Comp ARF Flash update
 

Guys

Update on the Flash.
I ordered my kit on day one of the release. Because I knew it would come mid season and I'm really busy I decided to get some work pre done on my kit by one of the factory guys to make it a quick project to get flying.
The model was shipped in by Air to save time on the shipping...so I got my kit this week.
With servos installed and gear in the finish only took three days and I flew it today for the first time.
This is the first model fitted with full bye pass and the optional twin tank in the wing. I used a JetCat P120 that was spare, but having flown it P70-80 power is plenty. Mine is 10.2KG/22.5lb dry.
The c of g I have is 360mm from the rear of the tip tanks. 6 cell NiMH 3700 and two Li-Po 2100 TP 7.4v
Flight time at 10 minutes leaves over a 3rd in the fuselage tank, so 12 minutes is good.
I have my TO flap at 12mm and landing at 50mm, this is less than the instructions-but works well for me.
Model is neutral-no mix needed in knife edge.
4% DOWN elevator with flap is bang on.
Thick wing limits top speed, but it is plenty fast enough and slow speed is sweet. It feels lighter than the Lightning in the slow stuff.
Those that have one coming..you'll enjoy it.

It's really nice...yes I'm a Comp ARF rep...but it is!

Dave Wilshere

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Dave,

I'm not a Comp ARF rep but I'd wholeheartedly agree that it's a stunning looking aeroplane. Had to leave Wtn early today but look fwd to seeing it in the air (tomorrow at LM if you have time?).

Cheers,

Dick
England

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

That's great Dave, thanks for the update!!

Looking forward to getting mine even more now!! Just 3 weeks!!

Chris

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Looks great Dave, BTW any news on the release date of the "Spark"?

Cheers

Jeremy

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Great looking flash Dave! Any info on spark?
I would like the flash to come in this red white and blue scheme the lightening comes in.
http://www.composite-arf.com/arf/ima...165-total1.jpg

Joe

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Guys

A while yet...Lets get the Flash fully up and running...then

Regards

Dave

Custom scheme from your rep...

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Detail shot for those that asked.

This is my full flap position.

Dave Wilshere

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Dave,
Explain the wing tank setup, please. Is there a quick disconnect for the fuel system?
Thanks,
Bob

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

On the subject of the wing tank...

Has anyone test fit any of the readily available plastic tanks to see how they fit in the wing area. Of course I'd go with the Comp-Arf one, but it's a little hard for me to rationalize $114 for a 40oz fuel tank!

Thanks,
Joe

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

The manual for the Flash is posted on the Comp-ARF website and has some good pictures in it. It looks like there is a "quick disconnect" included in the wing tank kit to connect the wing tank to the fuse tank.

As far as fitting other tanks into the wing tank area, the dimensions of the wing tank bay are not shown, but from the pictures, it looks like the wing tank is specifically sized to contain the maximum amount of fuel in that area. Some other tanks might fit, but I'd be willing to bet that they won't be anywhere near 40 oz.

I ran into the same problem with an AD F-16 I'm building for a friend. The "stock" tanks for the F-16 from Jettech hold only 80 oz (40 per side). There is an area inside the fuselage on either side of the turbine that can hold additional tanks, but its not very big and oddly shaped. I looked all over and the biggest "regular" tank I could find that would fit in there was 8 oz. and the fittings would be very hard to get to. Lo and behold, I did some more looking and Jettech has a set of tanks specifically designed and molded to fit into that area and each one holds 20 oz. Problem solved, 40 X 2 + 20 X 2 = 120 oz. total, plenty of fuel for a Titan. Total price of the 2 20 oz aux. tanks (40 oz total) from Jettech, $115...

Bottom line, $114 for 40 oz of additional fuel isn't completely out of line and I doubt you'll find anything nearly that big that will fit...

Bob

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

I doubt there is a shutoff on the disconnect. I'm not sure I like this tank setup as this could be a source of an air leak and we know what happens next..........poof!

