HE-162 Century Jet Models (kinda) build thread
11-04-2017, 08:06 PM
#1
HE-162 Century Jet Models (kinda) build thread
Ok started a Century jet Models HE-162 that I bought off of RCU and what I mean by kinda, is I am going to use the fuse, canopy, and the foam cores. The rest seems destined for the scrap pile after I make templets. There seems to be a bunch of kits out there floating around that change hands so I got this thinking it would be a good easy basic jet to sport fly that looked scale. Problem is after closer inspection it has a tiny wing, narrow gear, twin rudders that all seem to complicate this thing. I am going to put a 20-25 lb turbine in it and hope to get a 20-22 lb dry weight airplane. Any input from guys who have flown or built one would be appreciated, only seen a few builds and not much flying success so I may be destined for a smoking hole disaster.
11-04-2017, 10:44 PM
#2
Started on the wing and the stock wing is roughly 613 sq in right off the plans (doesn't include center section wing area) just flying surface only with no lifting body so wanted to be accurate. Web site says 726 sq in but I think they include the center section. I decided to add about 2.5" to each wing for overall 5'' increase in wingspan. This gives me a little over 800 sq in still small but hopefully will make the difference in fly ability. I sheeted the additional wing root with 1/64th ply and built a spar for strength. I also used a sub spar to support the servo openings and used carbon fiber and 2 oz fiberglass cloth.
Last edited by nick0231; 11-04-2017 at 10:50 PM.
11-05-2017, 10:22 PM
#5
Got the wings done and the added wing area doesn't make the wings look much larger, still a small wing for a 1/5 scale. The pilot looked scared when I set him in there oh well has plenty of time to think about his test flight! I also worked out the elevator controls, never really planned to do internal controls but not really enough room for servos in stab. It worked out well and is very tight and strong with free movement.
11-07-2017, 12:32 PM
#8
Rudders done. I tried to just hinge normal with hinge points, but was not happy so decided to do a scale type hinge. Turned out good and seems really tight and strong so I think I will go with it. Probably going to drive each rudder with a small thin servo rather than a single in the middle.
11-08-2017, 03:18 AM
#11
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Don't use the CJM gear if you are going to be at high weights. Mine bent at almost every landing at about 18-19lbs. Believe the gear are for max 15lbs. I replaced them with robart 630 uppers which only needed minor widening of the gear plate to take. Should have mine ready to fly again in the spring.
11-08-2017, 03:23 AM
#12
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BTW it flys just fine at that weight. Very stable and slows down well on landing. It does not like going around. The high thrust line pushes the nose down and makes getting the nose up difficult. I have a Dynamax edf conversion in it that makes about 14lbs. It also is somewhat disorienting in flight from the very tall profile. Doesn't look like anything else in the air.
11-08-2017, 04:40 AM
#13
Yes I agree with not using the CJM gear I have had 1 set from them many years ago and will never own another set. The guy I bought it from sold it with out the gear and I found a set of Robarts on RCU that are for the Cessna 310 but with some welding and minor adjustments I think they will work with scale 5" mains and 3.5" nose wheel. I believe the nose is 110 degree and got new sides for the main that make them 95 degree. I am going to have to machine a new hubs that will fit brakes but the tires are actually light for the size. I am doing new formers that put the gear in the correct position so may be a little more tricky on ground handling. I'm glad to here that it flies well and I hope to be 20-22 lbs dry, but with increased wing area should handle about like yours.
11-08-2017, 08:22 AM
#14
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Cjm gear is kinda crude. I haven't had any problems with the pneumatic side of their gear but I had at-6 struts fall apart and the mismatch of the He162 gear with the finished weight of the plane.
11-09-2017, 06:29 AM
#16
I got tired of glassing and worked on the gear. I had to cut it up to make it work with the wheels and add the offset for mains. Broke out the welder and got the nose gear mostly done and still have to make new hubs that will work with the brakes. The angle took some messing with to get it to fit up in the fuse and have a scale stance. Its going to be like flying a ME-109 with a nose wheel! Made the mold for the wing hump and got one laid up.
11-09-2017, 01:52 PM
#18
Thanks, I haven't built much the last 15 years. My dad is retired and thought we could compete in scale while he has the time. I figured this would be a good warm up project before I do my competition scale bird! Just got it in yesterday the PST F-84G. We used to do warbird racing and scratched most of those back in the day so this has been a fun little project to get back into the swing of things.
11-09-2017, 05:19 PM
#20
Matt, I just mig weld them not pretty but just grind around on them to clean it up. I have to adjust it to get proper penetration without blowing out the thin wall of the strut. I have a little miller matic does the job. I wish I had a tig welder makes prettier welds for sure.
11-12-2017, 05:55 AM
#22
A little slow moving here lately with all of the glassing and sanding of the wood parts, but I did get the humps on the wings done. I cut the nose off to be able to put radio equipment and batteries as far forward as possible and decided to work on the shape of the nose. It gives me a little extra room but I may have made it to rounded now.
11-13-2017, 07:16 PM
#23
Nice work.. . I'm following with great interest. These are the best threads on RCU.. Thanks for taking the time to post. ..
The HE 162 really is an oddball looking craft . It looks like it was assembled from spare parts by a group of uni students. I'm sure I've seen the nose and canopy on a Schleicher ASK 13 Glider. :-)
The HE 162 really is an oddball looking craft . It looks like it was assembled from spare parts by a group of uni students. I'm sure I've seen the nose and canopy on a Schleicher ASK 13 Glider. :-)
11-14-2017, 04:46 AM
#24
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Thanks, I haven't built much the last 15 years. My dad is retired and thought we could compete in scale while he has the time. I figured this would be a good warm up project before I do my competition scale bird! Just got it in yesterday the PST F-84G. We used to do warbird racing and scratched most of those back in the day so this has been a fun little project to get back into the swing of things.
i have one from 2009
11-16-2017, 06:07 AM
#25
Yes Roger seems the Germans used whatever they could find, I think they designed and built a prototype faster than I can build this one!
I got the vertical stabs attached and glassed and continued to prime and sand surfaces. I really don't want to make them too smooth as the real jets are rough. I want a scale look not a perfectly block sanded model. The 105 degree sides came in from Robart so I got the gear mocked up with the front former started. I wanted to make sure the gear would fit before I committed to a former design and glassed it all in. I think the overall mock up looks decently scale so I can proceed on with building all the formers and get going on the fuse. Anything to not have to sand fiberglass for awhile!!!
I got the vertical stabs attached and glassed and continued to prime and sand surfaces. I really don't want to make them too smooth as the real jets are rough. I want a scale look not a perfectly block sanded model. The 105 degree sides came in from Robart so I got the gear mocked up with the front former started. I wanted to make sure the gear would fit before I committed to a former design and glassed it all in. I think the overall mock up looks decently scale so I can proceed on with building all the formers and get going on the fuse. Anything to not have to sand fiberglass for awhile!!!
