Ikarus ECO 8 Helicopter: Specs, Upgrades and Is It Still Good?
The Ikarus ECO 8, introduced in 1994, was the first German electric helicopter for the 8-cell class and one of the models that made electric RC helicopters popular. It has a 1060 mm main rotor, weighs about 1.2 kg and originally ran a brushed motor on NiCd/NiMH packs; most surviving ones have been converted to brushless motors and 3S LiPo. Is it any good today? As a classic to restore and fly gently, yes; as a learner or aerobatic heli, modern flybarless 450–500 class models are far better.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Ikarus ECO 8 specs
| Spec | ECO 8 |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1994 (Ikarus, Germany) |
| Main rotor diameter | 1060 mm (41.7 in) |
| Length | 910 mm |
| Weight | about 1200 g |
| Flight battery (original) | 6–12 cells NiCd/NiMH; later 3S LiPo, 3500–7500 mAh |
| Motor (original) | Brushed; Ikarus later offered brushless motors such as the “H8” (1500 kV) |
| Rotor head | Flybar head with collective pitch |
| Tail | Variable-pitch tail rotor |
Data from the original Ikarus manual and period listings. With its rotor size it sits close to today’s 500 class: see RC helicopter sizes.
Why the ECO 8 mattered
In the early 1990s most RC helicopters were glow-powered. The ECO 8 showed that an electric heli of useful size could fly on an 8-cell pack, quietly and without fuel. Ikarus followed in 1999 with the ECO Piccolo, a 500 mm indoor helicopter of about 280 g, which started the micro-heli boom. Many pilots learned on one of these two models, and scale fuselages (for example Bell 222 bodies) were popular conversions.
Common upgrades and conversions
| Upgrade | What it changes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushless motor + ESC with governor | More power, longer flights, constant head speed | Match pinion to the main gear for a sensible head speed |
| 3S LiPo instead of NiMH | Much lighter for the same capacity | Rebalance the CG; secure the pack well |
| Heading-hold gyro + digital tail servo | Tail holds without drift | The single biggest flying improvement |
| Modern 2.4 GHz radio | Reliable link, heli mixing | Replaces old 35/40/72 MHz sets |
| Flybarless conversion | Modern stabilisation | Requires a flybarless head; often not worth it on an old frame |
Is the Ikarus ECO 8 any good today?
| For… | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Collectors and restorers | Yes: a classic with history, simple mechanics |
| Gentle scale-style flying | Yes, after a brushless/LiPo and gyro upgrade |
| Learning to fly helicopters | No: a modern flybarless heli with rescue mode is easier and cheaper to repair |
| 3D aerobatics | No: the design isn’t made for it |
Before buying a used one, check the main and tail gears, the flybar and paddles, the tail drive, bearings, and that the frame isn’t cracked. Ask whether the original motor and NiMH packs are still fitted; that tells you how much upgrading is ahead.
Can you still get parts?
Ikarus (ikarus.net) is still in business, but parts for a 30-year-old model are mainly found as used and new-old-stock items on auction sites and in forums. Generic parts (bearings, ball links, blades of the right length, servos, gyros) fit with some adaptation. Buy a donor model for spares if you see one.
FAQ
Is the Ikarus ECO 8 helicopter any good?
As a classic to restore and fly gently, yes. For learning or aerobatics, modern flybarless helicopters are better.
What motor does the ECO 8 use?
Originally a brushed motor; Ikarus later sold brushless replacements such as the H8 with 1500 kV.
What battery for an ECO 8?
Originally 6–12 NiCd/NiMH cells; most modern conversions use 3S LiPo packs.
What is the Ikarus ECO Piccolo?
Ikarus’s 1999 indoor helicopter: 500 mm rotor, about 280 g. A V2 followed in 2003.
More on this topic: the complete RC Helicopters guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