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Bob,

Actually, an air leak in an aux tank like this isn't that big of a deal. The main fuse tank will collect those bubbles and there is also a 180 ml header tank (which I will replace with a UAT) between the main fuse. tank and the engine. The only issue is if the fuse-to-wing tank leaks too much, you may empty the fuse tank before it in turn empties the wing tank and thus you'll run out of fuel before the wing tank is empty. However, I believe that the fuse tank is almost twice as large as the wing tank, so it would have to be a really bad connection between the fuse and wing tanks to cause that to happen - a few bubbles in that line however will be no problem at all.

Actually, looking at the manual again, it looks like the disconnect between the wing and fuse tanks is a simple Festo fitting. I normally won't put a Festo fitting on a suction line, but in this case, since the fuse tank is a big bubble filter, it should be fine...

Bob

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Dave,


When you get the time could you please post some pictures of the bottom the the aircraft, and the top straight down?..I would love to see the contrast from top to bottom...Also, will the kit come with or without a bypass?

Thanks,
Ron

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Guys

Yes, kit comes with a 6-6mm Festo joiner if you go two tanks. Bob with a P70 won't need the second tank unless he wants to use it for smoke...

An air leak there would not matter as far as running goes.
I'm going to change my 6-6 joiner for a 6-6 ball valve which allows the main tank to be sealed with the wing off.

Wing is too small (thin) for any std tank to fit.

Ron I will do shots-but the model is at home and I am off to a show tonight so it will be Monday now.

Regards

Dave

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

What is the pricing on the Flash?? I looked on the CA website and saw roughly $1700, but it doesnt mention anything about pipe/gear etc. What is the out the door price?

Mike

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Mike,
Submit a request for quote to the REP of your choice. it will include shipping charges too and how to make payment.

Dave

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Why is it that difficult to get the price that I have to submit a request???

Mike

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Dave, I have been studying the flash manual and photo sheets. Everything looks like a pretty enjoyable build but I have a question. On the doors there are balsa blocks that the purchaser has to create, do you have pictures of your gear doors that you can show? I am concerned that over time it would need to be re-worked. THanks for you candid flight review, are there any chances you might be taking some video? I'd consider an 80N engine after your comments to be quite sufficient for jet aerobatics? WHat is you final weight?

Mike, just click on the related items and add the gear price to the plane and about $100 shipping. I've had very good dealings with comp-arf.

Joe Kelley:D

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Joe,

Ill look again, I saw the lightening gear but no flash gear. Ill check it out. Does the price of the plane include the pipe/tanks?

Mike

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Found it... Thanks!
Mike

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

The price of the kit does include the pipe, bypass, and fuselage tanks. The wing tank is a $114 option...

Bob

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Joe

Back from the 3-D Masters.

80N is plenty of power, we have people aready intending to fit P60.
The model I saw with a P70 in Germany had more than enough for good aeros.
I think the P80 is the perfect solution, the full inlet production kits will be less draggy than the two prototypes I saw in Germany.
Mine is 22.3lb with a UAT full.
I only had the one quick flight and hope to fly it more this coming weekend, so I try and get someone to video it then.

Regards

Dave

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Joe etc

Here are a couple of bottom shots.
The wooden blocks are a little crude, but I think they will work well.
If they are stuck in place with silicon they can flex slightly. The gear and legs are solid so I'm sure everything will stay in line.

Regards

Dave

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Beautiful pictures Dave! Thank you! I ordered an all white flash yesterday and will be fitting robart 630 retracts but not sure about struts. Do you know the lenght of the struts?

Joe

RE: Comp ARF Flash update
 

Joe

I think you are making a mistake! I like Robart gear, but this Comp ARF system is more robust!
I can measure the legs, but the height above the pivot and distance/unit length will change that.
The factory units are quite compact.

Enjoy the model

Regards

Dave