Vintage RC Helicopters - Ishimasa - Far East manufacturer of RC helicopter

  ISHIMASA

Japanese manufacturer of RC cars with a number of successful models and also radio controlled hovercraft.  From this it was a natural progression in 1980 to use this expertise in electric cars to translate into RC helicopter production.

Ishimasa Sky Lark EH-1

 Brochure for original Ishimasa Sky Lark

Imported by Macgregor the Ishimasa Sky Lark EH-1 proved that electric helicopters could work.  Very limited duration when using batteries however, with the use of an umbilical cord the helicopter could be powered by a 'car' battery and thus greatly extend its operational time.  The reason for this short battery time was due to the weight and motors used.  Constructional plastic had not been developed for 'hobby' use so it was made from aluminium as were most RC helicopters of that time.  Additionally the only electric motors then available were brushed 'buggy' types which were not particularly efficient; coupled with a speed controller that looked like a bar from an electric fire and it was quite an achievement that it actually worked at all.

The original Ishimasa Sky Lark EH-1 had limited flying time, was expensive and also had a very basic control system so it was not bought in any great numbers.  To redress some of this criticism, the head was upgraded to a Bell-Hiller system thus giving a much better response though it still remained fixed pitch.  The helicopter was not developed any further and faded away however, a few years later the design layout was used albeit in a more compact form, for the Aisonic Master electric helicopter series.

US magazine adverts

Sky Lark EH1 Build manual  -  including flying hints plus - EH1 manual addendum

    Bell - Hiller conversion instructions plus use of locking plate for setting the pitch.

Sky Lark EH1 Build review  -  Article from a period US magazine.

Ishimasa Playboy

Following on from their electric model, Ishimasa then produced a small glow powered helicopter which looked very much like a 20 Baron but had the distinctive Ishimasa head.  This machine does not appear to have been marketed in many countries; UK in particular only had a couple for evaluation by the Importer.  However (as of Jun 10) I have found three of them other than these so perhaps a few were brought in by direct purchase; more details to follow when I have rebuilt my own models.

Joe's Ishimasa collection

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