Originally Posted by David J Ruskin

Hi Marty,

My Hawk when built looked great with twin pilot DerJet cockpit, smoke system, and Carf tube but……………it flew like a complete dog when below 40% throttle. Landings were pretty much uncontrolled crashes, and by some pretty competent pilots too! With just the UAT filled it weighed in at 39lbs! She had a remarkable tendency to nose into the floor at landing speeds…….ugh!

After stripping out cockpit, smoke set up and replacing the pipe with a lightweight Grumania one she now weighs 31 lbs and is transformed!! I can't really get the weight below that, but I know a couple of other Hawks in the UK are at 29lbs and they fly really well. Reducing the weight makes landings fear far easier, there is a much wider envelope of control. The C of G at the reduced weight is 195mm, and I solved the climb under power issue by moving the turbine above the rails.

Now I think I can enjoy the beast, they do look great in the air!!

Cheers
David