This is my own helicopter concept build I am currently creating. It is built around the rules for a helicopter requiring 1 or 2 wheels to be touching the ground. If event rules allow for it, the drag wheel can be left off.
Materials:
4x 3/4th in 90 degree slip elbows
4x 1/2 in 90 degree slip elbows
2x 1 in tee
2x 3/4 in tee to 1/2 in
2x 1/2 in 4 way
2x 1/2 in pvc tube (10 ft)
1x 3/4th in pvc tube (10 ft)
1x 1 in pvc tube (5 or 10 ft)
4x 72 in driveway reflectors (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-72-in-Reflective-Rod-in-Orange-31674/304685893)
netting to cover all 4 sides and top
6-10 inch wheels of choice, rod to connect them and nuts
duct tape
Zip Ties
optional: strap and buckle
Tools:
pvc pipe cutter or saw
drill or drill press
glue if you wish to make the pvc connections stronger/permanent
Scissors or utility knife
Instructions:
cut:
3x 26 inch lengths out of the 3/4th pipe
4x 26 inch lengths out of the 1/2 in pipe
2x 9.5 in out of the 3/4th i pipe
4x 6 in 1/2 pipe
the 1 inch pipe I would start at at least 5 feet
cut 1x 5.5 in out of the 1/2 and 3/4th pipe
Drill a vertical hole in each of the 4 corners of the 3/4 elbows, large enough for the reflector rods to pass through and as well to the 1/2 in elbows
build a box with the 1/2 in elbows and 26 inch 1/2 tubes
do the same with the 3/4 in elbows and 26 inch 3/4 tubes
use the 9.5 in 3/4th in tubes on the back ck of the 3/4th in box
connect the 3/4 in to 1/2 reduced tee's to the 9.5 inch tubes, complete the box with the 5.5 in 3/4th tube (trim to make box square) If attaching the drag wheels, place the 1 in tee in-between the 3/4 in tee's. the reduced 1/2 in side of the tee's should be facing inwards of the box
attach the 1/2 in tubes to the tee's and attach the 4 way connectors to them. Like the other 5.5 in piece, use the 3.5 in 1/2 tube and trim as needed to keep square to connect the 4 ways.
using the last of the 6 in 1/2 pieces, vertical place them in the top and bottoms of the 4 ways. The intent of this portion is to slide into the back of a pod pack. if additional support is wanted, attach the strap to the top of the 6 in support poles and tighten to desired tightness when attached. Alternatively these points could have strapping attached to make it a backpack.
insert the reflector rods through the 3/4 in tee's stopping at about 3 ft. I suggest inserting them with the bottom of the reflectors (the end to go in the ground) facing up. Using duct tape, wrap around the poles at the same point to stop the poles from going further. once in place, do the same on the other side of the poles to secure in place.
insert through the 1/2 in elbows just enough to fully seat the poles. using duct tape, wrap around the poles to keep them in place and then strap around the pvc to keep in place. alternatively you can pass through and secure over and under by wrapping around the poles on both sides.
If using the tal drag, connect the 1 inch pvc to the 1 in tee and cut to desired length. cap off with the other 1 in tee and attach wheels however you choose. I would suggest gluing these attachments., though you may want to glue after netting is attached and hole cut for drag wheels pvc rod.
To complete, attach netting cutting holes for the drag wheels rod and other for the paintball marker barrels to slip through if needed. Attach netting with zip ties