kkling77

My Feedback: (16)

Anyone out there flying a Spark off grass? Any gear issues or otherwise? Our field is about 500' long so I'm not concerned about runway length, only durability of the airframe on grass. Our field would probably be considered an average grass field; not a golf fairway, but not filled with ruts either. Appreciate any feedback.

wind junkie

My Feedback: (1)

I've seen videos on grass so I know it can be done. What fan are you using?

I've got a Stumax ready and waiting for me to get time to install and also plan to have a go at grass. I'm shooting for ~10-11 lbs on 11S 5000 XPS cells.

Our field gets very soft in Spring and Fall, so I plan to maiden in summer when the runway is harder. Tamjets has some nice shock absorbing landing gear struts you might consider:

http://www.tamjets.com/gear.php

I think big wheels are key. I bought 2.5" Maxx products aluminum hub main wheels and a 2.25" dubro nosewheel with shock absorbing strut from Tam. Brakes too but probably wont' use them at first (no need on grass).

I may also try to work in some carbon "flex plates" on the main gear mounts if I can find room like BVM have for their jets.

Do some searches in the Spark thread on RCG and you should see at least 1 video of grass takeoffs. Maybe also search for "grass" within the thread.

Joe

kkling77

My Feedback: (16)

Haven't made any decisions concerning the fan yet. I'm still trying to figure out if grass is a viable option before I lay down the cash. I have seen the gear from Tamjets, thanks. Trailing link is definitely the way to go.

stoneenforcer

My Feedback: (23)

i know the spark will handle grass fields. I too am at the crossroads as for what retract to use. My toughts are to go with 301's for being spring down and add Tam's struts. Any thoughts on that??

btw, I'm using Stu's 110-45 with 1521-1.5 for a hot 10s set up. I've seen vid's of this set up flying and its quite impressive!

Neil Guildford

I cut my ailerons in half and made the inner half a flap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vRlMREOyWs

Neil

icicles

I fly predominantly off grass. I am using Tam's air retracts, struts, brakes.
And have no problems with the gear what so ever. No leaks and very light

Chris

wind junkie

My Feedback: (1)

Seems like a smart move with all those big trees under your approach. It's the "bush pilot's version" of the Spark! I'll keep that in mind for my build. Thanks!

Joe