SynchroLite_Marketability

SynchroLite - Marketability

OTHER: Miscellaneous - SynchroLite - Marketability

The viability of building this specific size of craft, beyond the fact that it is the lowest cost way of developing the concepts.

Marketability of the SynchroLite:

It appears that the current North American market for very small helicopters (experimental) is to people whom;

Cannot or do not want to spend a large amount of money.
Enjoy the construction, maintenance, and discussions as much as the flying.
Understand that a 'homebuilt' helicopter is not going to have a significant resale value.

The Mosquito and the Helicycle are excellent products for this market. One of the possible reasons that the Ultrasport helicopters have not been extremely successful is that they were highly pre-built. Other reasons appear to be the engine and the aesthetics.

The SynchroLite will be more expensive then the above helicopters. It will never be marketable to the above people. It's market might only be those with money and the desire to fly (ie. an expensive toy). For this, the SynchroLite must be extremely reliable and extremely easy to fly. It would then have a good reputation and a good resale value. To do this the SynchroLite will have to have a 'Principal Assembly', which the owner can inspect, but not repair.

Reference: Uses for UniCopter:

Requirements for a Viable Craft:

Safety

Easy to Fly:

As easy or easier than an airplane.

Reliable:

Specific components can only be repaired or replaced by an authorized establishment.
High quality and safety factors.
Observable Degradation.
Minimal Parts.
Multi-function items, where appropriate.
Redundancy, where necessary.

Functionality:

Easy to Fly:

Because there is no formal reason for a pilot's license.

Reliability:

So that there is a high usage/maintenance ratio.

Portability:

For storage and transportation.

Economical:

Low Initial Cost:

Low Maintenance Cost:

High Resale Value:

Only volume production will offer a significant improvement to the above three lines.
Only very high demand will cause volume production.

Lower cost pilot's license:

Initially: United States - FAA ~ Ultralight (part 103)

Future: United States - FAA ~ Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft

Commercial Applications:

???

Same Page ~ Different Craft: UniCopter - Marketability

Considerations as to which Helicopter to Build: OTHER: Miscellaneous - SynchroLite vs. UniCopter

Last Revised: May 28, 2008