expensive repairs. Scale modellers can benefit from these moulded frames, first because provisions have been moulded in for up to eight servos (instead of the usual five). This allows servo mounting for fuel mixture control, retractable undercarriage, or lighting. Secondly, the material is workable using conventional modelling techniques accepting glue and paint. Geometry, Setup and Tuning While a stock Pantera P6 is fully 3D-capable, where it really shines is in two other areas as an excellent machine for those new to the sport and as a daily beat-up machine for experienced sportsmen. The former is because it can be tuned to hover nearly hands off, and the latter because it withstands the rigours of daily abuse. Instead of relying on skimpy O-rings to support the blade spindle, Audacity developed custommoulded rubber dampeners, which are thick and provide greater support for the floating-axle main rotor system. Three different durometer rating rubber dampers are available, which permit customising the basic feel of the model. These are a very easy and inexpensive way to tailor the handling characteristics to your own preferences. Novices learning to fly are well served by Built-in head button A solid swashplate, the fore/aft cyclic control bellcrank, and guide rail behind the swashplate, prevent the swashplate from rotating the gentle handling of the soft 60-durometer dampers because they result in a model, which is easier to hover as minor perturbations are easily damped out. Aggressive 3D pilots wanting lighting quick cyclic response should use the hardest 80-durometer dampers. The majority of pilots will however find the stock 70-durometer dampers are a good all around choice. When converting to flybarless operation, I recommend switching to 80-durometer rubber and will explain how to convert the P6 to electric and flybarless in a future issue. Each P6 main rotor blade grip transfers loads to the spindle with two over-sized radial bearings and one thrust bearing. The model does its best extreme 3D flying around 1950 to 2100 rpm. Most sport aerobatic flyers are happy operating the rotor between rpm, and novices learning to hover will be happy operating at 1550 to 1650 rpm. The Pantera features an 8.7:1 gear ratio, which is a good compromise for delivering high rotor rpm, while maintaining reasonable torque, and also suits the peak power band of most 50-size engines on the market. The blade spindle is 6 mm high quality steel; Audacity say they chose It comes with a 4 mm diameter flybar, use the leading hole on the Hiller paddle, the rear hole makes control too edgy The shaft for the fore/aft bellcrank already came with a flat spot to mount the control bellcrank not to use 8 mm because it wants the rotor to have some give and not feel like a sports car with an overly stiff suspension. Conversely, the P6 features a 4 mm diameter flybar instead of the 3 mm usually found on this size of model. It also uses an aluminium main rotor centre block mounted to a 10 mm main shaft. Plastic blade grips are used. The philosophy is similar to the successful Mikado Logo 600. The three servos for 120º eccpm control are mounted directly to the moulded sideframes and no push-pulls are used. I like the moulded plastic ball links in the kit because they are hefty, and fit the 4.75 mm stainless steel balls almost perfectly not too loose and not too tight. On the washout arms, there are three mounting holes for the control ball. The inner hole is for novices because they deliver reduced paddle input. The middle hole is for intermediates, while the outer hole gives maximum paddle tilt (maximum Hiller input). I recommend trying the middle hole first for most pilots. For the Pantera, and in general for any helicopters with a mechanical flybar, I recommend setting up the servo controls to 21

obtain the maximum swashplate tilt angle without having the swashplate binding against the main shaft, then choose the hole on the washout arm to give the amount of paddle tilt you believe you want

One thing to remember is changing the hole location on the washout arm will only affect cyclic control sensitivity and not collective sensitivity it is known as Hiller input.

Bell-Hiller mixing, as this gives a longer throw resulting in greater blade angle change during cyclic commands. This is the direct Bell input.

When the fuselage is perturbed and tilts (relative Arrows point to the optional servo shaft anchoring system that prevents the servo shaft from wondering under heavy feedback loads note that servos

position. This is because the seesaw is mechanically linked to the main rotor blade pitch arm through the Bell-Hiller mixing arm.

Mounting the mixing arm to the hole furthest away from the main rotor shaft gives a higher Bell-Hiller mixing ratio and more blade angle change for a given amount of flybar tilt.

