Matt, that's exactly the motivation I needed to hear! I have no data what so ever on the 120SX I had vs the 180RX I have now, but I'm a huge fan of the vertical takeoff. The 120SX had enough push to sustain straight up with full fuel, right from liftoff. I can't wait to see the next on 'accelerate' up... I need to get myself a speed sensor!

I ran 4 different engines on that hotspot in the 10 years I flew it. One was horrendous on fuel, so it got me a bit gun shy on flight time. The same engine also had a high residual, making the landings very tricky. The 120SX was pretty good, my favorite of the 4 engines by a long shot. If I were doing it again, I'd do a 140.

Good call on the speed brake options. With the inward leaning fins it might make sense to deflect the rudders inwards to counteract a nose up moment. Won't know till I try it...
Thx,
Kelly W