Fly Eagle F-35A
06-05-2010 | 01:34 PM
#1
Fly Eagle F-35A
Couple of questions, since I haven't heard a whole lot about this model.
1. Anyone proactively flying one in the US?
2. Do the gear doors have a tight seal/neat fit?
3. How or what equipment is required to sequence the main gear doors? (BVM trip switches?)
4. How does it fly? Will it slow down nicely for landing?
5. What is the minimum size "no BS" engine recommended? (seems like a "good" P-120 SE in the upper 20's should do the trick).
6. Is the landing gear sturdy?
7. Any special or significant mods required? (apart from the nose gear door which I would split in two halves as soon as I get it).
8. Could you post some pics of your setup?
9. Would a 450ft @Sea Level runway cut it?
Lastly, is there or will there be an alternate supplier for this model?
Thanks,
David
1. Anyone proactively flying one in the US?
2. Do the gear doors have a tight seal/neat fit?
3. How or what equipment is required to sequence the main gear doors? (BVM trip switches?)
4. How does it fly? Will it slow down nicely for landing?
5. What is the minimum size "no BS" engine recommended? (seems like a "good" P-120 SE in the upper 20's should do the trick).
6. Is the landing gear sturdy?
7. Any special or significant mods required? (apart from the nose gear door which I would split in two halves as soon as I get it).
8. Could you post some pics of your setup?
9. Would a 450ft @Sea Level runway cut it?
Lastly, is there or will there be an alternate supplier for this model?
Thanks,
David
06-05-2010 | 03:11 PM
#5
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
I'm being optimistic but I think no one's bit the bullet in the US. I guess I would for the right price.
But I don't want to have to buy one at regular price and have to re-engineer it, I have enough with the full scale version.
This one's for fun. [8D]
But I don't want to have to buy one at regular price and have to re-engineer it, I have enough with the full scale version.
This one's for fun. [8D]
06-05-2010 | 03:36 PM
#9
My Feedback: (21)
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
David
i think BenBrook would be a stretch amigo. she's only 3 inches shorter than my F4 but not having gear in the wings will help keep the weight in the mid 30s.
i'm sure a P120 would push her along nicely though. If you keep the nose up and balance her on the L/D curve, you might be able to drop it in on the 450'. brakes will be smokin
good looking jet though
i think BenBrook would be a stretch amigo. she's only 3 inches shorter than my F4 but not having gear in the wings will help keep the weight in the mid 30s.
i'm sure a P120 would push her along nicely though. If you keep the nose up and balance her on the L/D curve, you might be able to drop it in on the 450'. brakes will be smokin
good looking jet though
06-09-2010 | 02:35 AM
#12
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From: Nordborg, DENMARK
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
I'm also very interested as I'm currently working on my own molds for the Lightning II.
I read a building thread on the german forum on the FEJ F-35. It's a dead end as well. No update since April 30.
I read a building thread on the german forum on the FEJ F-35. It's a dead end as well. No update since April 30.
06-09-2010 | 06:17 AM
#13
My Feedback: (51)
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
ORIGINAL: FalconWings
Looks like a clone..........we'll......
....not really a clone if it comes out of the same mold.
Looks like a clone..........we'll......
....not really a clone if it comes out of the same mold.
Do JL and FEJ share molds ?
I would get the JL version over FEJ - their quality and customer service is definitely better.
06-09-2010 | 06:33 AM
#14
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
ORIGINAL: i3dm
Do JL and FEJ share molds ?
I would get the JL version over FEJ - their quality and customer service is definitely better.
ORIGINAL: FalconWings
Looks like a clone..........we'll..........not really a clone if it comes out of the same mold.
Looks like a clone..........we'll......
....not really a clone if it comes out of the same mold.
Do JL and FEJ share molds ?
I would get the JL version over FEJ - their quality and customer service is definitely better.
