Gentlemen

The most recent batch of kits that are now in the hands of customers are lighter in weight and feature more detail than previous examples. Over the course of the last three months we took a standard kit ( Blue Tail version ) and built it according to the instructions. We added main gear ( strut ) doors and nose gear doors. No inner flaps or speedbrakes are used on our demo model. One thing that we did do was to cut out half moon slots in the front nose former to accomodate two 3300 NiMh packs ( ecu / receiver ). Our complete weight with Blue Box pilot, and 9 oz of nose weight is 23.5 lbs. THE CG IS CORRECT AT 3.75 " as indicated in the plans. Balance with tanks dry and gear down.

I am off to a jet rally for the next 4 days but when I get back I will be working on a full flight synopsis for you. In the meantime here is what you can expect.

1) Use take off flaps at 15 - 20 degrees. Flaps are VERY effective on this aircraft and MUST be used.

2) Nose wheel requires less than 5 degrees of throw in either direction. In addition I use 40% expo. The aircraft taxis like a tank with this setting and NO gyro is needed for take off.

3) Ailerons - I found that 18mm of max throw ( 20% expo )was quite sufficient BUT the aircraft does like to use a lot of aileron throw for rolls. The coordination of rudder helps.

4) Elevator - I have 18 mm of throw in either direction. I found that the Panther requires no more than a 1/2 pull on the stick to make pretty as can be loops! But make sure you have the available throw because on flare you will be using the up elevator.

5) Landing flaps - use 35 - 40 degrees. I found no pitch mixing was necessary on this aircraft.

Landing technique - The plane cruises around very nicely at 65 - 70 % power ( 14 lb turbine ). Prior to a loop - I go to full throttle and just pull and she loops beautifully with no tendancy to fall off or corkscrew like some 50s era jet fighters. When you are ready to land....maiantain 50 - 60% power drop the gear, then go to half flaps. The plane will cruise around nicely in this configuration. After a pattern or two drop to full flaps. Add a little power - to 70%. Once again the plane will stay aloft in this configuration and is very stable. KEEP THE POWER ON THROUGH THE DOWNWIND LEG. Now once you are set up for base SLOWLY begin bringing back the power until on final you are carrying only about 15 - 20%. Initiate a flare and bring the throttle to idle. Hold her off the ground ( at 3 - 4 ft ) with elevator progressively holding more elevator. The plane will land INCREDIBLY slow and softly. Grumman had a winner with this early carrier jet and it really shows its stuff on slow landings. But this is the key. Hold it off until all the lift is gone otherwise you will find yourself flying again! I used this technique many time over while demoing the Panther ate Jets over Whidbey. Many were astonished at how slow she will land.

More to come!
Dean Wichmann
www.pstna.com