Well, after my mad rush to get the Tango built in less than I week.... I can happily say, first flight was a huge success.

Takeoff was smooth and non-eventful, climb-out was at about 35deg at full P-80 power. I initiated my first turn, Three clicks of aileron, two clicks of elevator is all it took to lock the plane in trim. By my second pass my spotter asked how it felt, my response...... I've already flown this plane! The Tango feels almost identical to my Bobcat. By my third pass I was looping, rolling and even added a snap or two in. I never exceeded 1/2 throttle except for my up-lines, the tango is clean and flys at a nice clip at half power. This plane is a delight to fly..... Flaps required a slight mix of up elevator (as expected) and by the third flight I had the mix dead on (about 15%). First landing was at full flap with no speedbrake and I had three small bounces before it finally touched down for a smooth roll out. During my discussions with Don (planes plus) about the flight performance, I had mentioned that I felt the nose gear strut was too long and made the plane slightly more difficult to land. He happened to have a shorter strut with him and I immediately installed it on the plane. The shorter stut reduced the AOA and the plane planted itself perfectly on the second flight. I did have the nose gear mount break loose on me and I have since redesigned the nose gear mounting which will be incorporated in all future kits along with the shorter strut. Unfortunately, in my rush to get the plane done I did not take as many pictures as I would have like for you guys. I will probably be building a second one soon and will do a complete build pictorial if there is interest. For those looking for a great flying plane that is grass field capable and will fly on 12 to 20 lbs the tango fits the bill perfectly. BTW...the tanks hold approx 120oz, enough for 12-14 minute flights on my P-80!

Todd

Todd, here are a couple of pictures Crissy took during your first flight. Two thumbs up on this jet, and great flight.

Dave

Nice shots dave! Thanks!!

Sorry we didnt get the mirage up but she wasn't ready . Get the gremlins worked out and we'll get it done in Ocala.

TTYS,
Todd

Way to go Todd! In a week

Congratulations Todd on another successful maiden!

Many thanks for the flight report...

Question, though...did the shorter nose strut make any difference to the take off?

congrats todd...!!!

Hey Todd.

Great to hear about the first flight. Congratulations.

I heard that that there will be some Tango kits coming to Denmark as well. Maybe I should get me one[8D]

That was great!!!!!!! Congratulations Todd. One week and a well done pay!

Regards
Alejandro

Thanks Guys, Although I dont suggest anyone builds a jet and flies it in less than a week unless you have lots of jet building experience. While I did build this plane quick, no shortcuts were taken!

Nony,
The shorter strut did not affect take-off, it still had some positive AOA. I am working out the final lenth of the strut as I still believe this airplane will land best at 0 deg AOA and rotate just fine.

Stig,
You'll like the Tango, very pattern feeling. Almost identical to the Bobcat. Good quality kit for the price! Are you planning to attend FJ again this year?

Todd

BTW..... The Tango is rigged with Duralite Plus batteries on both the ECU and RX. I can fly 8-9 15 min flights before needeing to recharge. I love these batteries!!!!

I hope. At least I still have one week of vacation left, so, if my wife lets me, I will attend.

I have hard planes being compared to the Bobcat before, but for those of us who have never flown a Bobcat, what exactly is the Bobcat feeling anyway? Would this be a good first turbine airframe with a P-80?

Good Question Scott,

The Tango (and Bobcat) feel very much like a pattern plane (on steroids ). Very smooth and predictable in both slow and high speed flight.
This would be an excellent first turbine airframe on any engine 12lbs and up and will handle short field/ grass strips nicely.

Thanks Todd. I have my eye on one of these or one of the other new versions of classic airframes (Kangaroo, Harpoon etc.) that Planes Plus is coming out with. I especially like the deal where if you buy a turbine from them they throw in the Tango for free!

My line of thinking is to buy the turbine from them and get the Tango to use as a first turbine airframe. Then later move the turbine into one of those Skymaster F-15's as a second jet.

Yes please! A Tango build pictorial would be excellent.

Todd, you know I'm in for the pictorial.

Todd....what does it weigh ready to fly.....??

todd a pictorial will be a good idea indeed. Does it weigh as much as a roo by any chance? I have roo SA gears lying around and was wondering if they will be able to take the load of the tango.

Pictorial please!

Although I have not weighed the Tango, I estimate the dry weight to be around 17-18lbs with a P-80. I'll check it tonight and post the actual weight....