Katana First Flight
 

Well I flew my Creek Katana for the first time today.I am happy to report that it was a total success.Because the engine is new and not completly broken in yet,I flew it only once running very rich,but was very pleased.I feel confident that this will be a keeper.It came in at 10.75 lbs,dry.Here's the low down on the set up for hose who are interested.
OS 1.60
TurboJett incowl muffler
Vortec spinner
APC 18-6W prop
20 oz DuBro tank
Hydrimax 1200mah nimh,on top of the tank
JR A004 Chg/switch
Hitec 605 in each aileron
Hitech 645 on Rudder,mounted up front with a Nelson bellcrank,and Kevlar pull-pull cable,Carbon Fiber pushrod w/Titanium ends to drive it
Hitec 225 on each elevator,one servo was moved to the original rudder servo location,in order to move it forward a little,and even with the oppsite ele. servo.Carbon fiber pushrods w/titanium ends
Sullivan tail wheel assy.
I used Rocket City control horns with swivel ends and Rocket city Ball links on all servos.
I was unable to use the RC horns on the ailerons beacuse I didn't find a hard point in the aileron,so I used the supplied horn here.
I made the first flight without the cowl to help keep the engine cooler.I also left off the spinner.I didn't remember the CG location,so I added 3.5 oz of lead to the front to compensate,and it flew great.I am sure it is going to be fine without the added lead.Next weekend I will remove the lead and reinstall the cowl and spinner.

Katana First Flight
 

Thanks for the report. You might consider using Dubro 1/4 scale horns instead of the small stock one, because that will give you better nechanical advantage for the aileron servos and help prevent flutter.

How does the engine sound w/ the Jett "Turbo" muffler?? I've been thinking of getting one for my Moki 1.35, but nobidy's using one locally.

Katana First Flight
 

It sounds pretty good.It's pretty quiet,not tin cany like a bisson.

Katana First Flight
 

If you're under 11 lbs with a glow motor I should be able to keep it under 12 with one of my MVVS gassers. Good to know.

Re: Katana First Flight
 

lv2rcav8
sounds awsome, like you really did your research and figured it all out. I plan for my next plane (next summer) to be a Creek Katana. You have researched well and built the plane very similiar to how I was planning to build mine. I have a couple of questions?

1. did your cowell match the covering, if not how did you make it match?

2. Could you tell me more or send pictures of your rudder setup, Why did you use CF rods and bellcrank, why not just standard pull-pull cables?

3. Rocket city horns with swivel ends? Dumb question, but could you tell me more about swivel ends?

4. I am currently saving for the Katana, I will not purchase anything untill I have enough funds to get it all and do it all right. If you don't mind me asking what was your total investment? ( e-mail [email protected] if you don't want the answer public)

5. Does the turbo jett give you a significant power boost?

6. how far back is your 20 OZ tank? Could you locate it under the CG with a pump?


Thanks in advance.

Great Job on your plane! :thumbup: :cool:

Katana First Flight
 

also what did you do to keep the weight so low, How much weight would CF Gear and Wing tube save?

Katana First Flight
 

Dntmn,I used the bellcrank system for two reasons,one,is that by using the bellcrank I am able to tighten the cables without pulling on the servo output shaft,wich loads the servo causing battery consumption and premature wear of the servo,and two it allows the cables to be centered without having the servo dead center and both cables are equal length.The cowl color does not match,and I left it like that,chances you will make it worse trying to correct it.I used the Turo Jett Muffler because My experience with the Bisson is that it does not provide enoughback pressure for consistent performance,please no one dog me on that statement,it is only my experience,I am not saying they are all bad.I also read here on RCU that it provides a significant increase from several people,also from Dubb Jett.My tank is in the stock location,I Don't think it will go any further back with the servos up front.I used the carbon fiber and Titanium rods because they were supposed to be half the weight of standard rods,that was not ture,but they were lighter,and I had them,so I used them.I kept the weight down by researching exactly what I wanted to use and weighing everything on a digital Postal scale before I used it.This may sound extreme,but I have built several 3D type 1/4 scale planes without much concern to weight,even using 2.4 gassers.After arguing on RCU,that the weight of the gassers was worth it and not a big deal,I finally found out that my 3D ability sucked because the planes were just to heavy.I swithched from a 2.4 to a 1.60 on a H-9 Edge,and found out I really could fly 3D,so now I go to the other extreme and build as light as possible,without drilling all kinds of holes etc.I will post some pics as soon as I get my printer working again,I don't know exactly what I spent,But will try and guesstimate and let you know.As far as the R/C swivel links,they are ball links on the servo end and swivel links on the control horn end,here are some pics from my Lanier Edge,it does not hve the CF rods,but the hardware is the same.Sorry to be so wordy tonite,but I hope the info helps.
Mike.

Katana First Flight
 

I sent the pics E-Mail,my photo program is in working and I can't resize them.
Mike.

Katana First Flight
 

pic

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pic2

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pic3

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pic4

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pic5

cowl match
 

I used Rustoleum Sun Yellow out of a rattle can to come real close to the covering on the Katana. I used Rustoleum primer, then the yellow, and then Rustoluem glossy clear. While the match isn't perfect, it is much closer than stock. I have used Rustoleum in other glow models and it has stood up well to 15% nitro. I am waiting on digital servos for my Katana and hope to have it in the air in a week or two.
Jpflyer

Katana First Flight
 

nice joe! get some pics for us

more pics
 

another pic of the Katana cowl.

one more
 

and another

Katana First Flight
 

Thanks Mike! Looks great! I too usually did not concern myself with weight, but after spending a lot of time on RCU, I am finally convinced that weight is very important. I just finished a H9 Pizazz, and It weight 4lb 11oz with a saito 72, its maden flight should be thisweekend. I have a GP Extra 40 ARF with a Saito 100 swinging a 15 x 6. It flies good, but has 3 oz of lead in the tail, and lands like a bulet. I love the Katana and It looks like you have it all figured out. I just read an article in MA News on the Aeroworks 35% Katana ARF. If the creek hobies one goes well I might consider the AW for my first Gasser. That is a couple of years away though.

Great Job guys

Katana First Flight
 

Hey,
Got any pics of that bellcrank set up? I'm putting the same deal in my edge, curious how your setting it up.
RickP

Katana First Flight
 

I'll try and post some as soon as I get a chance
Mike

Katana First Flight
 

Cool,
I'll do the same. It's 90% fabricated, but I didn't mount it in yet.
RP