Description

Tornado kits are currently subject to a 2 week backlog due to high order volume. Orders are shipped in the order they are received, no exeptions.

Tornado is a high performance helicopter which complies with the Science Olympiad Helicopter Division B and C rules for the 2025 season. It builds to a rotor diameter of up to 13.5 inches and is light enough to use a small amount of ballast for tuning while still easily staying right at the 4.0g minimum weight. Includes parts for 2 complete helicopters, Tan Supersport rubber, and a set of rotor pitch gages. In a typical living room this model can fly for about 80 seconds. Our 2024/5 check-in box meets the specs for the draft rules.

Tornado 2025 Build Manual V1.0 (First Version)

Tornado 2025 Build Manual V2.0 (shortened spars)

Tornado 2025 Build Manual V2B (red plastic propeller assemblies)

For instructions for the previous 2021 Tornado kit, please go to its page.

Tools/materials required: rubber lubricant, winder, CA glue (or Duco/Ambroid/Sigment), 3M-77 spray adhesive, vaseline, razor blades, sandpaper, ruler, scissors. Don’t forget a Check in Box!

Optional: Torque meter, turns counter (volareproducts.com), scale, forceps. 

Recommended replacement rubber is 1/8″ rubber strip.

Basic flying notes: Don’t expect much of a climb until you’ve hit 300-400 turns. Full power is around 800-1000 turns typically. Make sure the rubber is well lubricated with silicone oil and that you are stretching the rubber 4-5 times relaxed length, winding in half of the turns before working your way in.

J&H Aerospace is not affiliated with Science Olympiad; this product listing does not constitute an endorsement by S.O.