Falcon 7X build thread
 

Winter project started early this year.

After finishing the A321, I wanted to start another airliner project and was planning to build the B727-200. I then decided to go a bit bigger and picked the Falcon 7X. When the 78”x39”x26” box arrived, I got scared and started having second thoughts about my decision. After working on it for the past 2 weeks, I am convinced this is a great project.

This is not an ARF; it is a builder’s kit and does require a lot of attention to building details and strength. The good thing is that it is big and there is lots of room to work in.

I have just finished with the manual corrections and it can be found at:

www.altecare.com/falcon7xmanual.pdf

Here are the specs:

FALCON 7X Business Jet for a single 35 ~ 42 lbs thrust turbine
Scale: 1/7
Span: 150" - 3.80m
Length: 138" - 3.50m
Weight: 27 Kg - 59lbs
Turbine: Behotec 180 Kero start
Radio: Futaba 14MZ running a twin receivers (2.4GHz or 72Mhz under review due to the amount of carbon fiber lining in the kit).
Servos: JR8411 throughout.
Gyro: Dual gyro on rudder and ailerons
Power regulator and distribution system to be determined.

I will not be using flaps since the wings are so large, the plane lands slow like a glider. Besides, tests have shown that there is no impact on lift or drag between flaps retracted or deployed. This will save a couple of servos and some weight.

For now, I am not planning an interior to keep the weight down. After the test flight, I will work on the paint scheme. After that, I can worry about the interior.

All the moving surfaces have to be cut and hinged. So far elevators and ailerons are cut, ailerons have been hinged and the main retracts installed.

The good thing is that the fuselage can be transported in 2 pieces as well as the wings, which makes the plane transportable.

Here are some pictures. Will post more as I go along.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Great looking plane. Eric did a great job on that one. Keep us informed of your progress.

Painting it will be a fun one.

Billy

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Progress is slow but at least moving along at a steady pace.
Trial fitting everything before beginning to secure doors, retracts etc.
Not much room to move around once assembled, but lots of room to work inside.

Engine ordered, control electronics and batteries ready to fit inside fuse.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Changed your mind on the flaps, didn't you? Nice kit!

Bob

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Yes Bob it was a fair bit of work but it was well worth it.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Yea, you've got to have flaps on a commercial jet, for the look even if they aren't necessary aerodynamically! :D

Bob

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

WOW HOLY MACRO Peter!!!!![X(][X(][X(][X(].......

I thought it was big but that plane is GIGANTIC[sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif]!!!!!!!!!

No wonder you passed on 1/16th B727-200 from Rouch's models...

Just breath taking model!!...now would you be getting 45-55 pounder for it!!

Cant wait to see it all decked out on the beginning of runway for it's maiden flight!!...i wanna be there to witness it Pete....;)

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Peter,

I am in love with the Falcon 7X.... Can't wait to see her flying!!!

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Nacelles installed and glued, decided to finish the stabs today, although it was cold, the garage was heated but there is no way I can do this step inside. All servos done. Now I move onto the internal work, door cylinder installation, all retract/door tube plumbing, RX, fuel tank & lines as well as engine installation.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

I'm not normally a Falcon fan, but those winglets are teh sexy!

Beautiful airplane....

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

A small update.
Engine installed.
Also did an access hatch to connect the GSU when needed and control the shutoff valve since once the 2 fuse halves are attached together, it will be difficult to access.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Beautiful plane. I'm hoping to see it in video.


Hector

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Hector you can see it here. At the end of video. http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=DtdSPR...ices/video.php I think is the same video Peter got in his web page.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Yes that is the same video.
Today I finished the cabin door assembly and the control system to open and close it.

Picture and video link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRVTkW9QY0s

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Nice job Peter! Will look forward for complete product. It is servo or air operated? Don't forget the locking pin for the stair.

Alex

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Amazing aircraft ! WOW ! [X(]

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Hi Peter

May be a little early, but any ideas on paint schemes for the Falcon?

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Yes very early, test flight planned all white scheme in March or when the snow melts, whichever comes first..
I have been doing lots of research and the schemes are very scarce and I do not want factory colors.
If you have any ideas, I welcome them.
I will only be prepping the plane for painting and then it will be done by a professional.
I have neither the experience nor the space to paint such a large model.

Peter

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Here is a small update.
Retracts, doors, air cylinders, air systems and electronics finished. Will be using the 6 tube quick connect for the wings since there are 4 tubes per wing (2x brakes, retract air up and air down) and this will make life much easier at the field.

RX tray is ready, it needs 1 screw and it can be taken out of the plane. Power Box On/Off, Electronics control, air control as well as air & fuel fill also finished and will be accessible through the main cabin door. It also gets removed with 1 screw for easy access.

The next step takes the longest to organize all the wiring and tubing

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

a small update.
doors all finished (all 7) and sequenced.
retracts finished.
all throws set.
fuel system needs to be installed as well as some final clean-up then CG (most difficult due to size)...

here is a short video of the door sequence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7lzEaf3Gjc

Target test flight is March 09
No painting this season...just some light sanding and prep work for now.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Magnificint project Peter!!!
I only wish i could be there for the test flight.... Keep us posted, we will be waiting for looooooooooots of photos and video.

Have a nice day
Dany

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Hi Peter.
Great build! Wanna sell it?
3 Gyros!! Didnt realise it need that much "help"
Regards Al

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Thanks Dany and Ali

Ali, nope it does not any Gyros at all, in fact it is more stable than a glider and the prototype did not have any, however from my previous A321 1/16th scale model experience, I used a dual gyro on Ailerons and 1 on the rudder and the scale flight was just amazing and rock solid in the air.

Here I am using 3 Gyros because I am using the Power Box Royal and 1 channel per flying surface, and since there are no more dual gyros available from Futaba, I used 1 for left Ail and 1 for right Ail and one for the rudder.

Sent you a PM

regards

Peter

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Almost there, nose buttoned up, final tank installation and CG and then the big day.
It was a lot of work but well worth it. Much more work to prep and paint but that comes after the test flight.

RE: Falcon 7X build thread
 

Looking excellent Peter!
She is a beauty to be kept, i tell ya!
Can't wait for your maiden flight reports now, , , , ,

Sam[sm=thumbs_up.gif]