Not sure if it is the same molds, but they are both made out of a unique F-35AA. Not sure why anyone would make more than one mold of a unique test plane.
David
06-09-2010 | 06:37 AM
#15
My Feedback: (51)
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
David,
JL has a great line. the problem with the F-20 was an isolated problem from wht i can tell, and even that was taken care of after some testing.
I personally flew more than 8 different JL (F-16, F-15, T-45, Gripen, F-20 etc) jets and probably about 5 FEJ (F-15, F-16 etc) jets - trust me the JL are built much better quality wise, and in all honesty, the ones i flew also flew better than their (heavy) FEJ counter parts.
If you want to compare issues - read some FEJ threads. there are endless design and manufacturing issues with them.
My friend had his tail pipe explode on his brand new FEJ F-16 on the first start and the model burned. he is waiting for a new one for over a year now to no avail.
JL has a great line. the problem with the F-20 was an isolated problem from wht i can tell, and even that was taken care of after some testing.
I personally flew more than 8 different JL (F-16, F-15, T-45, Gripen, F-20 etc) jets and probably about 5 FEJ (F-15, F-16 etc) jets - trust me the JL are built much better quality wise, and in all honesty, the ones i flew also flew better than their (heavy) FEJ counter parts.
If you want to compare issues - read some FEJ threads. there are endless design and manufacturing issues with them.
My friend had his tail pipe explode on his brand new FEJ F-16 on the first start and the model burned. he is waiting for a new one for over a year now to no avail.
06-09-2010 | 06:58 AM
#16
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
ORIGINAL: i3dm
If you want to compare issues - read some FEJ threads. there are endless design and manufacturing issues with them.
My friend had his tail pipe explode on his brand new FEJ F-16 on the first start and the model burned. he is waiting for a new one for over a year now to no avail.
If you want to compare issues - read some FEJ threads. there are endless design and manufacturing issues with them.
My friend had his tail pipe explode on his brand new FEJ F-16 on the first start and the model burned. he is waiting for a new one for over a year now to no avail.
I have noticed that the fiberglass on my JL F-16 and the wood used is much finer than that of FEJ and SM, but I'm sure there is a strength penalty involved somewhere. FE seams like they cure the glass cloth with CA. But apparently it works.
06-09-2010 | 08:11 AM
#17
My Feedback: (24)
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
I would *NOT* be the first person in the US to buy and attempt to fly any FEJ plane. I did that twice and it was not fun. I think they are getting a little better, but you still see FEJ reps. leaving the company because of various issues, including lack of support for fixes from the factory.
At the same time, I would not be the first person to buy a JL plane either - the exception being if it comes through GJC. Mike's crew actually tests the stuff and offers good support...
Bob
At the same time, I would not be the first person to buy a JL plane either - the exception being if it comes through GJC. Mike's crew actually tests the stuff and offers good support...
Bob
06-09-2010 | 08:27 AM
#18
My Feedback: (57)
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
David,
I have flown the plane twice, with a Titan-SE for power, JR 8711 elevators and 8411 on the ailerons/flaps , overall the construction is good, a few areas in the nose where it looks like it needed more resin
I did re-enforced a few areas, just behind the turbine access hatch, and the bottom side of the intakes, doors fit very good, and air system works with no leaks, Im using the multivalve they offer, it comes in at 33 pounds dry, good presence in the air, the landing gear is good, and strong,could be better, brakes are also good.
the cg is set up per the instructions, a bit nose heavy, it takes a long run before it jumps up in the air similar to some f-16, takeoff flaps did not make a difference, need to work on the cg, and tune down the elevator throws, it slows down very good with a nose high attitude similar to an F-16.
Ill fly it again this weekend and look at the distance it takes before takeoff, we fly of a 4500 foot runway and did not pay close attention, I just know it took longer than other planes.
