Was wondering if anyone has flown both versions of the Skymaster F-15 - Elevon only version and the Elevator & Aileron version. Would like to hear what option would be better to go with.

Also, anyone flying this jet off grass? And if so, what is the take off run with say a 18 to 20lb turbine.

TIA,

JR Gautreaux

I would also be interested to know what length of runway would be required to land the F15.
We have about 150 metres of tarmac.

Friend of mine is a Skymaster Rep and has flown them both to determine exactly the answer to your question - he says the elevator and aileron version is a better flyer for sure.

Rgds,
Mark

JR,
I have the elevator/aileron setup,and am very pleased with it.My plane has a 25 lb turbine in it,and weighs 23 lbs empty.I have a Tam smoker in it,with 40 oz fluid.I'm guessing at a 32 lb takeoff weight.I have flown it off concrete and grass.I can horse it off the grass in a little less than 300 ft,but that isn't very comfortable.With an 18 lb motor,you're gonna need 500 ft of grass.The plane really slows well,especially with flaps,and lands and stops well.I have had an issue with stress cracks developing on the side of the fuselage in line with the forward edge of the main gear wheel wells/gear doors,when flying it off grass.I believe it happens on takeoff roll when the main gear drag in the grass with the heavy weight.They reinforced the fuse with carbon fiber around the gear flex plate/engine mount area,but should have extended it forward of the wheel well,as that is a weak point when the airplane flexes under load.I reinforced the cracking area with 3 layers of 8 oz cloth,and epoxy,and have flown off grass 5 times since then with no trouble.I would say the quality of the grass I fly off is medium to good,but not excellent.
Jascat,
150 meters of pavement is definitely enough to takeoff,and will be enough to land when you're comfortable with the jet,as it does slow very well,but I would start with a little more for comfort,until you get used to it.I hope this helps guys,and Good luck!![8D]
Erik

I have flown both versions of the SM F15 and my preferance is taileron only. Very simple setup and in my opinion has much better roll than the aileron version. We've actually added Ailevator to the aileron version to make the roll rate feel better. It really comes down to flaps. If you have a shorter field or less than a 20lb engine the flaps will help shorten takeoff by about 150 - 200 ft.

Todd

Thanks guys. I appreciate the information. My primary flying site is a 600 feet grass runway that is pretty good. The grass is always cut low and aside from some bumps here and there, the runway is pretty good. Only problem is there are barbed wire fences on both ends. So if I don't get off the ground, or if I over shoot the landing....damage occurs and I'm back in the workshop.

The second flying site close to my house is at NASA (Johnson Space Center), but I've been wondering if I should fly a turbine there. I'm a very conservative flyer and fly pretty much the pattern my whole flight. I just enjoy the sound and realism a turbine jet give you. But anyway, I would hate to have a mishap on NASA property. Might cause quite a stir for the Space Center and R/C Club.

Thanks again guys.

JR Gautreaux

i have flown avonds f15, aviation design f16 and christian diffusion f22 (6 more flights today) all with tailerons. they feel great to me and roll nice. having said that my experience with the other is zero. but for a sport flyer, tailerons are simple. my .02 barry