Well you can have mine if you pry it out of my cold, dead fingers! Seriously, just build one from one of Mike's kits. He offers them in various stages at http://www.customairframes.com They go together pretty fast and it's not a difficult build. I don't exactly have a lot of free time and mine is almost ready for covering - I didn't get started building it until after New Years.
If for some reason you still don't feel like building one yourself, talk to Dean (handglider) or Mike.

John Pavlick

Hey Pete,

here are your two matched fuse boxes!

I'll get the flooring in and get some weights, but they are looking good. It took me about 5 hours so far to build the two fuse boxes from the kit parts. Pete's Custom RC Jig is really great to use and along with any laser set up it's easy to get it straight.

The VF3-X is starting flight testing down in Ocala, FL this weekend, I am on pins and needles.... can't wait to hear the flight reports. I've got my VF3 build ready to go.

cheers all!

Dean

Hey All,

just got a quick report from Ocala on the VF3-X's first flight - it went very well....

stay tuned for more info....

Pete's fuses came in at 10.2 oz and 10.5 oz - a matched set....

Dean,

Just got back from Disney....WOW those not only look great but the weights are FANTASIC. Thanks for the nice words about my jigs.

Now I just need to pull my vacuum bagging gear out and get all the foam sheeted. I can't wait have a pattern plane back since I sold my Focus to get my Black Magics.

I always wanted a matched air of planes.

Dean

When do we see more pictures of the vf3 components etc. I see you have them sitting on the bench next to the other frames you did. Im curious in the one of the support bracket whats the extra slot for ? Are the composite components different ? Did you do all the design work for it ?

Thanks

Troy

Just got a little more info on the VF3-X test flying today, and things went really well. Mike and the team are very happy with todays results. I am not sure if the prototype will be flown in the comp this weekend, but it sounds like it could from the report I just got. Jim Woodward was flying the FAI sequences on the second test flight. And put in a competitive round on the third test flight. They ended up with very little or no mix at this point - Mike mentioned they where splitting hairs with the mix. The plane also tracked very well in gusty conditions - Jim told me he kept saying - "look hands off" in some rough conditions....

I am going to start my V3 build 6 am tomorrow morning. Mike gave me the go ahead to start my build with no changes from the original design - they are just that happy with it. I already have sheeted cores - and I bet I can build the entire fuse this weekend.


DRAGON POWER BABY !

cheers,

Dean

Hi Troy,

Mike drew up the new plane in CAD and the parts are all laser or cnc cut. It looks like Mike is going to have to start a new VF3 thread when he gets back from the comp. I'll start posting pictures of my build soon.

oh - Mike is using 1/4-20 nylon bolts to secure the wing panels...

cheers mate!

dean

Pugs,

I have NO time and had Dean frame up my fuse crutches for me and I make the jigs.

The nice thing is the kits that Mike sells are very well done. You just need to buy some contest grade balsa to finish it up.

If you have any free time and like to build this would be the plane to build. I love to build but with my job, school and a 7 month old my time is nonexistent.

Pete,

yea, I am sitting here staring at them, and they are nice. I am going to do the flooring and just a little rough sanding and shaping on a couple of spots, I will also add the tri stock to the gear plates. then it's yours.....

I used west systems slow and thin ca - and just the right amount too. the parts fit really nice - I should of weighed the parts before but I don't think it could be much lighter at this point and they seem very strong. once I get the flooring in, the fuses will become really ridged and solid.


- they are sweet....

I just looked at my vac stuff and I need a new a new motor for my pump. Guess I'll be ordering one come Monday.

I'll be busy with mid terms this week but next weekend I'll be all over the new toys.

Pete,

I need a vac system for the shop, let me know what you getting...

Dean....call me at home tomorrow and we'll discuss. If you need the home number e-mail me.

I have a commercial grade vacuum pump now but used A/C compressors for years until I bought this setup. I'll get you pointed in the right direction.

Hi All,

Just got off the phone with Mike from sunny Ocala, Florida.

Here is a quote from the Dragon Master himself -

" The VF3-X far exceeded my expectations. At this point in the flight testing the plane is very close to perfect, it does everything well and has a number of pleasant surprises. Downline speeds are slow with the need to throttle up to maintain consistent speed, mixes are in the 1% range and are basically personal preference. The very first roller on the second flight that Jim Woodward flew would of scored a 9+. The plane tracks and penetrates very well in gusty conditions and throttle positions from 1/4 - 1/2 - 3/4 - have no effect on pitch flying across the box, the plane just tracks rock solid. "

Mike feels that this plane has eliminated any advantage of the electrics. And presents exceptionally well between the poles, with an aggressive look in the air. This plane has the looks.

I gotta tell you guys there is a lot of excitement coming from Mike and Jim Woodward regarding the first flights. Mike is going to start a new V3 thread soon. stay tuned!