Using the innermost mounting hole on the seesaw gives 70% Bell-Hiller mixing ratio, which means a 10 flybar tilt results in a 7 blade angle change. Novices should use 100% while 3D pilots use 70%.

This permits large amounts of paddle angle tilt without touching the The pushrods come ready to use and set to correct length when opening the kit.

5 obtain the maximum swashplate tilt angle without having the swashplate binding against the main shaft, then choose the hole on the washout arm to give the amount of paddle tilt you believe you want to start with. This gives better control resolution because you are using the full swashplate tilt range. One thing to remember is changing the hole location on the washout arm will only affect cyclic control sensitivity and not collective sensitivity it is known as Hiller input. Another way to increase cyclic control sensitivity (but not the collective control sensitivity) is to add a 2 mm thick standoff beneath the two swashplate balls for the pushrod that connects to the Bell-Hiller mixing, as this gives a longer throw resulting in greater blade angle change during cyclic commands. This is the direct Bell input. The flybar is like a mechanical autopilot as it acts as a mechanical gyro that wants to remain stationary in space (like a child s spinning top). When the fuselage is perturbed and tilts (relative Arrows point to the optional servo shaft anchoring system that prevents the servo shaft from wondering under heavy feedback loads note that servos mounted in line with the pushrod are less prone to moving to the flybar) the flybar automatically forces the main rotor blade angle to change and bring the helicopter fuselage back to its original position. This is because the seesaw is mechanically linked to the main rotor blade pitch arm through the Bell-Hiller mixing arm. There are two hole positions on the Pantera seesaw for mounting the Bell-Hiller mixing arm. Mounting the mixing arm to the hole furthest away from the main rotor shaft gives a higher Bell-Hiller mixing ratio and more blade angle change for a given amount of flybar tilt. Using the outer hole on the seesaw gives 100% Bell-Hiller mixing ratio. That means when the flybar tilts 10, the blade pitch angle changes 10. Using the innermost mounting hole on the seesaw gives 70% Bell-Hiller mixing ratio, which means a 10 flybar tilt results in a 7 blade angle change. Novices should use 100% while 3D pilots use 70%. The flybar control arms have a pronounced 15 degree droop on each side. This permits large amounts of paddle angle tilt without touching the The pushrods come ready to use and set to correct length when opening the kit. The optional servo output shaft anchor kit is also shown bottom of the main rotor blade grip during large swashplate inputs. The 4 mm flybar permits the P6 to use different aftermarket paddles available for 60/90-size helicopters. The stock white control paddles are relatively light and very similar in shape to the popular K&S 3D paddles they work well. Novice pilots can add optional flybar weights to further tame the model. Servo and Control Setup I setup my Pantera to give +11 to -11 degrees of total collective travel. The control ball on the servo arm for the three eccpm servos should be mounted at 18 to 20 mm from the servo shaft. For 3D, I recommend starting the setup with the Idle-Up mode first. Set the transmitter in Idle-Up, then program a straight line 5-point pitch curve ( ). At full throttle/collective stick, the blades are at 11, at mid-stick the blades are at 0, while at low stick the blades are at -11. All the linkages from the servos should be perfectly at 90 to the swashplate linkages when at mid-stick in Idle-Up. When the controls sticks are at the centre position and Idle-Up is on, if any eccpm servo arms are not exactly at 0 or 90 degrees with respect to the servo casing, then use the Subtrim in the transmitter to fine-tune the arm position. Novices interested in flying 3D later on, could also perform the setup this way and subsequently use the transmitter pitch curve to limit the total cyclic/collective travel in Normal throttle mode to +11, 6, 2. Audacity has a setup guide on their website (www. audacitymodels.com), but beginners should always seek the help of experienced pilots, so they understand the theory of setting up. I recommend always getting the best servos you can afford with double ball bearings supporting the output shaft. For a 50-size flybar rotor model, the torque should be at least The moulded plastic sideframe has built-in clips to secure wires We switched to the silver coloured Nexus high voltage digital metal gear servos for eccpm and black low voltage high speed Nexus servos for tail rotor and throttle control they are available from Audacity Models This close-up shows the thick and rugged moulded sideframes, they are nearly indestructible Nexus 615 MG metal gear servo with 0.06 second travel time for 60º arc is used for tail rotor control Belt drive tail rotor system Notice how wide apart the two bearings supporting the tail rotor shaft are, this helps prevent the tail rotor shaft wobbling 22

