I've been wondering, wouldn't it be a good idea to have retracts on a 3D airplane? I haven't seen this, but then again I'm new. It seems the flight would be better and spins, rolling, waterfalls and others would be easier with out the wheels. Wouldn't knife edge be better? No coupling? Just wondering about if anyone had heard of 3D planes with retractable wheels?
Thanks,
Barry

no the only people with retracts flying 3d got a ride to the field from the people in white coats no 3d less weight is better

they dont make retracts for skis Barry!!!! HAHA. but very good point, but there might be an extra weight prob with extra servos and such. I havent done any thinking about it so lets see what everyone else says.

Gary

Weight would be the issue.... 3D planes need to be as light as possible.... it is not uncommon to see 3D's with the wheel pants, cowls, etc. etc. all removed... so retracts would be way out...

It would look very cool, but I think would just be too much for a 3D plane

Forgot what mag I saw them in mabey 3D flyer but the designer of SFG's I think there called, is working on 3D plane totally Symetrical and with the SFG's.

Due to the added hight of sfg's and Tail put retracks in the wing, thin wire and small wheels. I think he is a aero engineer.

Mabey similar planes will be marketed, closest one with the concept now is the Tensor 4D foamy, no retracts though.

Of course weight would be a concern.

Dennis

Not only is the added weight a problem, but most of us with 3D/Acro machines benefit from the drag on the downlines to help keep speeds more consistant throughout a figure, and to add more time to the down lines for more figures and better presentation. Not to mention that with oversize control surfaces and travel, and very high power to weight throttle management is already a concern for a dedicated 3D setup. At lower speeds the drag isn't that significant, the weight is, and the drag at high speeds is helpful.

In the more modern full scale aerobatic aircraft with props like the MT, Claw, or Whirlwind composites a big part of the design intention is not only light weight and high thrust, but also high drag when power is reduced (of course these are constant speed props so when power is at or near idle the blades flatten out). You can *really* feel the effects when in level flight if you pull the power back quick you get pulled forward in the straps like you just got on the brakes in a car. This adds another dimension to the pilot's overall aircraft control.

Now, if you could add them without ading weight, well, then why not!

That's my .02

If you took an existing 3D model and added retracts, the laws of physics say that every ounce of added weight must be compensated for by an additional ounce of thrust in order to retain 3D qualities...

Add 8 ounces of retracts, servos, linkage, air tank, valving and hoses and you need to find another half pound of thrust... Hmm... maybe a JATO bottle???

Cheers!

Jim

Also - I would not like to do a harrier landing on to flimsy retracts. You would have to repair after every flight.

Plus - all 3D planes have big engines with big props to get the thrust. With retracts you would have prop clearance issues.

No, leave the retracts to the scale boys

[quote]ORIGINAL: Sprink

Also - I would not like to do a harrier landing on to flimsy retracts. You would have to repair after every flight. Ahhh.... Then it would act just like my Funtana 90. Repair after every landing.

You guys have convinced me. Doesn't sound like a good idea. I guess I'll have to think of something else to revolutionize the industry. Ha Ha.

Anyways, thanks for your input.
Barry

Just remove landing gear all together. Hand launch? Hand land? lol