Mike, finally got some flying weather. I tested the modifications to the Panther. The retracts self destructed on the first attempt at take off. We don't have a paved runway, so I guess that idea is out. The retracts are in their proper place. I did manage to get a test on the modified fan. There is a definite improvement in thrust. The plane is now flying through a loop, as opposed the mushy kind of thing on the back side of the loop. The ailerons are reacting much crisper, and the elevator has shown the same improvement.

I will hand launch this plane, and I can see that there will be an advantage. With the modified fan and no retracts, I am getting an all up weight of 37 oz. I will test this combination again tomorrow as the weather is supposed to cooperate. I am hoping to get further improvements in performance with the now lightened plane. I am also hoping that I will acheive the more than 1:1 thrust to weight ratio.