RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
 

Hi Stan

all I can say WOW!!! It makes me re consider our decision again...

Avi

checking in after i saw this thread.
I have a brand new fully assembled rafale that I havent flown since i bot it almost 10 years ago. too afraid to fly it.
I bot it without ever flying a jet and dont plan on it until i have flown others, whenever I get to it.
here it is.

Hi guys, need some help from those of you who have built the single version.

The tail pipe is fixed from the front end to the bypass with screws, but the rear end of the pipe i guess is supported with a wooded ring which glues into the rear tailcone, the problem is the rear tailcone wooden ring is too large, for support.http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2147937http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2147942

unfortunately i only have the twin setup plans for which the tailpipe mounting is different.

Thanks Chatty.

Chatty,

There is another set of wood rings (mounted about halfway back in the nozzles) that support the exhaust pipe. Attached is the best pic I have of it on my computer (sorry, on a business trip or I would have taken a better pic of my Rafale).

Jim
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2148070

Thanks Jim, I guess these are the same rings in my pics, which glue around half way in the nozzles,
just realised the rings do not contact the pipe at all 3 points, I guess contact at 2 points should be good enough. Unfortunately I do not have the single turbine plans which show the rings orientation.
a pic showing the wooden rings would be helpful for sure.

Thanks anyways.
Chatty.

Make new rings so they contact the pipe at all three points.

Jim

Or, just extend the 3 bumps on the rings you have for a snug fit. You could screw on small pieces of aluminum or glue on 1/8 inch or so of plywood. I don't think the exact location of the rings is critical as long as they secure the pipe.

Thanks Craig, thats exactly what i though of doing, just extending 1 tab with a piece of ply.

One more question guys, the L/G area has carbon plates reinforcement, not sure if BVM modified the design later, or if i still do need to install these plates as i see two formers in the fuse compare to the plans which show only 1. Bvm has no hole predrilled in the former, unless they expect the modeller to drill it.

Thanks Chatty.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2148152http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2148153

Can someone confirm what scale the BVM Rafale is? I'm assuming it's around 1/7th but can't find it listed anywhere in the manual or otherwise.....thanks

Aviation Design and BVM are the same, 1/7 Rafale !
https://www.aviation-design.fr/?rc-jet-model-rafale-1-7-scale

I've acquired one of these classic BVM jets....I don't know which pipe is in it, other than it seems to be in decent condition. I'm considering a K260 or a K210...Somewhat concerned about the strength of the pipe with 57Lbs thrust. There's the additional weight factor as well, although when you compare the weight of the old school turbines guys were running, it doesn't seem too critical..

Thoughts?

Before you fly the airplane, please measure the wall thickness of your wingtubes and post them here (or pm them to me). Wingtubes were upgraded a while ago and wings will fail with the old tubes and a 210/260. I'll measure mine and post it here too for people to have as reference.

The rafale will hit 250mph if you are not careful, so use power wisely. It is super fun to fly, and going from high alpha to vertical is a rush on this plane.

Also, be aware that it is and old school plane (kit came out 21 years ago) in the sense that it is a high wing loading, fast, power on type of plane, not the floaty style of airplane we are used to nowadays that you can just chop the power and glide it to the runway. It will keep you on your toes for sure. The BVM Rafale and BVM F100 are the two planes that after 30 years doing this, still get my heart pumping before take off :)

Enjoy!