FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I purchase a 300 MPH Challis Heliplane as a kit built aircraft?
No, the 300 mph Challis heliplane is only available as an assembled UAV. The Challis Heliplane UAV has multi mission capabilities including autonomous take off and landing, a useful load of 250lbs and a top speed that out performs all present day rotorcraft.

Can I purchase a kit built rotorcraft that can HOVER like a helicopter, and reach speeds over 200 mph for sale... anywhere in the market?
No, most kit built helicopters are in the 100 mph range. Most high performance complex rotorcraft UAV’s are under 150 mph.

How much would it cost to purchase a helicopter capable of OVER 150 mph?
A helicopter capable of 150 mph cruise would be in the commercial helicopter category, for example Hughes 500 new $2 million (Used with half time remaining ... about $1million)

How about Tilt Rotors? Can’t they HOVER like a helicopter and reach 300mph?
Yes, Bell/Boeing have a 300 mph Heliplane the V-22 Osprey. $120 million It can carry 22 (troops) but the aircraft is not available for civilian use. * note ... you never see the President use the V-22 Osprey.

Isn’t there a 300mph Heliplane Tilt Rotor available for civilians?
Yes, Bell /Agusta have the BA 609 Tilt Rotor 8 passenger $12 - $14 million. However, a FAA and EASA Tilt Rotor Fight Certificate must be granted to enter the civilian market, and that is still many years away (or perhaps never). *At no time has a Tilt Rotor demonstrated a successful power off landing.

Will there be a 300 mph Challis Heliplane available for the civilian market?
Yes, but still years away before certified and into production. Unlike the Tilt Rotor, the Challis Heliplane is not a radical departure from well known and experienced rotor flight principles. Therefore the certification process will be less difficult… especially after clearly demonstrating power off landings. After a FAA and EASA flight certificate is granted for Challis Heliplane Design…

How many passengers could it carry? And how much would they cost?
The Challis Heliplane will eventually be certified in all different weight categories, from light two passengers, to a heavy lift aircraft like the Mi mil-26 150 passenger. (Available through various manufacturers). The cost would be an increase of about 20% - 25% compared to a helicopter in the same weight category. The weight penalty from the extra wing, constant speed prop and hydraulic transmission to vary power from rotor to propeller would decrease the pay load by about 5%. The advantage that the Challis Heliplane presents is an aircraft capable of twice the cruising speed and almost twice the range of a conventional helicopter.



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