ORIGINAL: rrcullman
Ok guys, I feel like I need to share my observations about the WM A-6 Intruder, I hate to see this plane get a bad rep right out of the chute. I have flown about 1 gallon through mine and this is what I have found. The CG will definitely have to be moved back regardless of how you choose to do it. We modified the old WM Intruder about 3-4 yrs ago with the symetrical stab from the Zen 120 and enlarged the rudder. The designers at WM worked closely with SPA members in the redesign and re-introduction of this plane, to make it more competitive right out of the box. They added the airfoil stab, enlarged the rudder, stretched the fuse a couple of inches and built it lighter along with other minor changes. This plane flies very similar to my old one, but with the lighter weight it excels in vertical maneuvers. I find it very capable of serious pattern competition. Whether you choose it as a pattern plane or a sport flier, this really is a good flying plane-This ARF is definitely more than just a practice plane, I like my sow's ear pretty well...
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I'm not the greatest builder in the world, so a sow's ear ARF is likely to be better than anything that I can whip up. My point was that each type of model can serve a useful function. I did not intend to berate the WM ARF version of the A-6. I'm glad it is available. Yes, I have one.
I hope they did not copy the diamond airfoil shape of the original Kirkland A-6's horizontal stabilizer. The purpose of the diamond airfoil shape was to produce the same effect of today's exponential function - to desensitize an elevator that had enough control throw to force the model into a spin or snaproll upon demand. Remember, radios did not have expo or dual rates when Jim designed this model. I know you old timers already know this, but we may have some younger SPA enthusiasts on board and reading our banter.
Ed Cregger