sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

Hi fellas,

Just picked up the new AeroWorks 75cc Extra 260 last week, and figured I'd post pictures of the assembly, and eventually pictures and video of the model flying. If you haven't built a model from their new QuickBuild line, you're in for a real treat. Here are the intended specs of the model and a link to AeroWorks site:


http://www.aero-works.net/store/detail.aspx?ID=298


SPECIFICATIONS

Wing span 96 inches.
Wing Area 1625 sq. in.
Fuselage Length 80" (Rudder to front of cowling)
Fuselage length 85" ( Rudder to front of spinner)
Weight 20 to 21 lbs
Engine 75cc to 85cc Gas
Radio 8 Channels minimum


FEATURING

Strong Light Weight Construction
Complete and Detailed Instruction Manual on CD
High Resolution Picture folders provide maximum detail
Painted and Pre mounted 7075 Aluminum Landing gear
Pre mounted Tail Wheel Assembly
Complete US Standard Hardware Package Included
Two piece removable wings and stabs
Anodized Aluminum Wing and Stab Tubes
Professionally covered in ULTRACOTEâ„¢
Additional UTRACOTEâ„¢ supplied for small patches and repairs
Clear Covering provided for sealing hinge gaps
Pre-Hinged from factory (Ready to Fly) No gluing
One Servo per Wing panel
One Servo per Elevator Half
Large control surfaces double beveled for maximum throw
Pre Mounted Fiberglass Cowl and Wheel Pants
Pre Mounted and Tinted Canopy / Hatch assembly
Pre installed and fuel proofed engine box
Laser marked engine mounting templates
Bolt In Canister Installation
All canister mounting hardware included
Custom DA 85 Engine Mount
Custom Throw Meter and Deflection Rudder Gage
Custom Vinyl Decal Set

8 to 10 Hours assembly Time


Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

I live in Colorado, and was able to simply pick the model up at the AeroWorks shop. It comes in three large boxes, one each for the fuselage, wings, and cowling. Each is double boxed and really very well protected. The wing box even has plywood doublers internally to protect the wings from shipping damage. All in all, a first rate packing job

Scott

sukhoi26mx

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Here are a couple of pictures I snapped while unpacking. Note that the hardware is as complete as I've seen and all of it is usable.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

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More unpacking... I'll detail the contents of each packing group as they come up for assembly - but rest assured that the only hardware you'll "need' to provide is your engine, electronics, fuel dot, and engine bolts. Pretty amazing for an airplane with this level of complexity to be this fully thought out!

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

First step in the assembly is going over the entire model with a sealing tool. The only areas that needed obvious attention were the checkerboards on the wings and tail. Several portions of both were only lightly adhered. Regardless, be sure to reseal all of the seams. One of the things I really like on the AeroWorks covering schemes is the full 4mm seams their factory uses. I've yet to have a single seam release during the re-shrink.

With that step complete, I started with the elevator assembly. Unpacking each elevator half, the first thing I noticed was how tightly and precisely the hinge group is set. Although they include clear covering material with the kit to seal the gaps, there basically isn't a gap to seal. As with all of the Quick Build airplanes, the elevators are pre-hinged at the factory, as are the ailerons. The only hinge job required is the rudder (to minimize fuse box length) and those are pre-drilled, making that step very quick as well.

Note the deep bevels! Plenty of throw...

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

My servo of choice is the Hitec 5955TG, and I'll use five of them on this model. The AW Extra 75cc is the first model I've seen in this size to use a single aileron servo, which is great for keeping both the weight and complexity down, and with so much torque and holding power I'm confident the 5955 is plenty.

All servo holes have the covering pre-removed, so the servos literally drop right in. The elevator servos mount externally in each elevator half, and require a 36" extension to reach the radio tray. I'll add the servo extension when I install each elevator half onto the fuse.


