https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZID_4LPvMo

and departure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ95PCQUd8s

Thanks "PETER". Chic

Here is a fun little A-7 design, build video a friend and I did a few years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmOERWy6WPs
62" span, 73" length Sized for the P-100 class of engines

A-7s have their quarks based on the configuration, but do fly well when setup right. My experience has been that they fly best when carrying some speed and using minimal rudder inputs. As they slow down, the wings may rock due to atmospheric disturbances (usually most notable on approaches), but the key is to just let it do it and not fight it as it will usually damp itself out. They have such a unique look in the air! Here's an older video (circa 2007ish) of my Jet Hangar A-7 with MW-44 gold...I still have it, but have since put a 90mm EDF into it and it flies almost just as well as it did with the turbine.

I got to see the above A7Bldr A-7 fly a number of years ago and it was pretty sweet I have to say and flew really nicely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcXLeOcB00A

Just love that airframe. Chic

There's nothing inherently wrong with the way A-7's fly but like most swept wing fighters they can get a little squirrely at high AOA. For all it's design faults, the FEJ A-7 flew very nicely according to Lewis Patton. I think a lot of it has to do with wing loading and the JHH's is fairly high, particularly with an electric setup, so like Chris says it's best to keep the speed up. That was also my experience with my JHH A-7.

I think a larger scale A-7 would fly just fine, particularly equipped with one of the current generation 3 axis gyros.

Craig

I think you're spot-on here, Craig. Let's face it, a lot of the internal systems we haul around weigh the same/are the same, regardless of the size of the plane they are in; so the larger the jet, the less of an overall percentage of weight they comprise, and thus a better wing-loading and flying quality results. As you state, the smaller jets have a proportionally higher wing loading, and therefore may not handle very well.

RC

And working slats will helh also.

I hear you Craig, wing loading is always key. I've been flying my A-7 more lately and really enjoying it. With the 90mm setup, it's a bit lighter and much more user friendly as a whole. At the time we had made the A-7, the 90mm weren't putting out the power we're pushing them to now. If I were to do it over again, it would be designed for the 90 ground up...but those days are over unfortunately. I have no doubt that a nice big A-7 would fly great! A7bldr's A-7 was a great flying airplane.

Thanks Chris! Here is another video of our bird a few years back at The Best In The West in Coachella:

http://youtu.be/KXTqaFeZTW8

It is a fun plane to fly with some quirks for sure! A 3 axis gyro should tame the shrew.

Tailwinds,

John

Hello Jet 20, what 90mm setup did you use? Jet fan on 12s?

What is the AUW with your 90mm fan?

Also, looks like on all the YT vids I saw it could use a gyro on landing flaps down.

Also, where you able to get the hard points from JHH? seems like a must have for this model

Thx in advance for any input

I have one of the newer FEJ 1/7 F16 and I can say they have made a lot of improvements, I love the way it feels when you pick it up.

Not to say I trust it stock, I cut into the tail fins to add ply and hysol, added some carbon fiber plate to one of the retreat former, dreamworks aluminum fuel tank bung . Except for that, it's been great, no air leaks, no sign of issues.

It has survived some pretty crazy landings that my skymaster f86 couldn't and broke into 3 peaces.

I would not get one if I was not willing to look at it as a kit vs ARF.

I would cut into the wings and strength, and carbon lamanted any ply that is stressed. And don't way overpower it.

So let me get this straight, the CJM A-7 is crap?

I had an A-7 on order when the Dantley F-14 crash thread erupted. I canceled the order but still wish I had one to fly. Cactus flyer is in my club and he flew his scratch but A-7 many times at SVF and it is a great looking jet in the air. I was at bitw when Lewis lost his and it was definitely a fej mfg issue. I wonder if fej has made any changes to the kit?? Are there any new ones out there flying??
Vin...

Someone just needs to splash the FEJ one, then do a proper airex/carbon/ply layup and structure for it...

Except that the FEJ has cartoon details. I think they got their OML (Outer mold line) from a 1/72 scale plastic kit scan because a lot of the details are WAY oversized and clunky. Just sayin...

Chris, I agree, We lower our concern for how scale the model isn't, because its all that's available.
Jim

Great Thread Guys. Chic

How true, what a shame!

I'm not an A7 guy, so i havent' paid much attention to them honestly, but it doesn't surprised me to hear this.

My Dad flew the A7D when I was growing up, reading this thread makes me want to start collecting funds and parts for one. The 12S setup makes it so I can fly it at my local field.

I just saw the new molds for A7builders new A7. Beautiful work and lots if detailing. The molded wing will have the slats also. Maybe we can get Jim to show his handi work a ND maybe even make a few forsake.....

Now that might be something available in the future.

This scheme is my fav