I contacted Stig since he has flown a smaller version, I wanted to compare the cg location and it seems to be in the same area. anyway hope this helps
Roberto
I have flown the plane twice, with a Titan-SE for power, JR 8711 elevators and 8411 on the ailerons/flaps , overall the construction is good, a few areas in the nose where it looks like it needed more resin
I did re-enforced a few areas, just behind the turbine access hatch, and the bottom side of the intakes, doors fit very good, and air system works with no leaks, Im using the multivalve they offer, it comes in at 33 pounds dry, good presence in the air, the landing gear is good, and strong,could be better, brakes are also good.
the cg is set up per the instructions, a bit nose heavy, it takes a long run before it jumps up in the air similar to some f-16, takeoff flaps did not make a difference, need to work on the cg, and tune down the elevator throws, it slows down very good with a nose high attitude similar to an F-16.
Ill fly it again this weekend and look at the distance it takes before takeoff, we fly of a 4500 foot runway and did not pay close attention, I just know it took longer than other planes.
I contacted Stig since he has flown a smaller version, I wanted to compare the cg location and it seems to be in the same area. anyway hope this helps
Roberto
06-09-2010 | 08:50 AM
#19
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
Roberto, thanks a lot for your feedback, it gives me confidence to know that someone else is flying it now. At the very least we could exchange some info. 33# dry seems pretty good considering the size.
If you do move the CG Aft, please post your findings regarding effect on throws and takeoff roll. The F-35 lands at about 10-15 degrees AOA, very similar to the Viper.........which helps it land at a crawl literally.
If you do move the CG Aft, please post your findings regarding effect on throws and takeoff roll. The F-35 lands at about 10-15 degrees AOA, very similar to the Viper.........which helps it land at a crawl literally.
06-09-2010 | 11:39 AM
#20
My Feedback: (21)
RE: Fly Eagle F-35A
Roberto
where in Seattle do you fly?
where in Seattle do you fly?
ORIGINAL: loucel-RCU
David,
I have flown the plane twice, with a Titan-SE for power, JR 8711 elevators and 8411 on the ailerons/flaps , overall the construction is good, a few areas in the nose where it looks like it needed more resin
I did re-enforced a few areas, just behind the turbine access hatch, and the bottom side of the intakes, doors fit very good, and air system works with no leaks, Im using the multivalve they offer, it comes in at 33 pounds dry, good presence in the air, the landing gear is good, and strong,could be better, brakes are also good.
the cg is set up per the instructions, a bit nose heavy, it takes a long run before it jumps up in the air similar to some f-16, takeoff flaps did not make a difference, need to work on the cg, and tune down the elevator throws, it slows down very good with a nose high attitude similar to an F-16.
Ill fly it again this weekend and look at the distance it takes before takeoff, we fly of a 4500 foot runway and did not pay close attention, I just know it took longer than other planes.
I contacted Stig since he has flown a smaller version, I wanted to compare the cg location and it seems to be in the same area. anyway hope this helps
Roberto
David,
I have flown the plane twice, with a Titan-SE for power, JR 8711 elevators and 8411 on the ailerons/flaps , overall the construction is good, a few areas in the nose where it looks like it needed more resin
I did re-enforced a few areas, just behind the turbine access hatch, and the bottom side of the intakes, doors fit very good, and air system works with no leaks, Im using the multivalve they offer, it comes in at 33 pounds dry, good presence in the air, the landing gear is good, and strong,could be better, brakes are also good.
the cg is set up per the instructions, a bit nose heavy, it takes a long run before it jumps up in the air similar to some f-16, takeoff flaps did not make a difference, need to work on the cg, and tune down the elevator throws, it slows down very good with a nose high attitude similar to an F-16.
Ill fly it again this weekend and look at the distance it takes before takeoff, we fly of a 4500 foot runway and did not pay close attention, I just know it took longer than other planes.
I contacted Stig since he has flown a smaller version, I wanted to compare the cg location and it seems to be in the same area. anyway hope this helps
Roberto