Scott

bodywerks

My Feedback: (4)

Looking good. Mine is still in post #3 phase, but should be done before the end of the year

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

The included double control arms are very durable and easy to assemble. Simply bolt the two halves together with a ball-link in the middle using the stock hardware. I did grind the excess bolt off once tight. The attach point for the control arm is pre-drilled in each control surface, so they screw right on. Be sure to remove the screws after initial attachment to add CA to the hole per the manual.

Scott

MR G

Great thread so far...keep it coming.

I don't have one of these yet but I am VERY interested in getting one of these in the near future.

I plan on using a 3w-75 US to power mine. What engine do you plan on using?

MR G

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

AeroWorks includes not only the control rods, ball links, and all attachment hardware, but also carbon tube for doubling the pushrods at each control point. With the controls connected to the servo, simply tape, measure, and cut the carbon tube to length and install over the pushrod.

I used the stock Hitec heavy duty 1.25" control arms and have full bevel to bevel control throw using the lowest horn position. I generally mix precision with 3D, so I wanted full throw.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

Last step in the elevator half assemblies is securing the servo screw. I'm not a huge fan of using Loctite on servo threads, and have started using silicone. Simply place a glob over the tightened servo screw and "mush" it around in the head area with your fingertip. When the silicone dries, the screw isn't going anywhere unless you dig the silicone out. For removal, the silicone comes right out with a screwdriver.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

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I used a BME 110 - I know, I know, overkill - but it fit perfectly, I had one on hand, and at my altitude (5500' MSL in Colorado) I need all the power I can get

Scott

sukhoi26mx

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On to the wings...

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

Same exact servo setup and control rigging. On this one, however, you'll need a single 18-24" extension. I safety wire my extensions together with small gauge steel wire. The tape photo is taping the pull string to the connector to allow a clean pull through the wing.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

Again, same process for rigging each aileron servo as for the elevators...

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

On to the fuselage... Unlike most modern ARF's, the AW 260 already has all of the required covering removed at the factory. A quick inspection of the fuse assembly revealed a perfect paint match on the canopy/hatch/cowling, superb finish, and really well laid out component installation spots. The workmanship is really excellent on this model. Best I've seen to date.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

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More fuselage inspection shots...

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

I decided to get her up and standing on the landing gear ASAP, so I started there. This assembly couldn't be easier (seeing a trend?) All of the hardware is included and most of the work is done for you. I started on the tailwheel. It uses an aluminum double spring system that simply screws into pre-drilled holes along the bottom of the model. Rigging to the rudder for steering will have to wait until the rudder is hinged. Again, all parts including the rudder springs, screws, and arm are all included and completely usable.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

On to the main landing gear...

The Extra uses a sturdy aluminum landing gear. I'll consider further weight reduction with a carbon set at some point, but the quality of the stock set is really quite nice. The entire setup has predrilled mounting holes and wheel pant attach points. The fiberglass wheel pants come pre-drilled with T-nuts pre-installed for a perfect alignment every time.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

Main landing gear assembly starts with attaching the stock axles to the main landing gear. Then slide a single wheel collar onto the axle, followed by the wheel/tire, followed by the second wheel axle. Remember to use Loctite to keep the entire assembly tight.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

Wheel pant attachment is similarly simple. No more "measuring" and drilling to set the correct pant cant, just bolt it together! Remember to use Loctite on this as well.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

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The fuse attach point is covered by a plug that is held in place with wood screws. With the plug removed, the landing gear is bolted onto the fuse. Loctite again.

Scott

sukhoi26mx

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What a clean pretty installation!!

Scott

MR G

Fantastic!!!

My wife will put me in the dog house if I buy one now...It looks like it might be worth it!!!

Keep it coming, you are satisfying my addiction!!!

MR G

sukhoi26mx

My Feedback: (1)

OK. On to the rudder. As I mentioned before, the rudder needs to glued to the fuse using the included hinge-points. I decided to attach the control arms before attaching the rudder to the fuse. The rudder arm assembly is identical to the horn assembly on the other control surfaces. Also took the time to attach the rudder steering control arm while access was easy.

Scott