Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
11-26-2012, 11:42 AM
#51
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
Turbine and thrust pipe installed. I have moved the turbine to the front as much as I could. This will eliminate extra weight in the nose.
I also installed ECU battery and rear part of cockpit.
I have to install two receiver batteries, front cockpit and CG and the plane is ready for the maiden flight.
I also installed ECU battery and rear part of cockpit.
I have to install two receiver batteries, front cockpit and CG and the plane is ready for the maiden flight.
11-29-2012, 10:17 AM
#52
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
As mentioned in a previous post had some roll problems when deploying flaps. After another flight last Sunday my spotter mentioned that it looked like one flap was up further than the other on the approach. After landing and checking things I pulled on both flaps when deployed and sure enough one servo felt much weaker than the other. Going back and looking at the video I made you can definitely see that one flap is higher than the other on the approach. No amount of trimming is going to fix that. In defense of the servos I installed they are servos that have many, many flights on them so I am not surprised that they are giving up some and blowing back.
Will install some newer, stronger servos and give it another run.
Will install some newer, stronger servos and give it another run.
11-30-2012, 07:59 PM
#53
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
I wish you guys could have seen the smile on my face today
. New servos did the trick and landings and slow flight are fun again. My flaps are set at 45 degrees at mid and 90 degrees full and that works quite well.
I am really liking this airplane and I am really glad that Eric @ Jet Central talked me into it and was able to get it for me.
I only have 2 more issues to fix on it. The biggest is keeping the dang gear door from opening during flight. Some passes its closed, a pass later its open. Going to change the location of the cylinder mount location as suggested by a flying bud to see if I can gain a little more mechanical leverage.
Second is that I need to make a very subtle throttle to elevator mix. At 3/4 and higher setting the plane has a slight climb. A couple of percentage points of down elevator with high throttle is all I believe it will need to fix that.
Another video here; http://youtu.be/hwqoyaZVuw4
More to come.
Take care
Mike
. New servos did the trick and landings and slow flight are fun again. My flaps are set at 45 degrees at mid and 90 degrees full and that works quite well. I am really liking this airplane and I am really glad that Eric @ Jet Central talked me into it and was able to get it for me.
I only have 2 more issues to fix on it. The biggest is keeping the dang gear door from opening during flight. Some passes its closed, a pass later its open. Going to change the location of the cylinder mount location as suggested by a flying bud to see if I can gain a little more mechanical leverage.
Second is that I need to make a very subtle throttle to elevator mix. At 3/4 and higher setting the plane has a slight climb. A couple of percentage points of down elevator with high throttle is all I believe it will need to fix that.
Another video here; http://youtu.be/hwqoyaZVuw4
More to come.
Take care
Mike
11-30-2012, 10:16 PM
#54
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
That was a landing Mike Bravo!!!
I think the plane can come to land with less speed (according the video). What is your oppinion?
I will make final tests on the runway today and the first flight on Monday.
Happy landings
Marios
Bravo!!!I think the plane can come to land with less speed (according the video). What is your oppinion?
I will make final tests on the runway today and the first flight on Monday.
Happy landings
Marios
12-01-2012, 07:12 AM
#55
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
Yea you can slow it down a bit more for the landing if you have just a click of throttle on. that was the second since fixing the flaps. The first was slower but didn't have the camera on. Good luck on your first flight. the c/g is front of wing tube, DON"T use the 30mm travel on the elevator, keep the throw around 11 to 13 degrees I will remeasure mine today and post it later.
12-01-2012, 11:28 AM
#56
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
I did not use 30mm for elevator. I set it to 23mm and ailerons to 20mm.
I adjust CG at the back of wing tube.
I will wait your measurments.
Thanks
I adjust CG at the back of wing tube.
I will wait your measurments.
Thanks
12-01-2012, 01:41 PM
#57
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
I have done today the ground checks of my plane.
I had an air leakage from gears valve and I fixed it tonight. The plane is ready for maiden flight.
I had an air leakage from gears valve and I fixed it tonight. The plane is ready for maiden flight.
12-03-2012, 05:13 AM
#58
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
I have flown my Dragon today.
Unfortunately I flew only two times because the weather conditions were not good. It was cloudy and I flew between showers.
The plane is flying absolutely perfect.