Dean

Well, I'd say the cat is out of the bag now. I'm home, and wow what a weekend! 40+ contestants at a local contest, that's following 33 at the D3 champs and 35 at the tangerine....we seeing a pattern here? GMA is April 21-22, and word has it it could be the biggest in a very long time....I hope everyone that is remotely interested manages to come down, fly, have some fun and make a statement to the "pattern is dying" crowd

Finally, all of the blood sweat and tears have paid off....in spades. I'm not going into much detail yet, because it's too early. New plane euphoria is real, and I would rather not taint an objective analysis with too much emotion.

So I'll be brief: It has met every design criteria I had for it, and then some. I did not design the V2 with FAI primarily in mind, but this time I did. The VF3 is unfreakinbelievable. the prototype is competetive after only a couple of flights. And I mean F sequence competetive. Rock solid tracking, gorgeous controlled snaps, carves through rollers like butter, downlines are "money baby" (I think that was an exact quote LOL) and it flies the same inverted as upright, no wierd rudder yaw stuff in inverted pushes....just....unreal.

It's big. And I mean BIG. It flies big. The drag profile is really unique. You have to add power on downlines in many cases, and yet this thing will haul ass and penetrate even the nasty winds we experienced this weekend. It practically ignores turbulence. The rudder is extremely effective without being touchy.

I did notice that I had to work the rudder pretty good, a tad more than I'm used to. I believe it was because the flight speed was much slower, but I could feel the torque of the DZ. Line work was sick, I mean just like think it and it draws a perfect line hands off, radiuses carve themselves without much work at all.....you really have to "fly" this plane, but WOW does it present well!!!

Jim Woodward is doing the testing honors, and is as critical as they come. We were splitting hairs, really searching for any weaknesses, but so far none have really shown themselves yet. I know it must have some, but thus far, it's REALLY hard to find anything. With that said, it is now in Miami to be put through some hard testing and critical flying.

Quite a few people had thier hands on it. Not for any length of time, but everyone went straight into the F sequence...rollers, double avalanches (those were just sick!!!), vertical "S", and of course, Jason's on the deck "if it weren't Jason I'd be freaking out" stuff, KE loops, etc. All looked pretty freakin stunning to me. No "skidding". Eliminated.

I'm waiting to go into full production until I am comfortable that this plane is the best plane you can get your hands on, period. So far, it's really looking good [8D] I am not comfortable enough with it to recommend it for entry level pilots, because you have to be fairly proficient with the left stick or my gut feeling is it might eat you alive. But for masters/FAI, I already believe we have one hell of a good start!! We just need to shake it down as hard as we worked to design it. So, more later.

And yes, the V2.2 kits are and will be available for any who want them. That thing is still ultra competetive, ask Emory Schroeter, who just placed second to Donny Wright (check the masters lineup at Ocala) and he hadn't even touched his plane in 2 months until round one. Way to go brother!!!!!! Now if I don't get John Fuqua's ready he may kill me soon...LOL

-Mike

Oh one more thing, as for "removing the advantage of electrics". That was an off the cuff statement, in direct reference to the stability and speed control of this plane. It's ultra-smooth and controllable....WITH an electric set up, we shall find out very soon!! THAT should be a really wicked combination. I can't wait to see it.

-Mike

Nice looking design fat (just like she likes it), seemed to fly well from my vantage point. good work mike.



gary

If anybody has pictures of the 1/4" wing bolt system (access thru the canopy hatch) could you post some pic's? TIA

John Pavlick

Mike a couple of pages back you said to cut 3/16 of an inch off the back of the cowl. My instructions say 3/8 of an inch. I give which one is correct?

Thanks
Dennis

John,

I use 1/4-20 bolts from the inside of the fuse on a 1/4 scale Extra I have. I can e-mail you pictures tonight when I get home.

I really wish the electric set-ups where less expensive - I would would love to build an electric VF3 - I've got a new YS 160 ready for my build. But the thoughts of having a VF3 swinging that huge prop - wow...

spent tonight building my fuse sides and getting ready to build a fixture jig like I did back on page 7 of this thread for the VF3. Don't get me wrong - Pete's jig is great but I expect to be building a number of 3's - the fixture jig saves time in the long run - and it has a number of advantages. I decided at some point over last weekend to go the fixture jig set-up. So I guess this turn has slowed my progress a little. I still am planning on having my VF3 built by the end of April. And painting my V2.2 and VF3 at the same time....

later all, dean

Dennis:

3/16" and measure your mount. It could be as much as 3/8" depending on how long your spacing is...

-Mike

How about a little info on the type of motor mount for the 160, When funds come ready in 2 weeks I will be talking to mike on the new BM. an I will need to get up parts for this monster. Is there a one peice mount like this on I sed on my 140?

For an OS 160 use the same type - Hyde ARIA. Central has them. Not sure what everyone is using on the big YS.

John Pavlick

the Hyde ARIA is what I have for my OS160, looks just like the one pictured and cost almost as much as the engine