sky raider

Hey,

Building my first sky raider mach II. This is also my first gas plane, I have been flying electrics for a while. The question I have is about the fuel tank install. What do I use to fill in the excess space around the fuel tank? Thanx for your help

JNorton

My Feedback: (2)

Usually use 1/4" latex foam rubber. I've also seen guys use strofoam. The main idea is to mount the tank so it doesn't jiggle or bounce which causes foaming of the fuel.

AMB

Balance <<>> rather than add lead put the battery under the tank less than a half
oz to rear to balance I think on my mach one the battery may wind up little under the servo tray
for balance (now a tail dragger)

Dk4stroke

My Feedback: (3)

Just make sure you wrap enough foam rubber to achieve a snug fit. Secure foam rubber to tank with rubber bands or strapping tape.

Styro is not the best choice.

JNorton

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Dk4stroke,
I agree we usually use latex foam. However I've also seen many other substitutes used successfully. The main point is to fix the tank securely to the airframe, and to prevent damage to the tank caused by vibration rubbing a hole in it. I've seen small bubble wrap, sponge rubber and styrofoam cut so that it wedged the tank securely all used and none of the engines had bubbles in the fuel lines which is what we are trying to prevent.
John

cafplanekid

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Hi. Anybody know what the empty weight for the low-wing Sky Raider is? I mean out-of-the box with no electronics or fuel tank added. A break down of the weights of each main part would be especially helpfull, but probably too much to ask. Thanks
Jonathan

Kansas Twister

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Hi Jonathon-

I didn't think to weigh the Mach II before assembly. I can tell you that mine, fully assembled with radio, servos, and TT Pro .40 weighed in at 4 lbs. 12 ozs.

We clocked my plane last week with a radar gun on a pylon course at a high speed of 98 mph with a 9x7 APC prop, it should average around 88-92 mph on the full course, not bad....

nosburn

Hey Guys,

I purchased a Mach-II yesterday so hopefully it will arrive before the weekend. My question is: Can I use a .25 engine in this plane to get started? I have a ASP .46 on order, but this is my first low wing plane, and I want to make sure I don't get too agressive and crunch it on my first day. I'm planing on leaving the .46 for whan I get a little more comfortable with the plane.

What are the flight characteristics for this plane? I've heard that it's a breeze to fly, even heard of some people using it as a trainer!?! Nobody at my club has one of these planes, so I thought I'd ask around to see what you guys have experienced so far.

Cheers!

Nick

Kansas Twister

My Feedback: (1)

A strong .25 should get you going OK, but I would leave the .46 on it and take it easy for a while. The elevator is pretty sensitive, so I would cut down the recommended throw almost in half to begin with.

The plane flies great, and would be a wonderful low-wing trainer; but I wouldn't recommend it for the first time flyer. We are racing these planes, and they are quite fast with a ball-bearing .46 (about 95-100 MPH). I have had two mid-airs during racing, and one time the wing folded up on a full speed pylon turn, so be liberal with the epoxy on joining the wing halves!

Anyway, you can't beat this plane for the money; happy flying!

nosburn

I finished my skyraider on sunday night - It was pretty much a breeze to put together. The only major modification I made was to add fiber glass mesh reinforcement and epoxy to the centre of the wing assembly. I didn't trust looks of the wing joint after epoxying it together. I also epoxied the tail assembly. I installed a new ASP .46 Engine in it. (Great engine so far).

I took out the mach II to the feild last night, and let one of out instructors take her up for her maiden flight. She took off beautifully, and we had her trimmed up with just a few clicks here and there. I haven't flown for over 12 years, but when I took over the controls it all came back to me right away. We had to bring her down rather quickly as the control throws were far too heavy for a returning pilot like myslef. I ended up giving the ailierons and the elevator a 50% dual rate. After that, she seemed to be a little cooler. This is a smooth flyer, and quite stable for a low winger. I had a blast doing simple manoevers like touch & goes and a few rolls here and there. I ran out of fuel and dithced her in the tall grass on my 3rd flight. She didn't sustain any damage whatsoever.

A real nice aircraft for the price. I'd recommend picking up one of these kits if you see one. Theyare available in Canada from www.goldscallop.com for about $129.99

Nick Osburn

Dk4stroke

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I got mine at Airbornemodels.com for $69 US. With the extra savings I purchased a MACs Tuned pipe and slapped it on a 46 Thunder Tiger Pro.
This plane screams.