I have just finished my BVM Mig-15 powered by a JetCat P-70. The overall dry weight came out at a little over 23 lbs. Bvm states the top weight should be 22 lbs. Will this be a big wing loading problem, or will it still fly OK?
The BVM main gear are squatting already. Is this a characteristic of this particular type of gear?
I need some advise from you Mig-15 builders. BTW it is the newer A.F.S. version kit.

John S.

Hi John,

if possible could you please post a picture of what you're referring to regarding your gear squatting?

You will be just fine at that weight, I tell you this because my Mig came in at 25 lbs "Dry" and almost 30 Lbs wet and she flies like a dream. Although it was not an AFS version the biggest problem I had was if I had a hard landing, the wings are the weakest point on mine due to the all wood built up wings. You will not have that problem as that was one of the main reasons BVM introduced the AFS version and it's lighter weight.

Here's a picture of mine for you to use as reference regarding the gear.




Good luck.

That weight is light. The struts are designed to be about 1/2 compressed when sitting on the groung. Trust me she will be fine. ITs a BIG wing. Mine were about 25 dry also.

Hi John,
My MIG-15 was the earlier all built up version. Originally the kit & gear was designed to be powered by a D/F, the D/F versions came in around 17lbs. The main landing gear springs were designed for that weight. It sounds like your gear need to be modified by removing the springs, and replacing them with stronger ones.

Order two from Century Spring Co. Inc. Los Angeles, Ca. (213) 749-1466. At one time all you had to do was call them and they would send you two for "testing" hoping you were going to order a box full I guess. Anyway they mailed them with-in a couple of days at no cost.

The catalog number is NN-79; you'll have to cut them slightly for proper length!! When you install these the MIG will then sit up better not so tail low. The tail low look is neat, but part of the bounce on landing problem others have had is do to the nose wheel tending to touch first and touch with more spring!
Lee H. DeMary
AMA 36099

Thanks for the input guys. I feel a lot better already.
Jetflyer I am on the road this weekend so I can't post any pix. From the looks of your Mig, mine is siting the same way. Lee, I will look into the stronger springs since mine appears to be fully compressed dry.

Joh n S.