T-Rex (RC helicopter)

The T-Rex is a radio controlled, electrically powered helicopter model produced by Align (company). Since the initial release of the helicopter several years ago, Align has produced several variants of its T-Rex 450 and T-Rex 600 models.

T-Rex 450

The T-Rex 450 is the smallest helicopter produced by Align. The first incarnation of the T-Rex 450 was the 450X, which was comprised mainly of plastic and was available with an "HDE" (mechanically mixed) rotor head. The T-Rex 450X was upgraded to a version 2 (V2) which was largely identical to the original model but included some additional bearings and repackaging. Align released a series of blue anodized aluminum upgrade parts for the V2 and these were the basis for the later (and evolved) SE model - see below.

The 450XL model, nearly identical to the 450X mechanically, was equipped with a longer tail boom which would eventually become the standard for future T-Rex 450 models. It also came in two versions, one with HDE (with mechanical mixing) and one with CDE (CCPM-mixing) rotor head. Another difference with the XL models was an apparent change in the plastics used for the frame and mechanical parts - the mixing levers and flybar mechanism. These were now released in a black plastic (rather than the grey plastic used in the initial models) and were apparently more robust and (possibly) more precisely constructed, resulting in better crash resilience and less 'slop' in the control structures. 'Slop' is a term used to describe freedom of play in the levers and control systems of a model helicopter which result in it being difficult or unpredictable to fly.

Align later released their flagship model, the 450SE. Based on the Trex XL, the SE was equipped with a carbon fiber frame and tail boom, along with many blue-anodized aluminum upgrade parts. It also featured direct servo-to-swash CCPM-mixing, eliminating much of the play (slop) from the bellcranks in the older versions. Align followed with the 450S model, a cheaper model based on the frame layout of the Trex SE. The "S" was available with an aluminum or carbon fiber frame. Align eventually produced an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) version of the 450S known as the 450SA; this model is only sold in North America and is distributed by Horizon Hobby.

The electronics included with the T-Rex kits have also evolved alongside the mechanical characteristics of the model. The initial 400S (short can) and 400L motors have been replaced by increasingly powerful and more efficient motors including the 420L series and the 430L series. Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) - the electronic throttle for an electric motor - were also introduced and have evolved thru models that were rated at 25 Amps and 35Amps. Additional functionality such as governor functionality were added to later ESCs.

Align started to offer marketing bundles including motors and ESCs with later T-Rex models.

Align recently replaced the SE model with The New "V2" variant, featuring several notable improvements. The new frame mounts the gyro underneath the tail boom for added protection, and includes a new, more powerful motor and an improved electronic speed control. Additionally, the V2 features several updated parts including the rotor head, tail assembly, and servo mount.

T-Rex 500

The T-Rex 500 is their latest (Release date expected) model, which is smaller than the Trex600, yet larger than the Trex450, using 425mm blades. It also uses two 3S (6S2P) batteries. There are four differnet Trex 500 battery setup configurations that are reccomended for use. 4S 3200 mah, 5s 3200 mah, 6s 2200 or 2500 mah, the Trex 500 can run on many different voltages with the advanced ESC system that is included in all of the kits listed below. The Trex 500 is also capable of running a wide range of blade sizes ranging from 425mm to 450mm long.

Latest model information (see www.thetrexforums.com or similar for more info):

Four models will be released in a few days (as of December 7th 2007)

The KX017001TA is the carbon fiber version and includes carbon fiber main blades.

The KX017003TA is the carbon fiber version and doesn't include carbon fiber main blades.

The KX017004TA is the fiberglass version and includes fiberglass main blades.

The KX017006TA is the fiberglass version doesn't include carbon fiberglass blades.

T-Rex 600

The T-Rex 600 is a larger electric helicopter, slightly larger in size then a .50-class nitro powered model. Like the 450 models, the 600 is offered with either an aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber frame. The 600 does not share any major components with the smaller 450 model, and is usually more expensive to build and fly, partly due to its use of larger and more costly batteries.

T-Rex 600N

Align's first nitro-powered model, the T-Rex 600N, is a .50 sized model which shares some parts with its electric counterpart.

Setup

T-Rex helicopters are equipped with brushless motors for better runtime and power. The 450 models are usually powered by 3 cell (11.1V) lithium polymer batteries, while the 600 size models use larger 6 cell (22.2v) Lipol battery packs. Yaw control is usually assisted by a Heading Hold gyro, which corrects for changes in yaw by altering the pitch of the tail rotor blades automatically, faster than the pilot can react. While a 5-channel radio control transmitter with eCCPM capability is required for flight, pilots often use a sixth channel for gain adjustments on the gyro.

See also