E-Flite Blade CX and CX2
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The E-Flite Blade CX is an entry level, ready-to-fly electric micro R/C helicopter designed and distributed by E-Flite, a division of Horizon Hobby of Champaign, Illinois, USA.
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[edit] Blade CX
This model was introduced in late 2005 as an easier-to-fly alternative to E-Flite's Blade CP, also introduced in 2005. Unlike its predecessor, intended for experienced pilots with its standard two-blade main rotor and gyro-controlled tail rotor, the CX is fitted with a coaxial counter-rotating main head. This system, driven by two 180-series motors, cancels the rotational torque that makes a standard helicopter difficult to learn to hover, especially a helicopter the size of the CP. The CX, by comparison, is stable enough so that inexperienced R/C users can learn to hover relatively quickly, some learning almost immediately. Turning, or more correctly yaw, is accomplished via the slowing of one blade or the other without affecting stability. Compared to a single rotor helicopter, the improved stability is at the expense of a trade-off in control responsiveness, but one can theoretically step up to the CP or other standard micro helicopter once the basics of helicopter flight are mastered with the CX.
A sophisticated four-in-one onboard control unit similar to the one found on the CP contains a radio receiver, gyro and two motor controls. Like the CP, each E-flite Blade CX is individually test-flown at the factory prior to shipping. A lithium polymer battery with DC charger is standard as is an instructional DVD. The other requirement is eight "AA" batteries for the transmitter.
Options include a police helicopter fuselage, training skids, and upgrades for various parts of the helicopter that are generally stronger or perform better than the original.
[edit] Blade CX2
The Blade CX2 is a newer version of the Blade CX. The gyro mixer has been updated with new software to make it easier to fly, there are minor chassis changes, a new body is available with a military-themed body and dummy missiles as separately available options, and a 2.4 GHz radio system made by Spektrum, a division of Horizon Hobby, replaces the original. The new radio uses a digital protocol as well as spread spectrum modulation, allowing many transmitter/receiver pairs to operate simultaneously without swapping crystals. The radio also uses far less power compared to the CX, requiring only 4 AA batteries in the transmitter. Parts, such as the rotor blades, and body are otherwise compatible with the original.
[edit] Specifications[1][2]
- Rotor span: 13.6"/345 mm
- Weight: 8 oz/227 g with battery
- Length: 15.75"/400 mm
- Height: 7.17"/182 mm
- Included radio system: Four-channel 72 MHz FM (Spektrum 2.4GHz Digital Spread Spectrum for the CX2)
- Servos: E-flite S75 microservos
- Main drive motors: Dual 180-series motors
- Standard battery: 7.4 V, 800 mAh 2-cell lithium polymer
- On-Board control electronics: E-Flite 4-in-1 control unit / 3-in-1 for CX2
- Flight duration: 10–15 minutes per charge
- List/street prices: US$199.99 / $149.99
- Catalog number CX: EFLH1200
- Catalog number CX2: EFLH1250
[edit] General Comments
As the Blade CX uses a simplified coaxial rotor system similar to many other entry-level coaxial model helicopters on the market, it is relatively simple to control and to hover, but has some inherent control and aerobatic limitations common to this type of R/C coaxial helicopter.
The general experience has been that the stock Blade CX Helicopter is only capable of flying indoors, or outdoors on a completely calm day with no wind. Any wind can cause the helicopter to "Blow over" and crash, or cause the upper rotors to collide with lower set as the helicopter tries to correct itself. Third-party modifications, however, do exist to allow better performance in windy conditions outdoors.
