SR-71 flies

[U812]

Just got back from the field. The Hobby Lab SR-71 flies great.

I eased the power up and it was airborne in a heart beat. The ailerons were very sensitive to say the least. It got side ways as the trim was off. Hit the runway skipped, then I hit full power (about 300 watts or 240 watts per pound) and it took of skyward like it had a rocket in it.

Got it up high and turned the mental duel rates on as the duel rates were already turned on. Got use to it. Tried some slow speed at 1/3 power, still flew well and then brought her on to final for a nice nose high landing and taxied back.

All I can say is WOW! This thing really moves. I need to cut back the aileron throws to about 1/8 of an inch each way. I had almost 1/4 way too much. It was a handful. But pitch was good, CG was good although I felt it could be moved back a bit I'm going to leave it right where it is.

Set up is:

Astro 020 5T with a 3 blade cox pusher prop

Koham 1020 pack

Fixed gear

AUW about 19 oz.

Once it was up I reduced the throttle down to about 250 watts and 17-18 amps. But those 5 second burst of 300 watts was a rush.

The plane flies very well. Especially considering the roll throws were so over the top. It corrected well and held the ball.

We did get video too. I have to wait to get a copy of it though and will post it here when I do. The video shows the whole thing too, take off and landing.

Steve :)

[Haldor]

Mach3.6 achieved yet?

[termite]

Steve,

This is great news!!!! Can't wait to see the video!!!!!!!!!

Is there a kit in the future??????????????

Randy

[U812]

Haldor,

Darn near.;)

Randy,

I'm looking at ways it could be done. Basically making a new one the same size but in glass. I think it should be done so more pilots could have one. I really didn't expect it to fly so well.

Then there's that bigger one some day for either two mini fans or a single mounted in the center that exits the rear cone. This way you can have the scale shock cones and it's easier to set up if not less money.

Steve

[termite]

Steve,

2 minifans would be way cool, sign me up!!!!

I've got 2 of the HobbyLab R/C version but their worth way to much to be converting ( sold one last winter at auction, $299.00 )

I'd rather buy a GLASS kit!!!! I'll be watching.

Randy

[U812]

Randy,

the problem with the twin is no shock cones. It really robs it of the scale look.

That's why a single fan in the middle with a cheater hole would look better I think. I saw a turbine power SR done this way. There was a video of it here on EZone somewhere and it was a good cheat. Just thinking about it.

You don't miss the point at the back as much as the shock cones.

Steve

[AMTJIM]

That is a hobby lab SR-71, Quantum hobbies sold them recently for 39.99 each, limited time offer on a pile of old stock they came across.

[Thomas B]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the SR so much. I always knew one would do well with lots of watts installed!

Yours is the first one with landing gear that I have ever seen and you may have inspired me to do the same..;)

For a real thrill, let me get you another SR-71 model, leave in the rocket motor mounts and insert an Aerotech G-40 rocket motor.....that is the fastest thing I have ever flown going straight up...:)

Off the pad, the model has a thrust to weight of about 14 for a fraction of a second, then settles down to a thrust to weight of more than 10-1...:)

I see you found some decals while I was out of touch....I still have some for you, if you need to replace somone elses that you borrowed, or whatever.

With that working so well, it would be cool to see if we could get the molds back from China....would cost a fortune, though.

[hoser]

Do a single fan one steve!

well done

[U812]

Thomas thanks,

What about pulling a new mold off a virgin SR? What a the legalities envolved if any? then they could be made in glass, have some panel lines and real tail cones. The thing flies so well it would be a shame to loose it for the modeling community.

God I love to have another one. Just in case. don't know about the rocket motor there's all kinds of restictions in this liberal state. Can't fly them in LA county!

I can use those decals for sure.

Thanks gain Thomas, you designed a good ship!

Steve

[termite]

Steve,

You're right, it wouldn't look right without the cones!!!!

Either way if ya produce a glass kit It'll be something I and many others would want in our fleets.

Randy

[bipeflyer]

Nice job Steve, looking forward to the movie, sleek bird. :)

Matt

[monkamarm2000]

I know what you mean about the ailerons Steve, and on very fast deltas it gets even trickier cause they get more powerful the faster it goes, so what works at regular speeds, ends up as blindingly fast throws at top speeds.

