I did it....and it is still in one piece!!
Finally got to fly the VQ P-38 today.
Has Spring Air Retacts, three oleo stuts, ST 90's, master three blade props 13x8, two gyros, 13 servos, hand full of wiring extensions, and nine channels of radio.
To say take off power is "adequate" is an understatement, but we know where the throttle is. Was at 1/4 power for most of the flight.
The maiden flight consisted of loops, both direction rolls, landing gear retraction, and flap use.
Here are my impressions.
OK, a bit extra power, but a lot of fun. Not quite unlimited vertical. Yes, you could tear off the wings if you do not use common sense, but I have never had a P-38 take off with that much authority!!! Have flown four others.
Need only four clicks up elevator due to landing gear drag. That was unnecessary after landing gear was retracted. No other adjustments needed......none!!!!!
Flap use. Be prepared, or take my advice and program in approx 3/16" down elevator with the flaps at full deployment. It really climbs with the flaps. Very controllable, but not unexpected. There was no change in direction.
Tried to land without the flaps after a somewhat steep approach to the landing field..NOT!! Did the dreaded go around.
Next set up the flaps, but as I had not programed in the down elevator (Still in the air), had to compensate for lift during landing approach, and I do not like to do that.
Landing with the flaps, cuts landing speed approx 30% and very steady.
Now I remember why the P-38 had problems in WWII with too much speed in a dive. Point the nose down 45 degrees and you have a missle!!! It REALLY accelerates in a dive, and don't underestimate this!!! My first low pass, was faster than most trainers fly and I was at one third throttle.
Best part, is it fits inside my Suburban in one piece, wings and all.
Guys, go for it, is a blast and stops the show at the field!!!!
OK, also, this is not a trainer. Fortuanately I did not have engine out experience. Others have had the experience, in other posts, and say is little problem. For now, I am happy in my ignorance!!!
Adding on board glow.
One Happy Twinman