dhal22

i agree!!

doxilia

My Feedback: (3)

I wanted to comment that I just finished re-reading Jeff's build from start to finish and would like to commend him for one fine job. Congrats Jeff!

More importantly, I actually had the pleasure to meet Jeff this last weekend as we met down in the Ottawa area at the site of the IMAC Nats. Those 35-40% aerobatic birds are quite a sight to see in the air. At 200' up, they look about the size of a small jet inter-city airliner. Actually, on arrival, I almost witnessed the encounter between a 40% Extra and an airliner probably headed for Montreal! What I will remember from the event though were the "No 3D" stickers on the side of the planes - these guys are hard core aerobatics pilots spinning 24-26" props!

Further, I am also pleased to report that I have now had the rare opportunity to see Jeff's Aurora in person. Fuse in hand, I listened as Jeff described the various details of his build. It was when he passed me a wing panel that I was blown away though - virtually weightless! I hope to attend the maiden when the day comes. Considering that Jeff started his build in 2006, the passing of almost three years has certainly affected the lipo scene. I'd say the prices have dropped by an order of magnitude - a refreshing fact given that the Hyperion up front sure looks electron hungry!

I picked up some inexpensive lipos recently and hope to find out how they perform in the long run.

Attached are a couple of pics of the IMAC event. A nice and hot 28 degree C day. The first picture is of the 40% Extra flown by the young 22 year old Canadian Unlimited champion. DA 150 I believe. Fourth picture is of him in red JR shirt at the sticks with caller beside. Nothing quite like banking a 40% to 80 degrees at 3' off the deck after takeoff!

David.

Bootalini

I've received a few PMs lately asking about recent progress made on my Aurora. Admittedly, I've done very little over the last 2 months and believe me when I say I'm as anxious as anyone to see this thing flying. It could maybe occur in the next month, we'll see.

I assembled the airplane and took a few snaps in the back yard. The only things missing are the lipo's and the 2 aileron servos....thus the droopy aileron ruining some of the shots. The really old guy holding the airplane....that's me.

Jeff

Aurora_60

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks for the update Jeff.
This is, IMHO, THE best Aurora I have ever seen built! Or should I say "massaged". I finally found a NIB Aurora (still awaiting on its arrival) But I plan to not build it because you ruined it!!
The plane definately deserves everthing that you gave it. Updates without changing any of the asthetics... I love your classic color scheme. AWESOME job! Can't wait to see more!
All the best to you in the comming months my friend!


DM

Atlanta 60

My Feedback: (18)

Your plane defiantly looks fantastic!! The thread is awesome and thanks sooo much for sharing along the way!!

Look forward to hearing some flight reports...

Chuck

RMcL

Jeff,

It's been awhile since I'veseen this threadand I am thrilled to see your Aurora finished! It is my favorite pattern plane of all time and yours just became my new screen saver. Congrats on a great job.

Ryan McLaughlin

Aurora_60

My Feedback: (1)

Dave,
You posted some very nice pictures. Thanks for sharing. Those giants are a sight to see! Just imagine what would emerge if there were a simular no restriction class of pattern. Some crazy stuff would be sure to follow, along with crazy price tags too..



DM

Bootalini

Ryan, my airplane as a screensaver is indeed a compliment although the design itself is the biggest factor I'm sure. I have the large original photo files of all those photos if someone is interested, actually I've kept the large originals of just about all the shots taken during the build.

Jeff

Aurora_60

My Feedback: (1)

I would love to have those photos to add to my Aurora collection!

DM
[email protected]

Atlanta 60

My Feedback: (18)

Me Too!! PM sent...

Free Bird

Me three!!! PM sent......

FB

Bootalini

Free Bird, Aurora 60 and Atlanta 60, some photos sent via 3 e-mails.

Jeff

Aurora_60

My Feedback: (1)

Wow Jeff, What a great thing to come home to!! Like I said before this very plane has got to be the best representation of one hell of a great plane. I saved a pic on my phone as well!
Thanks again for sharing... Looks almost too pretty to fly....... almost!

DM

Atlanta 60

My Feedback: (18)

Thanks Allot!! I have a new desktop backround...

I think I'll use a combination of your's and Union Models photos and do a little screen saver...Inspiration... [8D]

dhal22

chuck, would that 'inspiration' be on your home computer or on your laptop soon to be in alaska?[8D]

CaptainBlueSky

Thank you a lot for sharing your experience and making this thread so interesting to follow.
Congratulations for your outstanding work, I particularly appreciated the effort in giving all these painting details and tips !!!

I included a picture of your very nicely built model to illustrate a list of oldies but goodies I am trying to compile here [link=http://rcroyal.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=1&t=32&st=&&#entry6]MK - MARUTAKA - ROYAL KITS LISTING[/link]


Happy New Year to all !!

dhal22

Jeff, can you tell me what clear coat paint you used on your Aurora? Thanks.

