What does everyone think about building a super-light Goldberg Ultimate. I've built 3 of them with YS power and they usually come in at around 9lbs. Yes I know the plans say 7-8lbs, yeh right, maybe if I put the K&B .61 they suggest in it, use 1 aileron servo, etc.

What if I did the following to build a 7lb Ultimate:

-ditched the light ply fuse and use 1/8 balsa instead.
-not sheet the tail surfaces and use slightly larger sticks for a built up tail. Maybe brace them with carbon-fiber thread to add back the strength.
-carbon fiber landing gear, light wheels, and ultra-light fiberglass cowl/pants
-install a light engine like the new Saito 125 or an OS .91FX 2-stroke
-Maybe make the interplane struts out of balsa
-use really light hardware, servos, and battery pack

Anyone think such a feat is possible because if a 9lb Ultimate flies great, I'm sure a 7lb-er would be incredible! Anybody ever tried to put their Ultimate on a diet?

Mike

I think that would be a great idea. I have an interist in the same plane but would want it to be lighter as well. One thing I have done in the past is to also replace formers with brown paper laminated on 3/16 balsa with thinned white glue. I did such with a Giant stinger once with a fuji 46 magneto ignition on it. It came out just over 15 lbs. If I would of used a ligher engine, could of saved at least another 2lbs. However, it was weak in the firewall area. I hope you go for it; would be nice to see the results.

Grant

I have often wondered the same thing, I have a set of plans and an ABS cowl left from a previous build. Foam core wings are also available for this kit at Dbalsa.