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Cyclic/collective pitch mixing (CCPM) Explained

Many RC model helicopters use a minimum of two independent servos to manipulate the swash plate (SP). One is used to tilt the SP forward and aft (Cyclic longitudinal), varying the pitch . Another is used to tilt the SP left and right (Cyclic lateral), varying the roll. This is known as Cyclic Pitch.

If we introduce a third servo that raises and lowers the entire SP, varying the collective, then we have Collective Pitch. This controls the lateral attack angle of the main blades.  However, an intermediate mechanical mixing system must be used to transfer the control inputs from the servos to the SP. This would require an elaborate system of control rods and levers, and often contains many ball bearings without the aid electronic mixing.

To reduce the mechanical complexity of the helicopter, a CCPM system mixes the control inputs using software (usually running on the radio transmitter) and typically uses three interdependent servos to control the SP, with three linkages arranged around the SP at 120° intervals. In addition to lower mechanical complexity, the interdependent servos share the workload thus giving more power to the mechanical actions.

A 3 servo model helicopter will generally have Cyclic Pitch. Two servos used for CP and the 3rd servo used to control the pitch of the tail rotor. This requires a minimum of 4 radio channels as the 4th channel is used for the motor speed control.

A 4 servo model helicopter will generally have Cyclic Pitch and Collective Pitch . Three servos used for Cyclic and Collective Pitch and the 4th servo used to control the pitch of the tail rotor. This requires a minimum of 5 radio channels as the 5th channel is used for the motor speed control. CCPM is managed by controls on the radio transmitter.  More radio channels can be introduced to provide advanced in flight controls.