Take off was easy without any problems. Only few clicks down elevator and two clicks right aileron and was flying straight and level.
During 1st landing I have extended flaps to 70 degrees and the plane landed smoothly but little fast.
During 2nd landing I have extended flaps to almost 90 degrees. The plane slowed down more and landing was better than 1st flight.
During second take off I had an air leakage – probably landing gears valve is malfunctioning – and gear fail safe unit did not retract the gears.
Due to weather conditions I have not recorded video. Is coming soon…..
Special thanks to my friends Miltiadis and Petros for their help.
Also I would like to thank all of you, here in RCU for their valuable advice.
Marios
Unfortunately I flew only two times because the weather conditions were not good. It was cloudy and I flew between showers.
The plane is flying absolutely perfect.
Take off was easy without any problems. Only few clicks down elevator and two clicks right aileron and was flying straight and level.
During 1st landing I have extended flaps to 70 degrees and the plane landed smoothly but little fast.
During 2nd landing I have extended flaps to almost 90 degrees. The plane slowed down more and landing was better than 1st flight.
During second take off I had an air leakage – probably landing gears valve is malfunctioning – and gear fail safe unit did not retract the gears.
Due to weather conditions I have not recorded video. Is coming soon…..
Special thanks to my friends Miltiadis and Petros for their help.
Also I would like to thank all of you, here in RCU for their valuable advice.
Marios
12-03-2012, 06:51 AM
#59
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
Congratulations Mario for the successful first flight of the Dragon and with such bad weather!
I had no doubt that everything will flow smoothly, you did a great job in setting up the plane.
Happy futured landings!
I had no doubt that everything will flow smoothly, you did a great job in setting up the plane.
Happy futured landings!
12-03-2012, 08:55 AM
#60
Senior Member
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
ORIGINAL: mhadjiky
I have flown my Dragon today.
Unfortunately I flew only two times because the weather conditions were not good. It was cloudy and I flew between showers.
The plane is flying absolutely perfect.
Take off was easy without any problems. Only few clicks down elevator and two clicks right aileron and was flying straight and level.
During 1st landing I have extended flaps to 70 degrees and the plane landed smoothly but little fast.
During 2nd landing I have extended flaps to almost 90 degrees. The plane slowed down more and landing was better than 1st flight.
During second take off I had an air leakage – probably landing gears valve is malfunctioning – and gear fail safe unit did not retract the gears.
Due to weather conditions I have not recorded video. Is coming soon…..
Special thanks to my friends Miltiadis and Petros for their help.
Also I would like to thank all of you, here in RCU for their valuable advice.
Marios
I have flown my Dragon today.
Unfortunately I flew only two times because the weather conditions were not good. It was cloudy and I flew between showers.
The plane is flying absolutely perfect.
Take off was easy without any problems. Only few clicks down elevator and two clicks right aileron and was flying straight and level.
During 1st landing I have extended flaps to 70 degrees and the plane landed smoothly but little fast.
During 2nd landing I have extended flaps to almost 90 degrees. The plane slowed down more and landing was better than 1st flight.
During second take off I had an air leakage – probably landing gears valve is malfunctioning – and gear fail safe unit did not retract the gears.
Due to weather conditions I have not recorded video. Is coming soon…..
Special thanks to my friends Miltiadis and Petros for their help.
Also I would like to thank all of you, here in RCU for their valuable advice.
Marios
Many thanks, john
12-03-2012, 09:12 AM
#61
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
Congratulations Marios,
it was my pleasure to assist you with your maiden flight.
There's nothing better than a good company, skips, warm coffee and jet flying!!!!
Many many happy landings
it was my pleasure to assist you with your maiden flight.
There's nothing better than a good company, skips, warm coffee and jet flying!!!!
Many many happy landings
12-03-2012, 03:17 PM
#62
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
ORIGINAL: Miltiadis
Congratulations Marios,
it was my pleasure to assist you with your maiden flight.
There's nothing better than a good company, skips, warm coffee and jet flying!!!!
Many many happy landings
Congratulations Marios,
it was my pleasure to assist you with your maiden flight.
There's nothing better than a good company, skips, warm coffee and jet flying!!!!
Many many happy landings
Chris
12-16-2012, 08:11 PM
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
I have uploaded a youtube video of 3rd and 4th flight of my Dragon.
