STEVEN42

Which motor is better 15 la or the magnum 15 for ssc combat?
I am going to be using the battle axe for the air frame.

Blue Note

That is a question of much debate and the definition of "better" will vary from person to person. I use the Magnums exclusively on my [link=http://www.bluenotecreations.com/tomahawk.shtml]Tomahawk SSC[/link] and find that they produce better power on lower grade fuel than that needed with the O.S. I usually run 10% Wildcat fuel ( the version with castor oil ) and turn more RPM than my O.S. 15 on 30%. The fuel cost is about half. I also feel the Magnum engines may unload better in the air than the O.S. engines. One problem that has occurred somewhat frequently with the Magnum 15 XLS is for it to be taching over the legal SSC limit. Magnum has address this with the new carburetor design that allow the insertion of venturi intake restrictors to effectively drop the RPM quickly and easily. At most of the RCCA eventls I have attended lately, the Magnum was by far the most popular engine. I feel the support of Magnum to address the RPM issue of the 15 and to develop and manufacture the 25 XLS to fit into our class rules has also won some supporters to the brand. Just my $.02.

Tequesta

STEVEN42

Thanks been out of flying for about 5 years and just getting back into the sport. I used to pylon race but combat looks alot less expensive and fun.
I like the tomahawk design. might have to get a couple to compare to the battle axe. Where is a good place to get fiberglass and composite supplies?

Blue Note

One Tomahawk, many Battle Axes...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF3ITSRfwbo&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

As far as composite supplies, the best sources depends on what you are hunting for and the quantity you desire. At most places, shipping can east you up if they don't have everything you need. There are a ton of suppliers, some of which I avoid. You have to know your prices to shop with any certainty.

STEVEN42

I used to use a place that i can not remember they had all the fibeglass and composite material and vacuum bags and the thin epoxy for use with the very light glass cloth and for the life of me i can't remember there name. and of course when we got a new computer a couple of years ago did not transfer my saved sites.

Blue Note

Here are several of the companies I have dealt with at some point in the past for reinforcement cloth, resins, and vacuum bagging materials. Before I order, I always check my prices between them. There are probably some other top players I have forgotten or overlooked.

http://www.acp-composites.com/home.php
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/
http://carbonsales.com/home.php
http://www.cstsales.com/
http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/
http://www.fibreglast.com/
http://www.solarcomposites.com/
http://sweetcomposites.com/
http://thayercraft.com/
http://www.uscomposites.com/index.html
http://www.advancedcomposites.com/

STEVEN42

Great thanks.
It appears the tomahawk is a more labor intensive plane than the battle axe but it looks like a more updated design how does it fly?

Blue Note

I am biased, but have flown both extensively. The performance of the Tomahawk truly is superior to the Battle Axe and exhibits superior speed, turning, and energy retention through maneuvers. While the initial build of the Tomahawk introduces building techniques that may slow down a builder not yet comfortable with them, the end result has yielded a plane that lasts longer due to increased durability and less rebuilding. The manual is written to assist the novice builder that may have no experience building such a plane, thus it seems more involved than it really is. I tend to spend a little more time building my planes in the winter to have a smooth and trouble free combat season. The wing positioning correction system allows the wing to deflect and return straight to allowed continued flight and less impact damage from wing strikes. The use of EPP foam for the leading edge and tips also lessens the damage from wing strikes, especially when it is Tomahawk against Tomahawk. The aluminum rails are of a higher grade of anodized aluminum that is 54% stronger than that of the standard variety, and the plane can be built " fully armored " ( wing totally covered with Bi-Di tape ) while coming in right at SSC minimum weight, a feat I have yet to achieve with other planes. The throttle servo is placed further aft, away from the engine, to lessen the fuel soaking and eventual failure of the throttle servo and employs a small wire push rod to serve a a servo saver. The full flying stabulator also places less stress on the servo and uses a very short push rod. All of these features have led to decreased equipment replacements.

Flight performance, well, night and day to the Battle Axe. Refinements are ongoing and consider the reports from pilots as each person's flying style and crash circumstances are different. The fully symmetrical airfoil is thicker than many but produces less drag while providing a lot of change in alpha with control surface ( flaperon ) deflection. Not to mention, it performs equally well inverted as it does upright and the 64" wing provides a little more reach for grabbing ribbons. The forward sweep and anhedral produces a very responsive plane with minimal tip stall and hands off stability. A strong plus when trying to scan the sky for targets. I have had a lot of compliments and success with my Tomahawks.

STEVEN42

Well youtalked me in to it in the next couple of weeks i'll get some of both and start on them. gotta restock everything epoxy, batteries , you name it.
Is it your design?

Blue Note

It is, which is why I stated that I was biased, but all of the information I told you is true. I took many of the aerodynamic principles and building techniques I have learned from gliders and incorporated them into the combat arena. The Tomahawk is designed to be a top performer as far as flight characteristic and durability are concerned, and has so far proven to do very well in those regards. Multiple mechanical fuses are employed to encourage inexpensive items to break before more costly items such as engines. While the build can take a little longer, much of that is really drying time. Sometimes you do a step and have to let it dry a few hours to continue, but the total hands-on time is really about the same...at least for me. I spend more time taping the wings than anything, which you have to do for any combat plane. I also usually build multiple planes at a time which expedites each step. The gear suggested is what has been tested and worked well for me, but variations are certainly viable. I am constantly evaluating new building methods and materials which will help advance the design as they test out with the goal of making it easier for kitting and building alike. I encourage you to fly the other designs as well so that when you fly the Tomahawk SSC you can really feel the difference. Better yet, talk a buddy into trying the other designs so you can dominate!

STEVEN42

The extra time doesn't matter to me I used to build 428 pylon racers with my buddy. I would like to start off with 3 tomahawks and 3 battle axes to start on my fleet.
I went to the web site and could not get the contact to work. when I am ready to order I'll send you a message .

Thanks

Steven

Blue Note

[email protected]

Problems with the shopping cart has forced me to conduct transactions via email at this time. I just changed web hosts and am in the process of updating the ordering process. You should be able to copy then paste the email address by hovering over the contact button or "click here for ordering information" area. I just changed web hosts and am in the process of updating the ordering process. Thanks for your understanding. Just email me when you are ready or if you have questions.

Tequesta

The lethal Weapon is a battle axe knock- off and if fly's very similar. A few guys at our field have had great success with them and they are cheep. I won one and gave it to a potential pilot and he is now hooked. Here in FL SSC and 2548 are the most popular. Use what other are using to get you feet wet in combat. If you are flying something unknown others can not help you if you need something. We are all friends on the ground, but the gloves come off in the air!

. http://combatplanesrc.com/

check out the rc combat web site forum lots of advice there

http://rccombat.net/forum/