The weight of the unassembled parts is 12.125 lbs. This Katana does not have much wing area, 992 sq inches. I would like to keep the wieght down.
After 1" it starts to leave a gap, after two inches the cowl would be no longer touching. (see pic)
I put tape 2" behind the original CG range (2" center to center of tape). That puts it about 6 1/2" back on a 15 1/2" cord. The plane will balance at this point even with the servos in their original spot. But to move it forward to the original center it takes 2 lbs on the engine box.. That really seems like a long way back. That is about 42% cord, I checked my Pheonix Models Katana and I fly it at about 35 % cord and it is quite aerobatic. I think I might go ahead with the build an try to epoxy 10 or 12 ounces in the cowl as far forward as I can. Along with moving the engine as far forward as I can and still have the cowl on. Since I don't have the supplies to move servos forward I guess they go where designed. I sure could use another opinion on this. I guess I will sleep on it.
I see the orange one has more wing area even though it has a shorter span and the nose is longer and the gear is farther forward. Why did yours crash?
Thanks for th help so far opjose