Technology Demonstrator

This cover shot by Bob Shane for America's Flyways Magazine features the RMI Spinwing in recent hover out of ground effect tests. The featured article entitled "The future is in a spin" was ably written by Michael Marzano. Kelly Koeneke shown below the test vehicle demonstrates the confidence that has characterized Spinwing's steady progress in its development cycle.

For a copy of the article, simply email thorpe@seeop.com.

The RM2 Spinwing began Block II flight tests on 26 July 2002. The vehicle is shown here in a low speed fly by. Handling qualities are considered forgiving and predictable by its flight crew. The extended probe on the nose will later be equipped with a proprietary sensor offered by the company. The configuration has demonstrated excellent performance in helicopter and airplane modes due to exploiting to full advantage the principles of VTOL lessons learned.

The vehicle hovered while in fast idle, leaving plenty of reserve power for vertical rate of climb performance. Subsequent hover tests are being done to learn about Spinwing's handling qualities. Company officials report that they are delighted with the handling qualities observed. The flights are part of the Block I Helicopter Flight Test schedule which includes helicopter mode envelope expansion. Two other vehicles are being prepared for Block II Flight Tests which will include airplane mode work-ups and conversion between helicopter and airplane mode. Block I tests to date have verified the new power train for the Spinwing, ground-air ground power runs, early helicopter cyclic control authority studies, and hover in ground effect. The Spinwing successfully incorporates the "Top Ten VTOL Lessons Learned" white paper presented to AUVSI in 1998 by Spinwing's inventor, Mr. W.R.McDonnell.