Nerevar

How does the Great Planes Super Skybolt ARF fly?

From what I've read, everyone talks about it being fast. But will it slow down and still handle good? Or is it a flying brick?

It's a Christmas gift from my lady. So I'm hoping it will fly slow and last a long time. I don't want to hurt her feelings.

I plan on using a Supertigre 75 with a Bisson pitts muffler. Hoping it will swing a 14x5 prop. If not maybe a 13x6 prop. I don't want a 'screamer' engine on it, just a 'stump puller'. I hope the ST fills the bill.

So any input on this thing and will it fly good slow?

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

It will fly great slow. See if that engine will swing an APC 16x4w That will give you stump-pulling power without the speed.

I reviewed the Skybolt last summer for RCU. Check out the video, I'm pretty sure there's a slow fly by or two on it.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=750]Click here for Skybolt Review[/link]

Mark C

My Feedback: (26)

Excellent review, Just wanted to say we appreciate your work putting the plane together. Mark

Nerevar

Thanks!

What an outstanding review!

I did notice you used an OS 91 with a 14x7 prop. So do you think your suggested 16x4w (presumably APC) on the Supertigre 75 on the Skybolt is actually a workable combination, considering what it took for your plane?

I just didn't think the little ST 75 was capable of swinging that size prop. However, it would be nice, in this instance, to be wrong.

RVator

My Feedback: (1)

My ST 90 is using a 14 x6 apc now and I am going to try a 15X4w apc but I doubt it will want anything to do with a 16. Mine has never really impressed me with its power. When I had it on a Goldberg Extra it flew best with a 13x6 turning more rpm. I know thats not what you wanted to hear.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Ooops, I missed the part about the .75

A .75 2-stroke, should easily swing a 14x4W or 15x4W (APC)

I think I would try the 15x4W first.

Nerevar

I may not like it not being able to turn the bigger prop, but the truth is best.
Thanks for sharing your experience with your ST 90.

Hope you got what you wanted yesterday, and had a good Christmas.

Nerevar

No problem. [sm=regular_smile.gif]

I'm just glad to verify.[sm=thumbup.gif]

And many thanks for the info. I'll have to order the props. That should give me a little bit of a start on assembling the plane.

I hope you had a very good Christmas.

skorman

My Feedback: (3)

I maidened my Super Skybolt / OS 91fs today. All I can say is this is one sweet plane to fly. As easy to fly as a trainer. Goes where you point it and tracks beautifully. Landings are slow and comfortable. Don't worry about this being a dog. It's great.

bgold

I have been looking at this model and thinking about putting a my YS-110 in it for power, seems like what I've read they need some additional weight in the nose, the 110 is made from 91 cases and I love the way the engine runs. Am I out of line in my thinking

skorman

My Feedback: (3)

Mine balanced with only 2 ounces of lead up front using the OS 91fs. The YS-110 would be great power for this plane and should balance pretty much on the money.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Bgold, No problem. I'm in the process of doing the same upgrade

opjose

I ended up moving my 5 cell NiMH battery all the way forward to under the sloping wood panel just behind the firewall, and it still seems like I need to add yet another 3-4 oz to the noze to get it within the recommended range, with the OS 91FS.

What did you do?

skorman

My Feedback: (3)

Actually 1 ounce of lead fell off the plane and I didn't even know it. Mine balances slightly tail heavy but you'd never know it. One reviewer added lead until it balanced and took off 4 ounces because the plane was so unresponsive.

opjose

Thanks

Hmm removing 4 oz from the nose should bring it back well beyond 5".

With the battery pack all the way forward, I have the C.G. just about at 5 1/8" so that may be safe.

I'm worried about how it will behave given an empty tank in-flight situation.

MikeL

My Feedback: (3)

Thought about moving the battery ahead of the firewall? There's plenty of space.

skorman

My Feedback: (3)

I have around 40 flights on my Super Skybolt and it flys great from full tank to empty. It is truly the best flying plane I own. By the way, the review I read was in Model Airplane News.

opjose

Yeah I had considered that if all else failed.

I'd prefer to keep it behind the firewall hence my question...

I don't mind a responsive plane, so I wonder how far back the C.G. can go safely.

Thanks.

pkevinb

Got my Super Skybolt today. Looks like it will be a great plane. Good hardware and a nice spinner, great looking covering, but quite a few wrinkles on the fuse. I'll be putting the OS FS-91 on it.

Can't wait to get started on it but I need to rebuild a trainer for my son first.

opjose

My Skybolt ended up with the battery behind the ( Edit - fuselage - removed, should read ) firewall.

No problem putting it there. This along with a 2oz nose spinner brought the C.G. back in line.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

It must have been tough getting the battery back there

opjose

Arggh!!!

( Yes flies just great this way! Not... )

Behind the firewall...

pkevinb

Thanks for your review of this plane MinnFLyer. It really sold me on getting it.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Glad it helped. I know *I'm* sold on it.

It is one SWEET airplane!

Hobie

I have read the review and allot of the threads on the SSS ARF and I am just about to order mine . I am going to get the OS .91-FX Surpas II 4 stroke and I have a couple questions . What prop can I/should I use that I will be able to use the supplied aluminum spinner ? I don't like using wood props because they are not durable enough . Would a Master Airscrew nylon prop fit the supplied spinner and if so what size ? One other question is I see the OS engine is sold with or without a pump costing $100 more with pump this will be my first 4 stroke is a pump needed ? Thanks in advance I am getting excited about ordering the Super Skybolt .