BVM F-16
12-10-2005, 10:40 PM
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BVM F-16
After three years of construction and engineering I finally test flew my new BVM F-16. It is powered by a P-70. Dry weight with stores was just under 17 pounds.
The airplane really flew great, although the gear needs to be retracted for the plane to really perform. Once the gear was retracted the plane was smooth with excellent vertical performance. The Edwards color scheme and external stores really enhanced visibility.
My wife gave me the kit in 1990, and I never did anything to it until the turbine conversion became a reality. Many thanks to John Redman and the people at BVM for all of their help on this project.
Mike Danchak
The airplane really flew great, although the gear needs to be retracted for the plane to really perform. Once the gear was retracted the plane was smooth with excellent vertical performance. The Edwards color scheme and external stores really enhanced visibility.
My wife gave me the kit in 1990, and I never did anything to it until the turbine conversion became a reality. Many thanks to John Redman and the people at BVM for all of their help on this project.
Mike Danchak
12-10-2005, 11:32 PM
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RE: BVM F-16
also note that when gear is down you need aprox 1/2 power to overcome the tremendous drag but is easy tofly all the way to grnd w/throttle -don't forget to fly ailerons when on grnd to control ,so you don't grind those missiles off
12-10-2005, 11:49 PM
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RE: BVM F-16
Thanks for the advice.
John Redman had told me to expect a lot of drag from the extended gear with the open doors, but the effect was even more significant than what I had anticipated, especially with the added drag of the external stores.
I see what you mean about using the ailerons on the ground. I have mine set up with gyros on both the rudder and ailerons, but the additional aileron input is certainly required on the ground.
I am looking forward to putting a lot of flights on this plane.
Mike Danchak
John Redman had told me to expect a lot of drag from the extended gear with the open doors, but the effect was even more significant than what I had anticipated, especially with the added drag of the external stores.
I see what you mean about using the ailerons on the ground. I have mine set up with gyros on both the rudder and ailerons, but the additional aileron input is certainly required on the ground.
I am looking forward to putting a lot of flights on this plane.
Mike Danchak
12-10-2005, 11:55 PM
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RE: BVM F-16
just hold ail into way of wind and start your roll, you also don't need much steering at speed which will help and even though it sounds strange remove all expo if you have any on steering you'll be fine
12-11-2005, 01:24 AM
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RE: BVM F-16
Mike,
The F-16 looks Great! I am sure the pictues do not do your finish justice by any means. I have a DF version that John Redman first taught me the ropes of jet flying with. Hope you have many sorties with your F-16 and enjoy it as much as I did my DF version.
John finally got me back on track with the BVM F-100D, so hopefully she will be seeing the blue skies overhead before too long.
I figure at least another 8 months to get all the detailing up to Johns standards. I plan on wearing out my welcome on this project with Mr. Redman.
Take care and again congrats.
The F-16 looks Great! I am sure the pictues do not do your finish justice by any means. I have a DF version that John Redman first taught me the ropes of jet flying with. Hope you have many sorties with your F-16 and enjoy it as much as I did my DF version.
John finally got me back on track with the BVM F-100D, so hopefully she will be seeing the blue skies overhead before too long.
I figure at least another 8 months to get all the detailing up to Johns standards. I plan on wearing out my welcome on this project with Mr. Redman.
Take care and again congrats.
12-12-2005, 11:27 PM
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RE: BVM F-16
Very Nice!!
I haven't flown mine yet, but it's ready. I was lucky enough to find it NIB this April, and built it from start as a turbine version. Got nothing but good things to say about the kit, the turbine conversion kit, and of course the BVM staff for supplying their help, and all of the accessories I used to complete it.
Your flight report confirmed my thoughts about the plane being a "keeper". I look forward to flying it.
I used SWB's air-start Mamba, the BVM Turbine Conversion Kit, Futaba equipment, BVM's Aeropoxy glue, and Aircraft Spruce's epoxy (to glass the balsa). In the Thunderbird paint scheme, weight with the air trap full is 16lbs. And, I just found a set of real BVM F-16 wheels to finish it off.
Any and all flight tips appreciated!
Jaffray
I haven't flown mine yet, but it's ready. I was lucky enough to find it NIB this April, and built it from start as a turbine version. Got nothing but good things to say about the kit, the turbine conversion kit, and of course the BVM staff for supplying their help, and all of the accessories I used to complete it.
Your flight report confirmed my thoughts about the plane being a "keeper". I look forward to flying it.
I used SWB's air-start Mamba, the BVM Turbine Conversion Kit, Futaba equipment, BVM's Aeropoxy glue, and Aircraft Spruce's epoxy (to glass the balsa). In the Thunderbird paint scheme, weight with the air trap full is 16lbs. And, I just found a set of real BVM F-16 wheels to finish it off.
Any and all flight tips appreciated!
Jaffray
