Hi guys,

I have finished swapping my booster 160 for a P180 and an now onto installing my new bigger tank.

Please can anyone who has installed the larger 5.8L tank from Skygate post some pics. Resting the tank in place shows it completely blocks the ends of the inlet ducts!?! Did you reshape/cut yours back??

Pylons and drop tanks are in paint. Just the drogue chute to fit (Dan, d'ya get by mail?!)

Rgds,
Mark

Mark,

I installed two 16 oz saddle tanks, one on each side of the original tank. I didn't know they had molded a new tank, but the extra 32 oz along with using an external taxi tank, gives me 7.5 minutes from takeoff to landing pattern. I've usually got the UAT plus a few ozs still in the tank for taxi back.

As for the inlets, yeah, just shave them back a bit. I can't see any problem.

I let Ali fly my Hawk at CA Jets earlier this month. Now I know what this plane is really capable of!

David S

Hi David,

Thanks for the info.

I've attached a few pics of the issue. Perhaps the guys from Kuwait could help - I believe they have the bigger tanks?

Rgds,
Mark

Hi Mark

I hope to have my bigger tank soon. It looks like you just have to trim the intakes back just a little. I'm also working on getting my chute installed! I will follow what David S. did with the release setup.

again, it looks like its just a trim job from looking at the pictures.


Best,
Ro

Hey Ro,

Yeah, that was what I was going to do.

I am thinking that I'll leave the frontmost part of the ducts up against the tank like that and cut them at an angle backwards. The idea being that the air comes in and is directed back past the tank with the tank kind of acting as a duct?

I don't think the P180 will have trouble with that? Do you?

Cheers,
Mark

Hey Mark,

I received your e-mail. Chute stuff's on the way. By the way, you can use an AUX tank in the gun pod. I make 3 different sizes for the Hawk. You can use 1or2) 32oz, 1) 65 oz or 1) 100oz. Nothing to fit or ducting to block, they just drop right into the center tank bay inside the gunpod. I have several customers using 1 65oz for extra fuel and the 32oz which fits along side the 65oz for smoke oil. The Hawk handles the extra weight without any problems. Plumbing is very simple as well. The Cougar pylons are looking good too. Can't wait to get them back and finished.

Dan

I think thats a good idea Mark. I will do the same. Would have been nice have a full bypass from the intakes. Not a big deal though

Hi Mark,

I've got the same problem, I almost finish builting my kit and it's about the time to order the tank for my Hawk; I'd like to fit the big Skygate Tank 5,6 Lt as well (with P-180 or P-200, didn't decided yet).

How did you solve the issue? any pictures? Does the P-180 suffer any intake-area reduction?

If a ducts trim is necessary, is the cut-out visible from outside?

best regards,

depo

depo,

I just cut my ducts back at an angle so the air comes in and is 'ducted' to the turbine by running over the tank. Have had no obvious lack of air issues with the P180.

I am about to sell my Hawk as I have gone for the new TomaHawk Hawk with a P200SX. Hoping to fully duct that one.

Rgds,
Mark

Mack,

Tomahawk Hawk seams a great choice as well!!

I'll try to order the big tank at first.

Have fun and thank you.

depo

Hi Mark, in Kuwait and Dubai we have used BVM saddle tanks. BVM Mig 15 saddle tanks, King Cat salle tanks and Sabre 80" tanks.

rgs,

Leon

Hey Mark,

I am flying my Skygate Hawk with a P-200 and would like to share these issues and also ask some questions:

1. I didn't know that Skygate produced a bigger tank so I am using the standard 4 litre tank with two BVM saddle tanks (0.75L eack, from MiG-15), mounted on either side of the upper fuselage. does the bigger tank have a baffle inside?

2. The P-200 (and P-180) are the same length and due to the much longer starter motor the fuel tank has to be moved forward about 20mm. Does the bigger tank have the same issue?

3. This fuel capacity of 5.5L gives me a comfortable 8 min flying time and I usually land with a reasonable reserve of 1.5L.

4. I would cut the inlet ducts just like you said, at the rear, but make sure you cut them far enough to leave about 2" gap as the P-200 / 180 demand a HUGE ammount of air.

5. Also I recommend you use a FOD Guard, Ali sells them.

I have actually just ordered the P-200SX for my Hawk and will put the existing P-200 into my Ultra Bandit.

Cheers,

Darryl Tarr

Hi Darryl/Leon,

I've had about 11 flights with the hawk on the P180 with the inlet ducts cut back and all has been fine. The bigger tank (available separately from Skygate and now Tomahawk Design) and P180 is much better all round - more power, more half throttle flying, more fuel left upon landing, more flight time and much simpler fuel line setup (without all those saddle tanks etc).

I have a P200SX going in my new TomaHawk Hawk which should be a perfect combo.

I'm sure Ali can stretch to a FOD guard seeing as he is having my SG Hawk off me

Cheers,
Mark

Dont go taking the pi$$ now