New videos soon....
http://youtu.be/SqfKedKAxeM
New videos soon....
http://youtu.be/SqfKedKAxeM
12-18-2012, 11:23 AM
#67
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
ORIGINAL: mhadjiky
I have uploaded a youtube video of 3rd and 4th flight of my Dragon.
New videos soon....
http://youtu.be/SqfKedKAxeM
I have uploaded a youtube video of 3rd and 4th flight of my Dragon.
New videos soon....
http://youtu.be/SqfKedKAxeM
I also have one more of mine from last weekend. My video bud has a very hard time keeping the jet in the view finder but he did manage to get a few aerobatic moves. I am really enjoying this plane, it has a wide flight envelope and looks super cool coming across the field fast or slow. Still playing with the flap settings for landing.
The Cheetah is an absolute jewel in this airframe. Straight and level the spectrum GPS is recording speeds of 185 to 188 mph. A shallow dive out of a split-s will get you 199.9 plus a few. But other than the verticals most time is spent at half throttle just tooling around the field profiling. There is some roll coupling in the knife edge but not much. You do need a good bit of speed to keep a slight climb going in knife edge but it is very comfortable.
Keep the elevator travel to 11 - 12 degrees or so while flying, especially as you try to get the c/g back. Anymore than that and the plane will roll out with full elevator application at flying speeds. It will recover quickly but be forewarned. The 30MM (20 Degrees!) in the directions will snap it out quickly. I do have a high rate of 15 degrees to help get a good flair with full flaps on the landing buts the only time its used. Full flaps in a cross wind will induce some wing walking but that's true of almost any plane out there so nothing new there.
Trimmed for level flight at 1/2 speed my Dragon would tend to climb some at full throttle. I used a Throttle to Elevator mix to give me a teensy bit of down elevator that is proportional from 1/2 throttle to WOT to help with the climb. A 3% mix was all it took to fix the problem.
Other wise it flies solid and true
The Cheetah is a real fuel miser so I don't even bother with a taxi tank. Start up,Taxi out, hit the timer just before take off. Do a gear check at 8 mins, land with plenty of fuel left for a couple of go around attempts. Thank you JetCentral!
New Video Here: http://youtu.be/IYaIb16MEP0
Some pics below. Also one with my newest project. The madness never stops!!!!
Have a wonderful and safe holiday,
Mike
12-18-2012, 01:17 PM
#68
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
Mike thanks a lot for your comments
My Dragon also goes up when I move the throttle to the max. This will be solved when I start to use the iGyro.
I must trim the iGyro on next flights.
Maximum speed of my 4th flight was 287km.
On your last video you have landed with less than 90 degrees. Why?
With my G-Booster 160 I can fly for 6 min and 3/4 of the upper tank is still full.
I also wish you happy holiday
Marios
My Dragon also goes up when I move the throttle to the max. This will be solved when I start to use the iGyro.
I must trim the iGyro on next flights.
Maximum speed of my 4th flight was 287km.
On your last video you have landed with less than 90 degrees. Why?
With my G-Booster 160 I can fly for 6 min and 3/4 of the upper tank is still full.
I also wish you happy holiday
Marios
01-19-2013, 06:35 PM
#71
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
ORIGINAL: mhadjiky
Dear Mike could you inform me elevator throw and expo during landing?
Dear Mike could you inform me elevator throw and expo during landing?
Might seem self serving but I am putting the pictures of the plane with the new vinyl decals on it in this thread.
02-20-2013, 08:05 AM
#72
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
Are the stabs removable for transport? I also have been looking at this jet over the past few years.
02-20-2013, 09:51 AM
#73
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
ORIGINAL: steve2972
Are the stabs removable for transport? I also have been looking at this jet over the past few years.
Are the stabs removable for transport? I also have been looking at this jet over the past few years.
It would not take a lot of effort to make them conveniently removable esp since the servos are in the stabs themselves.
Don't let this stop you from getting one. Really nice flying airframe.
Mike
02-20-2013, 04:51 PM
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RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
ORIGINAL: zonker123
Ok heres the start of the build thread.
Skymaster Extreme Dragon. this is the PRO Version. It came with the gear installed and the nose gear door/cylinder. Included two fuel tanks I think about 145 oz or so combined.