Barry

[Thomas B]

Steve, I will drop by my source of remaining SR-71 and try to find a couple of more really good ones, plus some extra parts like shock cones and such. I liek thje idea of preserving and improving it.

Honestly, I think copying it in glass is a total non issue. That thing is massively dead and gone, commercially speaking. I would suggest taking the best and straightest one I can find for you and doing some body work on it to tweak the airfoil and perhaps add some surface detail, sharpen up the chine, fix some of those commen dents around the inlets, all that sort of thing, then make a mold and call it your own, with my compliments...:)

Thanks for the compliment. I had a lot of fun doing the development work on the SR back in the early and mid '90's. I need to scan in the old product flyers and show you the other models we had in the works.....MD-80, F-14, B-2 (WAY before Global and the one that Megatech imports) and even an A-10.

We used to have a lot of fun flying the SR around on a Black Widow .049...a little marginal, but loads of fun..

[U812]

Thanks a bunch Thomas that's great to hear. All I could think of is what a loss it would be to the modelers not to have access to this fun bird. Everyone just about wants a SR.

Big EDF versions would be very costly but this version would be something that everyone could have in their fleet. It looks so darn cool in the air and if you can fly a Wattage Mirage you can fly this one.

You read my thoughts perfectly on the re due and I concur. There sure wouldn't be much to build as the kit would be a one piece fuse with a battery hatch and equipment access hatch as separate pieces. Just add your tails motor and go.

I suppose you could even install a single micro fan with a hot hacker in the middle of the plane and the exhaust would exit the rear cone.

Very cool Thomas. As soon as you can get it to me I'll spruce it up and make a mold. I think I can lay it all up and then get some one I no local to cast the mold for me.

Thanks again Thomas, this bird isn't dead yet! :)

Steve

[U812]

BTW, with 250 watts this one was not marginal at all. More than enough power!

Steve

[Hawker]

Congrats Steve! I can't wait to see video of that Blackbird flying. :D

[EAMRC]

Great Job Steve !!!!

[bruff]

? :confused:

[Kevin Cox]

Congrats Steve.

I agree Bob :D

[U812]

Thanks Hawker, and Kevin.

I always did want to fly the SR. Who doesn't right? Never saw the prop just a black blur going by.:)

Steve

[badbill]

I have one of these, rocket power, that has 30+ flights on E-15PW and E-18W reloads. Always a showstopper. Wouldn't convert it to electric though. It is just SO right on the rocket power. Plenty of electric stuff to impress folks with anyway :-)

Bill Davenport
AMA 28141

[Thomas B]

Oh, badbill, there is always room for an electric SR-71. It is fun to have some horizontal thrills as well as vertical thrills, and the cost per flight is a little bit better, as well....:D

Drop me a PM if you want a contact for another model for E power.

Nothing beats seeing that shape streak across the sky.

A side note: A couple of my coworkers are electric guitar builders and one of them did an SR-71 electric guitar a few years back. If there is any interest, I could get a picture. It was way cool.

[U812]

Thomas I have to agree. This is really flying the SR. Speeds well over 100 mph and it goes where you put it. I think the glass version is a must now that I have a source for lay ups and molds.

The question is do you guys want it? I know I do. Maybe I should post in scale props as well.

Steve

[demetrius]

Guys i must tell you that it took off like a rocket! And i really didn't expect that kind of power and performance. Oh and by the way, i was standing right next to him. heh heh! Very nice Steve i'm picking up one this week!

[badbill]

Guys i must tell you that it took off like a rocket! And i really didn't expect that kind of power and performance. Oh and by the way, i was standing right next to him. heh heh! Very nice Steve i'm picking up one this week!

Where can one find these at nowadays?

Thanks,
Bill Davenport
AMA 28141

[U812]

Hey Andrew thanks man. You go get that one I told you about. Tell Jay I said hi. ;)

Get use to it as there will be a glass version down the road here.

Bill I don't know. I just know of one that's been sitting in a LHS for years that I told Andrew about. I am going to make a glass version of the same plane so there will be more to come.

Steve

[termite]

If ya gotta have one look under rocketry on E-Bay and also at www.rocketryonline.com

Same fella lists one ( glider version ) at each auction site every week, usually sell around $75.00 -$80.00

Randy

[U812]

Guys we are going to do this as a kit for sure. That was finalized today.

