Wichita Falls, Texas: Thursday, January 28, 1999.

AIRCRAFT BACK IN TEST PIT TO CONFIRM BLADE WEAVE FIX.

The CarterCopter's new control system (using ball bearing control cables) was finished just prior to the New Year. However, some new problems arose that are causing delays in flight testing. The lengthy time for a recalibration check of the instrumentation and weekend-only window for flight testing at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas (much longer runway than one in Olney, Texas) were expected problems. But, some unexpected ones dealt with a right side ignition system failure and a blade weave appearing during the stationary testing of the new control system; this being the main setback.

The ignition system problem has been resolved and the instrumentation calibration has been rechecked and recalibrated as needed. A 2 inch wide trim tab like blade extension was added to increase the chord length of the outboard 9 feet of each rotor blade. Its purpose is to move the aerodynamic center aft and behind the rotor effective dynamic center of gravity. Tests ran on this modified blade were very stable when subjected to a shock input up to the maximum tested RPM of 525. The shock input is normally a control stick jab.

Once we have completed the Phase 2 flight testing (see Sept. 24, 1998 press release) and prior to starting the Phase 3 jump takeoff test we plan to put the aircraft back in the test pit. We will then gradually reduce the width of the trim tab until the rotor oscillations caused by a shock input just do dampen out at the maximum attainable RPM. If the rotor is stable at this highest RPM, then the rotor will be very stable at the lower jump takeoff and flight RPMs.

Although these delays are time consuming, we have had a chance to further improve the controls, finish the installation of the 52 ft. diameter ballistic chute, add a drive belt tensioner, improve the data collection system, and recheck all the aircraft systems. We are hopeful to soon resume flight testing. We expect some problems and delays, but nothing has happened to dampen our enthusiasm that we will eventually achieve our goals.

We invite you to follow our hyperlinks (colored text above) for a more detailed description of our problems and how we solved (are solving) them.

For those of you who have recently started to follow our progress, please feel free to look over the rest of our web site to get a better grasp on what we are trying to achieve. Please be patient and understanding when requesting more information on the aircraft (one of the reasons for this web site); our time is short, our staff is small, and our goals have never been achieved before.

Once again, the entire CarterCopter Team wishes to thank all of our faithful followers and supporters of our efforts throughout the years. We have been having the greatest of times pursuing our proof of concept aircraft. We hope to soon start working on our jet powered and long range models at the same time that our flight testing continues on our prototype.