A-7 Update:
The wings are nearly done and here’s the list of issues;
1. The spars are secured by some type of epoxy that grinds out like talcum powder.
2. The main spar support structure (carbon skins with honeycomb filler) is inadequate and will eventually fail
3. The leading edge flaps have:
a. Plastic ball linkage which will eventually fail
b. The control linkage is mounted too close to the hinge line to provide adequate leverage and will lead to flutter and failure
4. The aileron and flap hinges were extending out of the wing trailing edge with inadequate support
The horizontal tails:
1. The internal structure supporting the torque rod is inadequate and will eventually fail
a. The carbon/honeycomb supports have no wood inserts to support the anti-rotation bolts, which were loose
2. There is no support structure outboard of the torque rod which will eventually allow the horizontal structure to flex/collapse and fail
The repairs:
1. Added a 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] carbon wing spar that goes through the fuselage and extends 9” into the wings
2. Added a carbon skin/foam core spar that extends 17” into the wings
3. Removed and relocated the LE flap control mounts to improve the control arm leverage
4. Installed balsa supports around the hinges onthe trailing edge of the wing
5. Replaced the horizontal tail torque rod support with ply, lite-ply, and epoxy
6. Installing a carbon/foam spar from root to tip in the horizontal stabs
FEJ took what could have been an awesome aircraft and did everything possible to ensure failure.
The construction of this aircraft is so incompetent it borders on sabotage. Without modifications to the wings and tails, it is inconceivable that this aircraft will last a single flying season.
I still love the looks and size of the A-7 and the repairs are relatively simple. But anyone that thinks they can take one of these aircraft out of the box and slam it together is asking to become another tragic event.
Last edited by foster4u; 08-31-2014 at 02:25 PM.