Syma S026 Chinook Tandem CH-46 Rc Helicopter - New 2011 Gyro Edition & USB Charing

***UPDATE 19 DECEMBER 2011***
I have knocked a star off this because I had to return the heli for an exchange. The heli would no longer charge properly - evident by inability to take off (it just hovered a few inches above the ground). The battery had been well cared for (no deep discharge, allowed to cool down before charging, no overcharging) - so do not know why it become a problem. The replacement is better, the flight performance is similar to the previous one, which confirms the somewhat sluggish climb response. There is a lag between command and climb - not surprising as the small flight battery has to power up four motors and four sets of rotors! The result of this lag is that you need to think ahead a lot more with this small tandem co-ax heli; it will not get you out of trouble in the way that the higher performance helis such as the S102G, S107G or S108G will.

Original Review:
I have made comparison with the Syma S107G which is probably one of the most stable, controllable and robust indoor micro helicopters around. Any first time flyers would be well advised to start with the S107G.

The S026G is not as responsive or robust as the S107G - but it is very enjoyable to fly, and good value for money. Despite not being as capable as the S107G, the S026G still warrants 5 stars (the S107G warrants six!).

Handling - It turns/pivots about the front rotors causing the tail to swing out. This caused me a few bumps on the first few flights resulting in minor blade damage (the blades are nowhere near as tough as the S107G). The trim controls are effective - forward/back, left/right. The gyro is very effective - once the trims are set the heli can hover in situ. The rudder (left/right) trim needs a little adjustment as the flight battery runs down. It is a bit more `lumpy' to fly than the S107G - probably due the weight, balance and power distribution being fore and aft (as opposed to being central).

Performance - The power (thrust) drops noticeable in flight, you need to quickly/carefully compensate before it loses too much height. It is not as responsive in climb so be ready to increase the throttle before it gets too low. Forward and rearward motion is achieved by differential speed of the front and rear rotors, consequently this is quite a fast helicopter (forward/backward on the S107G is achieved with tiny tail rotor).

Flight Duration - Amazon quotes 7-9 minutes (and 6-8 minutes for the S107G). Some websites quote 6 minutes for the S026G - I agree `up to' 6 minutes. On the positive side, it charges quickly within about 30 minutes.

Comments - It would be more convenient (but less authentic) if the charging socket was on the side or rear ramp of the heli instead of being underneath. A white LED under the nose would provide better orientation (curiously there is a white bead that looks like a light but is not). Mine came fitted with two connect buckles on each of the upper blade grips (some photos show just one). The upper grip set is secured by only one screw (this seems to be standard on all photos I have seen).

This is really fun, its quite different from any other RC helicopters and is very stable, charging takes around 45 minutes for 10 minutes of flight - pretty good. You can fly it very accurately once you've got used to it a bit, but its simple to control from the start. Just one word of warning, try not to tilt it too violently when its in operation - the blades can hit eachother and cause a fair bit of damage - but that's not really a design fault more my slightly dodgy flying skills! Very much recommended though, hours of fun.

I have tried many small helicopters to fly indoors, this one beats the lot hands down. It is very stable in flight and very controllable. After it has been trimmed it will practically hover hands off. That how good it is. This version for 2011 says that is has a gyro in it, so probably that what makes the difference. Having said all this I have in the past bought models (not this one) and found it to be very good and then bought the same model again to find that it was not so good. So they can vary in the same model.However I do recommend this one but make sure it is the 2011 with gyro version. Happy flying. I do recommend that under say 14 is supervised by an adult.