michaelburton01
Posts: 33
Joined: 9/11/2003
From: Assumption,
IL, USA
Status: offline
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The Maiden Voyage.
Well actually it happened last week. I went out for taxi testing at 6:45CST. I was really wanting to fly earlier that day, but as they say, There will be no wine before it's time. So I left "Der Hanger Fisher" (my Buddy's garage) with my mates in tow. more like a "Peanut gallery" if ya ask me. Off to the field we were. Like a slow parade, This MASSIVE plane made my poor little ford ranger short-bed look like a victim more than an aircraft transport. The sun was dropping fast and my navigation lights were not ready. I fired up the BT-86 Twin with the Fuji On-board start. WICKED COOL ! ..... made a couple of slow passes across the field. third pass I opened up the BT-86 to half throt. WE HAVE LIFT OFF ! ! OMG! throttle back ! sit her down. nice........ very nice...... A huge smile crossed my face. It Flys!
Fast Forward to today
DUDE ! IF CAN READ THIS GO TO
WWW.BTEMODELS.COM
AND ORDER A SFK TODAY ! !
The plane: BTEMODELS SFK weighing in at 46# on the flight line.
Weather conditions: Bright sun shinny day. Winds are wavering between 10 and 20 mph with gust to 26SSE BEAUTIFUL !
I'm still grinning... This is one wonderfully crafted, Well engineered, Magnificent Flying Machine.
The throttle comes up, the FUJI gathers up a head of steam and effortlessly pulls this plane into the air in under 30 feet. no flaps.
I prolly could have done it in 10 or 15 feet...but why. The climb out at about 45 deg and very very stable. The GYRO is working overtime I'm sure. The winds are gusty and random, the wings are level and rock solid. (I just love Futaba Equipment.)
The thoughts running in my head at the moment of liftoff??? Your kidding me! I'm airborne like a sig kadet, yet climbing like a C-130 with Jato. UN Freaking Believable! Amazing!
Trim needed a little left aileron, and maybe a bit down on the elevator. All servo throws are as per MFGR. (Bruce, you ROCK !)
The engine response is crisp and comes on with authority. Aborted landings are no worry. The FUJI BT-86 is one amazing engine. (Prop is a 24x12 Zinger) Head temp at full power is 310deg. RPM is 6500. Average head temp at 4000rpm is 260deg.
The actual flying of the craft reminded me of a trainer with simple aerobatic abilities. It was the first day of flight so I din't push it too hard.
LANDINGS
Simply effortless.
Downwind, throttle back to half. Turn base, throttle back to 1/4. Turn final, Throttle back to idle, let the gryo keep the wings level, and set the glide slope, Airspeed at this point was a fast run,...... 100 yards out now 50 feet altitude, slowing to a fast walk. (The unusually high wind conditions are a bit enjoyable) 30 yards out and slowing to a walk, 10 yards out 5 altitude, 5 yards out 2 feet till touchdown, During the last 10 feet the plane was nearly HOVERING and touched down like it was testing swimming pool water. the roll out was only 10 feet IF THAT !
I'm still grinning. The crowd that gathered was cheering like you can't believe. I didn't even know they were there.
As much as it would please me to rant and rave on Bruce, And the guys here in this forum for their insight and sharing of thoughts. I can't... I'm going back out and enjoying the day, and my SFK.
Full flight video will be on my website soon. www.agscout.com
Mo Later,
Michael
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Printable Version
All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic >> RE: SFK First Flight 
RE: SFK First Flight - 
Congrats Bob! I agree with Mike. After seeing your beautiful craft in flight, I am going to redouble my efforts to finish my twin. 
RCU is missing a great chance at highlighting a beautiful and interesting plane. 
