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mulligan -> Hangar 9 150 Size P-51 (7/14/2003 11:28:21 PM)
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Well, flew mine yesterday. Only one flight due to engine tuning and weather, but it was a nice one.
Mine came in at 16 lbs.- I have twin 5-cell packs and a Moki 1.8, but I didn't expect to be this heavy. Alas, the plane still flew exceptionally slow compared to what I expected. Even without flaps, I was able to gently land on a wet grass field without nosing over. Due to limited flying time, I didn't get the chance to use flaps yet, but that's just an added bonus- they truly aren't needed, even as heavy as mine.
I also didn't open the 1.8 up and ran it rich, but the 'tang still scooted around the sky quickly... with the gear down (I never cycle gear on first flight). I did a very large loop at 2/3 throttle, and she pulled skyward with ease. I can't wait to turn it loose next weekend!
About control throws: With recommended throws, I felt comfortable on first flight with all high rates, though elevator was a little touchy- low rates might be preferred by some here. Since high-rate elevator may be desired on roll out to avoid nose over on really wet/tall grass , maybe high rate with exponential is another option.
My c.g. was just a hair aft of recommended location dry. With about a half tank, she flew a bit nose heavy, so no concerns here either.
With this set-up, there is not a strong nose-over tendency on the ground at all. Even on my wet field, I was able to take-off and land comfortably, letting the tail come of the ground before flying the tail before take-off.
- George
P.S. I cut those gun blisters out of the preformed pieces, sanded them a bit, stuck some brass tube through them, and glued them on individually. Pics later...
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