RE: Reaction 44+ is a reality!
Heck while we're at it I'll thought I post an update on the R44+. I had it shipped out to Phoenix for Desert Jet Storm. I arrived on Wednesday around Noontime and was burning Jet A an hour later. By the time DJS was over I put up 26 flights. The trim is getting better all the time. BIGGEST difference was adding 2.7 ounces of nose weight. "Thank You John" for that observation. For those that are 50 or nearing it..."She flies like a Tipo with unlimited vertical" 1,000 foot loops without trouble. Top speed seems to be 130MPH, altho she looks much faster. I had no trouble in the pattern with 4 other jets.
She's a winner for sure. 1,000 square inches of wing area is just right for the MW44 Gold. Mine was measured at slightly over 11 pounds of thrust with OAT at 54 degrees. John says darn near a "standard" day so the measurement was accurate. Only a few years ago this thrust would have been from a 54 class turbine gulphing kero like it was from a fire hose.
Take offs are automatic, just throttle up and she'll lift off just perfectly. Landings are Reaction 54 type slow without a hint of wing drop. Rolls are axial and tracking is dead on.
Guys..IF you want a perfect fit airframe that won't cost an arm and a leg, build up one of these, You won't be sorry!
Some photos from Desert Jet Storm as shot by Uncljoe.
Dave Rigotti