danamania

As it turned out, there was no damage to the gear block, so I replaced the Hacker with the new V3 version. The V3 seems to run a little cooler than the V2, so that was a great start. I put a few flights on the V3 Ax 70 with the recommended 15x8 and again didn't realize the performance needed for aerobatics. Then I went back to the 16x10 for a few easy flights and the performance returned. Taking care to let the V3 cool between flights, I got the idea that we could fix 2 problems with one solution: Open up some cooling holes and remove some of the redundant structure inside the fuse to reduce the nose-heavyness and improve airflow. The Ax 70 is really nicely built-up, perhaps too much so for an electric and I think one could convert to glow with all that wood!



Another improvement is the slightly lighter Performance Unlimited 5S 4500 35C (sitting where the 5S 4500 25C NanoTechs sat). I haven't flown these new packs yet so the lightened Ax70 will be a nice platform to break them in a little before they go into a 2m ship. With the lighter pack, a little less structure, and improved cooling, I am optimistic that I can finally realize the desired CG and performance without burning out another motor. We'll see this weekend if these mods work as hoped. Wish me luck, cheers!