The MINI 1 Helicopter

The MINI-1 helicopter is a low-cost, easy-to-build, flying machine. This  helicopter can carry a maximum payload of 300 pounds. With its 13-foot rotor, this helicopter can take off and land vertically, and it’s capable of reaching a top speed of 60 mph. With a weight (empty) of 150lbs no pilots license is needed!
The MINI-1 is not only amongst the most compact personal helicopters in the world, it is also the simplest to build and to fly. The control system of the MINI-1 is highly simplified, eliminating swash-plate and many other complex mechanisms. The aluminum tubing frame is computer designed for the highest strength per weight ratio. The MINI-1 is designed to adapt to a variety of power plants ranging from motorcycle and go-cart engines to ultralight airplane engines.
Do these plans work? We don’t know….try out the plans and see for yourself!

Nicely drawn plans. Lots of good info on ultralight helicopters.
Includes a materials list, sources, and more.

Read an excerpt from the MINI-1
helicopter manual here

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MINI-1 HELICOPTER

Length: 14 ft.

Height: 7 ft.

Width: 6 ft.

Empty Weight: 165lbs.

Gross Weight: 430lbs.

Useful Payload: 265 lbs.

Engines: 500 c.c. two-stroke

Horsepower: 40 – 55 hp

Fuel Capacity: 2 – 5 gals.

Main Rotor Diameter: 14 ft.

Tail Rotor Diameter: 2 ft.

Main Rotor RPM (max.): 800

Tail Rotor RPM (max.): 5,000

Speed (max.): 90 mph

Altitude (max.): 10,000 ft.