Just completed all lightening mods I thought worthwhile--
I stripped all the sheeting from the belly -aft the cockpit area - and lightened the tail blocks - this removed 3.5 ounces -and shifted the bare fuselage CG 1" forward.
Also cut out floor of canopy -this reduced weight 2 ozs.
Obviously - huge weight savings are not in the book! Nor required - I just wanted to reduce aft weight (balance)
- On these H9 33% kits - tail weight is really the only question--and that is because I use lighter engines.
Actual weights on previous H9 33% models I have done is from 22 lbs to 25 lbs. various changes -
The Sukhoi has a better wing than previous ones --lighter and thinner foil and light ailerons , and a lighter tail group.
I expect to put the rudder servo forward to hold balance -
The kit really looks great.
For those who don't feel comfortable cutting into ARFS, --don't.
At our altitude - we need to loose 10-15% of weight - just to equal sea level performance. so I feel it is worthwhile for me.
The Cap at 23 lbs with ZDZ80 on tuned can was extremely good performer -I expect even more from the Sukhoi.
I sa Mike's CG recommendation (addendum to original ) and that is where I plan to setup this model for initial wring outs.
Typically I like a more forward CG- for best contest performance.
for flogging around - the aft will be better - no question .
So far - I find that these kits setup properly, are completely contest capable -in any class- .
any bad scores I get are my own screw ups.