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CorsairJock -> RE: H9-F6F Hellcat 60 ARF (6/30/2006 2:57 AM)
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Completed and FLOWN Today! WOO HOO! This 'Cat flies GREAT!
To refresh everyone's memories:
1) Saito .91 powered, swinging Master Airscrew 3 blade 14 x 7
2) Replaced the stock retracts with Robart mechanicals, with 3/16" titanium struts and RoboStruts, 2 HiTec retract servos ( 1 for each retracts, stock linkage and bellcranks removed). There appears to be very little weight difference between this retract system and the stock system, despite the dual servos and RoboStruts. 1 complete Robart gear (including RoboStruts, aftermarket 3 1/2" wheels, and linkage to the servo) weighs 133.2 grams, compared to weight of all stock components (both retracts, all linkages and bellcranks, wheels, and collars) is 296.5 grams. Thus, multiply 133.2 times 2 (BOTH Robart retracts with wheels) and add the addional servo (advertised at about 1.2 oz). and the weights are nearly identical.
3) Added 1/4" diameter carbon fiber tube above center section lower spar, to strengthen and make retract installation easier.
4) Williams Bros scale military pilot.
5) Hobbico 4 cell 1200 mAh NiMih battery. Flew 4 flights with it, still seems strong enough for a few more.
6) I opened up the cowl scoops considerably, for better scale effect, and added some sheet plastic to chin area for the same reason.
7) To acheive more effective engine cooling, I made the dummy engine into a baffle, which directs all incoming air to the engine, instead of following the manual's suggestion of removing all material between the dummy cylinders. I also opened up the forward fuselage top about 1/4" to allow air to escape the compartment easier.
8) used a Sig elevator joiner to aid in installing concealed elevator linkage, using Sullivan precision control system.
9) re-covered top of stab and elevators with UltraCote Midnight Blue, to match upper surfaces fuselage and wings, for better scale authenticity.
All up weight (no fuel): 8 lbs, 4.2 oz!
Alto I did some things to save weight (used Hayes motor mount, lighter wheels), I also did some things which added weight (extensive cowl mods, dual retract servos, carbon fiber tube, etc.). Also, I have not added the gear doors yet: I will have to fabricate a set to fit and work with the RoboStruts. For that matter, I would like to add the small rectangular FRONT gear doors.
With CG at 5 1/4" as per instructions (balanced PERFECTLY without battery, so battery was installed at balance point), it was very difficult to induce a stall, even with full up elevator. In other words: the recommended CG works justs fine.
The Saito .91/ Master Airscrew 3 blade 14 x 7 combo will almost hover it. In fact, I am sure it could with a different prop, such as 2 blade APC 15 x 6? I performed huge loops, barrel rolls, aileron rolls, knife edge, and snap rolls, NO PROBLEM! Landings were gentle, even on out rough (grass runway) field.
This is a warbird that can fly VERY scale like, OR can be flown like a sport plane. The climbing turns were VERY scale looking (and I've seen the full scale fly many times). In fact, it had a very scale look in all attitudes and from all perspectives when in the air (except when I was attempting to hover and knife edge). A couple of fellow club members now want one, even the guy that always flies 3D.
MOTORMAN37: it doesn't matter WHERE you got your's from, I have a feeling that they all came over here (to the U.S.A.) on the same boat/ same initial shipment.
Here are pics taken before flight. See if you can spot the Saito in 1st pic.
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