J.F

Hadn't seen anyone convert one of these for P20 and I like that fact that based on the good flying characteristics of the same sized vampire from Jet Arrows, the HK one also has all the speed brakes and flaps that the Jet Arrows one misses. Don't get me wrong, i'm not comparing the build quality of the two, just that (fingers crossed) i hope the HK one gets airbourne in the same very short space that the JA one appears to, but then lands in a much more sedate manner than the JA one!
To summise, I wanted something short field capable to have a play with before a new dedicated P-20 twin boom airframe is released, which if the rumours are true, wil also have speed brakes and flaps too, making it perfect for my requirements at the grass site.

so to start with, some photos of it out the box.
This is the 1410mm span (90mm edf) version that they offer in "kit" form.

Jgwright

Based on my experience with the G500 i would replace the retract mounts and check that the wing spar has solid shear webbing, that is if you want it to survive more than one flight.

John

J.F

Think it's almost routine to beef up retract mounts on any of the 90mm edf kits, will see if can get a peek around the inside of the wing. Glue and wood work seem quite clean on this one.

Henke Torphammar

Well, I'm 100% sure it will fly just fine under P20 power... but it will never come close to the JA.

Speaking of my experiences... I have tried several of the HK kits where the L59 is the best yet and it did fly on a kolibri T25 but never felt descent until under T35 power. They need allot of oumpf to perform "well" compared to the foamy counterparts.

I don't think this line of plane have a place. Either go JA or foam. Again, it will most likely fly with a P20 but I would not do it. Again sorry to be not so positive, but I think input like this might help on the way too, if not the urge to prove me wrong

Henke Torphammar

No no, only these HK "composite" ones. The foam ones are ok (appart from the struts that need better dampening) and the fibre glass kits are all ok.

The key are never to buy the most expensive kits but to know what you bought and are getting in to. you seem to have a clue already which of course are better then trail and error. A P20 is gambling with allot of money.

J.F

Maybe if this new dedicated p20 model is released then this will change us converting all these other cheap HK ones.
I just can't get used to putting fuel and heat in a foamy and am sure even a hk plane would stand up to short field abuse better than foam.
Meantime, I enjoy trying things that others haven't done yet. As this vampire is designed and made by the same people who make the l59, I'm hoping it will fly ok. Only one way to find out!

Vettster

Yup! Nothing like trying new things. Hope it works out for you.

Here's a pic of my HK Me-163 with P-60 in er

tow

Well now Who carries the J A Vampire then?

Henke Torphammar

HT lists it...

http://www.ht-modellbau.ch/

tow

So I see but don`t look like the easiest site to order from then............ Guiess I have to drop him a mail. Thanks!

Vettster

Im not seeing any Wing Tube on the HK site. Your going to need to install one I would think.

Henke Torphammar

A friend bought one via HAB in Sweden just a couple of months ago, they might have a way to get it too.

tow

Oki maybe I give them a try..........Thnx

J.F

Just go direct, they answer emails very quickly.

Dave Wilshere

JF

Will be overpowered with the P-20, its a scale model. Henke only wants to go fast!
I don't see the point with a scale model that looks wrong.

I hate HK and everything they have done to the hobby I love, but there is a good base there to work on.

DW

Henke Torphammar

It's obviously not about going fast with these kind of planes and in the slow bit turbines loose compared to EDF. The stock 6S setup will easily out thrust the P20 which is good for start or at the top of a loop where these heavy ships need the extra push.

As for level flight a P20 will equal a hot 8S setup which might be overpowering this plane.