Aviation Design Rafale, any thoughts?
06-22-2011, 12:05 AM
#2
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RE: Aviation Design Rafale, any thoughts?
Hi ,
I've got one with over 200 fligths on it and still going strong (nearly always off grass), it is a very nice and forgiving plane. There's some build to have it airworthy (cutting and hinging gear doors, fitting hatches) so not a typical arf like sm or fej. overall quality is not as bad as some people say o(on mine t least), but if you can get an old kit they were better
I'll start building my second one soon. As for the gear,nose is perfect, the mains are strong enough (I have replaced the rotating pins only once) but there's some slop so will go a different way on the second one: I'll use non rotating 105° ones. the trouble is that it takes some space used for the fuel tanks. Some people have opted for bvm gear.
Florent
I've got one with over 200 fligths on it and still going strong (nearly always off grass), it is a very nice and forgiving plane. There's some build to have it airworthy (cutting and hinging gear doors, fitting hatches) so not a typical arf like sm or fej. overall quality is not as bad as some people say o(on mine t least), but if you can get an old kit they were better
I'll start building my second one soon. As for the gear,nose is perfect, the mains are strong enough (I have replaced the rotating pins only once) but there's some slop so will go a different way on the second one: I'll use non rotating 105° ones. the trouble is that it takes some space used for the fuel tanks. Some people have opted for bvm gear.
Florent
06-22-2011, 01:15 AM
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RE: Aviation Design Rafale, any thoughts?
Yes I agree with florent on the gear. However I have had both single and twin seat.
I think the single flies better only because it has less weight. Lighter always flies better.
Yes more work than an artf but you then own something different something unique. It is also
A plane that takes wind in it's stride but with the swept back fin be careful on how much you apply on
Crosswind takeoff and landing.
Regards Mark Hinton.
I think the single flies better only because it has less weight. Lighter always flies better.
Yes more work than an artf but you then own something different something unique. It is also
A plane that takes wind in it's stride but with the swept back fin be careful on how much you apply on
Crosswind takeoff and landing.
Regards Mark Hinton.
06-22-2011, 02:34 AM
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RE: Aviation Design Rafale, any thoughts?
The AD Rafale is a great flier. You will love it.
I had issues with flutter on the fin and one aileron. Make sure the control surfaces are slop free and use good quality servos, and you will be OK.
Good luck
I had issues with flutter on the fin and one aileron. Make sure the control surfaces are slop free and use good quality servos, and you will be OK.
Good luck
06-22-2011, 04:39 AM
#7
RE: Aviation Design Rafale, any thoughts?
Tom, the big one. A quality guy wants to sell me one he's had in his hangar as a queen for several years and she's in good condition, just gaining dust. Total purchase may not even cost as much as a new fuse from AD...
Shaz
Shaz
06-22-2011, 07:08 AM
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RE: Aviation Design Rafale, any thoughts?
Is the one in question green camo? and comming from California? If so it may have been the one I built and that one I used expensive BVM rafale gear not stock gear.
Great flyer and fun to land.
Kevin
Great flyer and fun to land.
Kevin
06-22-2011, 09:15 AM
#10
RE: Aviation Design Rafale, any thoughts?
Hi
I bought one a few month back S/H airframe only I think it is quite old but it sound I am planing on putting in a Simjet Nexus 36lb
maybe a bit over the top what are you guys using the biggest problem that I can see is the fuel tanks the previous owner had 2 dubro 32 oz tanks fitted but that would not last long with a 36lb turbine there is room but in my opinion to far forward from the C/G has any of you any idea or also a few pictures of the install I have all my gear in a part from the tanks and turbine my main gear is eurokit and non rotating .
thanks
Andy
I bought one a few month back S/H airframe only I think it is quite old but it sound I am planing on putting in a Simjet Nexus 36lb
maybe a bit over the top what are you guys using the biggest problem that I can see is the fuel tanks the previous owner had 2 dubro 32 oz tanks fitted but that would not last long with a 36lb turbine there is room but in my opinion to far forward from the C/G has any of you any idea or also a few pictures of the install I have all my gear in a part from the tanks and turbine my main gear is eurokit and non rotating .
thanks
Andy
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