Hello Jason.
I have a question regarding choice of batteries.
I see that you are using a battery with a 6.1 Ah capacity in your new model. I was following the day to day reports from last years WC (congratulations, you did a fantastic job.) and got the understanding thay you were flying the 8Ah capacity TP packs in the contest, although somebody reported that you had tried lower capacity batteries as well in practice. (The cause for going back to 8Ah was given as overheated tabs, I have no idea of this information is correct.) Your model weight is quoted as 10 lbs 13 oz, which actually is comparatively heavy. As far as I can gather from information on the internet, the Germans (for instance) are flying models like the e-factor at weights like 3600 gram (8 lbs.) with 4 Ah batteries. (Typically 10s2p (2 x 2000 mAh cells)
I am currently finishing an own design F3A model (1980mm length, 1880mm WS, all built up) and expect the total weight to be approx. 3800 - 4000 g (8.5 - 9 lbs).
Do you think that the new generation TP cells would be suitable in a 2p configuration (4 Ah) or do you think that the 3p (6Ah) is required?
I currently have a slightly smaller (F3A style) model which weighs 3800 g (8.5 lbs) with a Hacker C-50 12 XL. In this model I use 10s2p Irate cells (4.4 Ah) which gives me both sufficient power and flight duration (15 minutes, which is more than enough.)
To save weight I would hope that 4 Ah TP batteries would be suitable. Provided that the batteries can take the load, I would be happy with a flight time of not more than 11-12 minutes. (In my current F3A model with a YS 140 engine, I empty the 16 oz tank in about 11 minutes.)
Your advice would be most welcome.
Thank you, and best regards from Norway.
Magne