Pantera one-piece tail rotor blade grips are each supported by two radial bearings and one thrust bearing The P6 comes with moulded 3D fins Moulded heavy-duty tail gearbox casing 100 in-oz and for a

Instead, it maintains altitude and tracks straight as an arrow. Moreover, when tuned for agility, it can flip and tumble while still retaining a predictable feel and never feels nervous or twitchy.

The Pantera P6 is physically larger than other 50-class models (a T-Rex 700 canopy slips on perfectly while a comparatively tiny 600 canopy doesn t), which means it s easier to see at a distance.

That s a very robust tail boom clamp and thick walled tail boom support tubing Combine this with a very reasonable kit price, and see attributes that should be carefully considered when deciding on a

Ultimately, if the toughness and durability of engineered polymers count for more than the glitz of carbon fibre, the reasonably priced Pantera P6 is a good everyday machine.

For customers living outside the USA, Audacity models and parts are distributed directly to The tail pushrod guide design is innovative and the red sleeve can settle into its best position for

6 Pantera one-piece tail rotor blade grips are each supported by two radial bearings and one thrust bearing The P6 comes with moulded 3D fins Moulded heavy-duty tail gearbox casing 100 in-oz and for a 50-size flybarless rotor model, use at least 120 in-oz. Summary The Pantera P6 has a wide range of tuning possibilities. During forward flight it doesn t tuck or zoom. Instead, it maintains altitude and tracks straight as an arrow. Moreover, when tuned for agility, it can flip and tumble while still retaining a predictable feel and never feels nervous or twitchy. Personally, I prefer the optional harder 80-durometer damper or use the stock 70-durometer dampers and then add a.020 inch shim washer next to the rubber damper to squeeze it. The Pantera P6 is physically larger than other 50-class models (a T-Rex 700 canopy slips on perfectly while a comparatively tiny 600 canopy doesn t), which means it s easier to see at a distance. The P6 is built tough like a tank, and more massive, consequently, a light, carbon framed model will perform extreme 3D manoeuvres better, but the P6 is very stable and rugged. That s a very robust tail boom clamp and thick walled tail boom support tubing Combine this with a very reasonable kit price, and see attributes that should be carefully considered when deciding on a model to suit your particular flying requirements. Ultimately, if the toughness and durability of engineered polymers count for more than the glitz of carbon fibre, the reasonably priced Pantera P6 is a good everyday machine. If one really wants outrageous power-to-weight ratio, then try the Pantera 50 to 91 Nitro Express Conversion, or convert to electric and run 10S or 12S LiPo. For customers living outside the USA, Audacity models and parts are distributed directly to The tail pushrod guide design is innovative and the red sleeve can settle into its best position for pushrod alignment consumers using either their website (www. audacitymodels.com and or via phone and . This often results in you communicating with John Beech, the owner and chief designer of Audacity Models, which is a refreshing change or perk, because one normally does not talk to the owner or designer when buying a mass-produced model. MHW Spec Product Pantera P6 Manufacturer Audacity Models address Genesis Hobby, PO Box , Lake Mary, FL Tel: com MarketPlace Beginner to advanced 50-size glow engine helicopter Main rotor diameter 1383 mm overall length 1220 mm Main gear ratio 8.7:1 Main rotor to tail rotor gear ratio 5.3:1 flying Weight With fuel (approx.) 3629 g (8 lb) control requirements eccpm heli radio with 5 servos and gyro PoWer requirements.50 Heli engine P6 with optional canopy We Used Thunder Tiger Redline 53H, Audacity ProModeler 55 muffler, Audacity 600 mm Carbon Blades, Spektrum DX8, Spektrum AR7010 receiver, JR 770 gyro, 3 Nexus motor digital high voltage servos for eccpm, and Nexus low voltage high speed servos for throttle, and tail rotor, Rapicon Heli 30% and a 5-cell 2000 mah NiMH 23

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