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In 1994 Revolution Helicopters of Excelsior Springs, Missouri announced their kit-built Mini-500. This single-seater could easily be mistaken for a scaled-down Hughes 500D with its egg-shaped fuselage pod, slim tailboom and T-tail. The Mini-500 is powered by a 67hp Rotax 582 engine and over 350 kits have been sold, with examples flying in Holland, South Africa and Brazil as well as substantial numbers in the United States. R.Simpson "Airlife's Helicopter and Rotorcraft", 1998
TYPE: Single-seat home-built helicopter.
PROGRAMME: Scale-replica design of McDonnell Douglas MD-500; first flown in 1992 and available in kit form until production ceased in October 1999. Assembly in 60-70 hours, excluding body work and painting.
VERSIONS:
Mini-500B Bravo: Initial production version.
Mini-500T Talon: Production version from 1999 incorporating latest improvements.
CUSTOMERS: More than 500 kits delivered by October 1999.
COSTS: Kit: US$32,000.
DESIGN FEATURES: Two-blade semi-rigid teetering main rotor, turning at 550 rpm, constructed using aluminium alloy spars and composite skins. Teetering two-blade tail rotor of aluminium alloy and steel construction, turning at 2,671 rpm. Rubber insulators, flex-packs and counterbalances for vibration damping.
STRUCTURE: Welded steel tube structure, with moulded glass fibre cabin enclosure. Twin skid landing gear.
POWER PLANT: One 50kW Rotax 582, with belt drive to transmission. Fuel capacity 55.6 litres. Transmission rating 40kW at take-off and 82kW capacity. Power enhancement package (PEP) with tuned exhaust system and special carburetion settings developed, producing 18% more power during take-off and landing phases. Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems
Technical data for Mini-500
Engine: 1 x Rotax 582 rated at 49.3kW,
main rotor diameter: 5.84m,
length: 6.85m,
height: 2.51m,
take-off weight: 379kg,
empty weight: 219kg,
max speed: 185km/h,
cruising speed: 120km/h
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daryl, e-mail, 23.03.2010 | reply |
i would like too learn how too put one together from scratch the only problem i have is i could only buy a piece at a time as im on a fixed income any input would be helpful thank you | david, e-mail, 05.03.2010 | reply |
how do i become a dealer for the mini bell 500 | david, e-mail, 05.03.2010 | reply |
what is the going price now for a mini bell 500 | H Katz, e-mail, 17.02.2010 | reply |
Even though Rotax is very clear about how their engine is not suitable for a helicopter, people only hear what they want to hear and disregard the rest. People have died in Mini 500's when the engine quit. Hovering the Mini-500 requires running the engine PAST the factory red-line. Still, someone will no doubt post why it still is ok to do so and it was really the pilot's fault that they got killed. People can get so fanatical about a subject they become stupid.
The previous is my opinion only. | -, e-mail, 31.01.2010 | reply |
What Rotax says about the engine:
"This engine, by its design, is subject to sudden stoppage. Engine stoppage can result in crash landings, forced landings or no power landings. Such crash landings can lead to serious bodily injury or death...This is not a certificated aircraft engine. It has not received any safety or durability testing, and conforms to no aircraft standards. It is for use in experimental, uncertificated aircraft and vehicles only in which an engine failure will not compromise safety. | Mike, e-mail, 31.01.2010 | reply |
I want the old MINI500 helicopters. Fat picture of prices to me!! | ron adkins, e-mail, 25.01.2010 | reply |
Too bad Revolution appears to have stopped production. It looked like a dream product. Perhaps the man will try again. He's a helluva guy no matter what the bad press says. | kennedy, e-mail, 29.12.2009 | reply |
Cuanto cuesta los 2 rotor con paletas del mini 500 ???? gracias Atte: kennedy | Kevin, e-mail, 22.12.2009 | reply |
Parting out my mini 500.....3 hrs tt...0 hrs on new frame....have everthing except engine and tailrotor blades and hub |
| Craig, e-mail, 01.11.2009 | reply |
I am needing basicaly a total tail rotor assembly minus the gear box. Can any one help with parts or where to get them from? Thank you Craig Dyson... | Dan Waldrop, e-mail, 27.10.2009 | reply |
I want to trade a 1993 Corvette and,or a 2000 HarleyDavidson Heritage Softail for complete mini 500 project or Exec. phone 541 315 0736 | WJ, e-mail, 31.08.2009 | reply |
500.How much , sell China | Seth P. Mullins, e-mail, 21.07.2009 | reply |
Would any one consider putting a Suzuki Habusa motor in one of these? Would it be sufficient? | tom, e-mail, 12.07.2009 | reply |
In Reference To (DUDE), Do You Or Have You Owned Or Ever Flown A Mini-500? If Not Go Away !!! Yes There Are Problems But All Helicopters Have Issues. If You Need Help With Your Mini-500 Contact Millenniumhelicopters.com (John) Can Help With Parts And Support With Reasonable Prices!!! | greg allison, e-mail, 09.07.2009 | reply |
baught a mini 500 having problems with vibration in forward flight only can someone help. thanks | Dude, e-mail, 27.06.2009 | reply |
Some people never learn. Go here:
http: / /yarchive.net /air /mini500.html | Dave Turner, e-mail, 23.06.2009 | reply |
I have a Mini-500 in my garage. I am not sure what the status is, or if it has ever flown. It looks like an 80% kit. I am willing to sell it (I am in Wichita, Kansas). I can take pictures if you are interested. | Don Hillberg, e-mail, 05.06.2009 | reply |
My coment about the Mini being a "death trap" was out of line,And I think Dennie is still supporting it,As in any aircraft training and education is best continued even after you get your certificate.Thay all can bite you. | John, e-mail, 16.05.2009 | reply |
Mini 500 parts and mast support upgrades available at www.millenniumhelicopters.com Check it out.
Thanks John |
mako, e-mail, 22.04.2009 | reply |
I want a mini-500. Contact me |
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Do you have any comments ?
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All the World's Rotorcraft
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John I am a farmer in Southe Africa. I brought a Mini 500 kit without drawings.Is it possible for you to help me with them. I will pay for it please.
Many thanks Rhynardt
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