The gear are trailing link similar to the PRO LINK available from Dreamworks. I know that Dreamworks makes a gear set specifically for the Dragon. Hope I don't need them but is nice to have a back up. Tires are inflatable and the mains roll on bearings while the nose wheel is bushed. Haven't looked at the brakes yet but will and and post pics. Robart pin hinges preinstalled on the control surfaces (except flaps) and holes are already matched up in the wing, rudder and ailerons.
The Rudder stab is mounted with two posts that are drilled and tapped for securing bolt from the inside of the fuse. Elevator stabs mount on a carbon rod at the back with an alignment pin at the front that is also drilled and tapped for a securing bolt similar to the rudder. Each elevator is also secured with a self tapping screw though the stab and into the carbon rod. Servos mount inside the the elevators/rudder stabs at the root so the only access to the servos requires that you remove the stabs from the fuse. I have already mounted mine with JR 8411's for the elevators and a Hitec 7995 in the rudder. I know there was concern from some recent Dragon owners that was a former for the rudder mount in the fuse that had been left out. Mine appears to have the former but please take it upon yourselves to look at the pics and confirm that.
Finish looks great and the fits so far appear to be decent. Nothing bad yet has jumped out at me. The pipe length appears to be a bit on the short side but I am in conversation with some guys who have built a couple of recent Dragons and hope to know more soon so I will wait to comment till I am sure of what I am talking about. I have fitted the cockpit kit that I ordered with the plane but will not secure it till every thing else is done. I am installing a very low time Jet Central Cheetah (31# thrust) and will be running smoke tubes along the pipe and injecting the fluid at the rear of the pipe. Much safer. There is room beside the kero tanks for two 20oz dubros to hold the smoke fluid.
Will post some more as I come along.
Take care!
mike
Ok heres the start of the build thread.
Skymaster Extreme Dragon. this is the PRO Version. It came with the gear installed and the nose gear door/cylinder. Included two fuel tanks I think about 145 oz or so combined.
The gear are trailing link similar to the PRO LINK available from Dreamworks. I know that Dreamworks makes a gear set specifically for the Dragon. Hope I don't need them but is nice to have a back up. Tires are inflatable and the mains roll on bearings while the nose wheel is bushed. Haven't looked at the brakes yet but will and and post pics. Robart pin hinges preinstalled on the control surfaces (except flaps) and holes are already matched up in the wing, rudder and ailerons.
The Rudder stab is mounted with two posts that are drilled and tapped for securing bolt from the inside of the fuse. Elevator stabs mount on a carbon rod at the back with an alignment pin at the front that is also drilled and tapped for a securing bolt similar to the rudder. Each elevator is also secured with a self tapping screw though the stab and into the carbon rod. Servos mount inside the the elevators/rudder stabs at the root so the only access to the servos requires that you remove the stabs from the fuse. I have already mounted mine with JR 8411's for the elevators and a Hitec 7995 in the rudder. I know there was concern from some recent Dragon owners that was a former for the rudder mount in the fuse that had been left out. Mine appears to have the former but please take it upon yourselves to look at the pics and confirm that.
Finish looks great and the fits so far appear to be decent. Nothing bad yet has jumped out at me. The pipe length appears to be a bit on the short side but I am in conversation with some guys who have built a couple of recent Dragons and hope to know more soon so I will wait to comment till I am sure of what I am talking about. I have fitted the cockpit kit that I ordered with the plane but will not secure it till every thing else is done. I am installing a very low time Jet Central Cheetah (31# thrust) and will be running smoke tubes along the pipe and injecting the fluid at the rear of the pipe. Much safer. There is room beside the kero tanks for two 20oz dubros to hold the smoke fluid.
Will post some more as I come along.
Take care!
mike
02-20-2013, 09:00 PM
#75
RE: Skymaster Extreme Dragon Build with JetCentral Cheeta
ORIGINAL: rcand
I had the dragon with a rhino. not sure how this will be with a Cheetah.
I had the dragon with a rhino. not sure how this will be with a Cheetah.
Scroll up a few posts for my thoughts with the Cheetah. Its a nice combo, Good performance with great flight times and light and nimble.
I have a Rhino and was sooooo tempted to install it but the plane would now have stupid power that I could only use for very short periods and shorter flight times.
But it would certainly be a hill climber.
But it ain't to shabby with the Cheetah.
mike