Bootalini

Dave, I used Omni MC270 clear. Omni MC270 is made by PPG and is almost an exact replacement for PPG's DC3000....and cheaper. To be honest, I didn't lose sleep over which clear to use. Given that I sanded it and buffed it back up, I'm guessing any mainstream clearcote would have worked OK.

BTW, I have lipos in hand. 4000mAh, 30C, 8s (2 x 4s packs wired in series). Just have to wait a few months for spring to arrive.

Jeff

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

Bump...

Any updates on this gorgeous plane?

I'm interested in a 90 size version of the Aurora and I would really like to see if some one has made the glass fuse mold for it. If a 60 size glass fuse is around and in new condition I'd consider that as well but I really would like the larger one.

Thanks,

Chris

doxilia

My Feedback: (3)

Chris,

as mentioned elsewhere, there is no 90 size version of the model.

What's your power plant? Why do you want a larger one? You won't find a glass fuse of the 90, it is hard enough to find a glass 60.

It might also help if you keep the project focused to one thread - the one you started would be good. Otherwise you'll get answers all over the forum.

David.

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

Well the more I dig the more I find there is a lot of threads on the plane, some old some new, so I'll poke around to see where the info is and what's current.

I have no plans as of yet I just want to acquire either the plane or the plans and maybe I'll scale it up. I know my uncle still has his old unfinished kit so there is a chance those plans are still good.

Anyway I'm fond of this plane and if I can I'll get one together and finally get to fly it.

Bootalini

Well, I should have provided an update before now but life's competing priorities keep getting in the way. Anyhow, here goes:

Going back a while, I finally weighed the airplane as I was within only a few hours of having it ready to fly. To my disapointment, the all-up-weight RTF was just under 9.5 lbs. While I know a fast flying Aurora performs OK at that weight, I know it would fly better at a lower weight, ideally no heavier than 8.5 lbs. That got me thinking about an alternative power/battery setup with the sole aim being to save weight. Meanwhile there has been a fair bit of discussion lately WRT Scorpion 4020-8 or 10, running off of a 6s batteries producing ~1300-1400W. The comparative online specs for 6s batteries vs 8s and motors (my Hyperion 4045-370 vs the Scorpion 4020) indicated worthwhile weight savings, in the neighborhood of 3/4+ lbs. Having said that, I'm always leary of advertised weights.

After much thought, I decided to order a Scorpion 4020-8T and it finally arrived last weekend. It's interesting to note that the Scorp casing is roughly the same diameter as that of the Hyperion but only half as long. That reflected in the weight as well as the Scorp weighs 337 grams (11.9 oz) as compared to 601 grams/21.2 oz for the Hyperion. Those weights were taken with mounting hardware, bolts etc. While I don't have the 6s batteries in hand, advertised weights for 8s vs 6s should result in a savings of approx 260 grams (based on 4000mAh pack). Overall, that will lighten the aircraft by ~510 grams or 1.12 lbs!.....~8.5 lbs AUP.

Of course, the unknown variable remains flight performance but 1300W/8.5 lbs A/C still equates to 150 watts/lbs. Anything above 1300W is bonus. Attached pics show the new motor installed and the relative size to the old motor.

Bottom line, I expect to fly her this spring.

Jeff

80sPattern

Jeff,

As I stated on the other thread your Aurora inspired me to convert my Conquest IV to E-Power.

I will watch with interest as you test your4020-8T. It will be interesting to compare it to the Scorpion 4025-10 that I purchased for my build. Here are the Scorpion-Calc results for the 4025-10.

6-cell Li-Po pack with an APC 12x10E prop: Amps – 56 Watts – 1244 RPM – 10,200 Thrust – 135 ounces (8 pounds 7 ounces) Pitch Speed – 96 MPH I am planning on using 6s 5000 mAh batteries. I little more capacity than you planned 4000's. Would 4000's be better?? I am thinking of using these Zippys: www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/%5F%5F8590%5F%5FZIPPY%5FFlightmax%5F5000mAh%5F6S1P %5F30C%5F.html What batteries are considering? thanks, Doug

doxilia

My Feedback: (3)

Doug,

I'm sure Jeff will have better insight than I do but the capacity of the battery that you might want to use, for a given voltage (6s), is largely dictated by the amps of your power setup and the amount of time you want to fly per pack. If you do the calculation at WOT you can calculate the desired capacity at 56A. Then, since we don't fly at WOT throughout the flight, you will end up with a pack consumption of 60% to 80% which is a healthy amount of consumption on LiPo's before a recharge.

Do you have an estimate of the C4 airframe weight prior to paint? (I probably should ask on your thread... Apologies Jeff.)

David

Aurora_60

My Feedback: (1)

Jeff,
Any info of the results with the Scorpion motor?
Really thinking about this set up for a Jekyll.
I have a Hacker A50 12s, Not sure how it'll do. You have any comment about using this motor Jeff?


DM