I'll start a new thread when Thomas gets me the virgin fuse. Lots of improvements will be made and scale detail will be added. Like scale exhaust cones, panel lines, sharp nose and hatches for the battery and equipment access.:)

Steve

[drksyd]

Steve,
I'm in this one for sure. If you need one, I can send you a kit to model from. I've been waiting for this for a long time.

[sguty]

...For a real thrill, let me get you another SR-71 model, leave in the rocket motor mounts and insert an Aerotech G-40 rocket motor.....that is the fastest thing I have ever flown going straight up...:)

Off the pad, the model has a thrust to weight of about 14 for a fraction of a second, then settles down to a thrust to weight of more than 10-1...:)



Wow--did you fit a 29mm SU G-40W in one of these? I stuck with the 24mm RMS casing, thought I'd blow the wings off if I went to anything hotter than the E-18W or the F-12J. Still have one NIB, need to experiment...or cash in on eBay :)

[U812]

Drksyd,

Thanks for the offer. I think Thomas is sending me another soon. I sure appreciate that though. Hang on to it you never know. It would get messed up in the process but you'd get a glass one in return if it comes to that.

I also plan to test a glass version with a single mini using a Hacker B20-12L place in the center of the plane. Wouldn't be a twin but it would be EDF.

Thanks again,

Steve

[drksyd]

Steve,
No problem, I have two kits I haven't touched yet. I'd rather work on a glass one that's made for RC than struggle at a conversion.

[Lynxman]

Randy,

the problem with the twin is no shock cones. It really robs it of the scale look.

That's why a single fan in the middle with a cheater hole would look better I think. I saw a turbine power SR done this way. There was a video of it here on EZone somewhere and it was a good cheat. Just thinking about it.

You don't miss the point at the back as much as the shock cones.

Steve

How about making the shock cone from a profile cross instead of an actual cone. Would that work? The cone would look like this: + when viewed from the front but would look alright from any other angle.

[roccobro]

When I contacted the previous manufacturer late last year, the replied they have over 600 incomplete Hobbylab SR-71's. Just list what I needed and they could send it. Ended up getting 2 of the $39 rocket kits. Comes with launch pad and everything!

Justin

[U812]

Thanks guys very much but i'm going to wait to see what Thomas sends as I have a few projects up frontt first to finish. Then I'll be able to give the SR all my time.

Lynxman,

It's not very likely that any twin set up EDF will work in this small plane. It's needs lots of power on demand just like it's full sized counter part. I've have considered that trick for a larger version but it too could cause problems to the air flow.

I measured the rocket cone one the back end and it's 50 mm so it's a perfect exit for a single wemotec mini fan and a Hacker B20-12L with 250 watts. It flies my F-104 very well this one even better.

There would be a small intake openning on the bottom that would not read very much at all. Especially in flight.

Thanks again everyone for all your input.

Steve

[Ed Waldrep]

Dennis Crooks used to fly the Yellow Aircraft SR-71 with the + shaped profile shock cones and glow fans. I guess I worked ok, I saw it fly at the QSAA meet back in the '90s.

[Thomas B]

Steve, I will do my best to package up a couple of SR models, some extra decals and that wing panel you are going to swap for me and get it out next week.

Most of mine are slightly blemmished models, but a bit of body work wil make a fine plug and a fine spare test bed.

[Bomberguy]

Steve, if you want some video let me know (plus I want to see it fly!)

Ed

[Thomas B]

Wow--did you fit a 29mm SU G-40W in one of these? I stuck with the 24mm RMS casing, thought I'd blow the wings off if I went to anything hotter than the E-18W or the F-12J. Still have one NIB, need to experiment...or cash in on eBay :)

Yes, I did...:D. It was rather impressive. My model, complete with full length internal rocket tube, had two flights like this, with some extra nose weight to counteract the much heavier G-40. The extra nose weight made the handling a bit less fun in glide (this model ejected a 29mm pop pod that held the motor. This came down under a chute.), but the boost was incredible. Single use F25 motors were alsmost asmuch fun..did this 4-5 times.

I was not there for one launch of another prototype, when they tried one of the models that had no long inner tube, no keel and no crutch: was just the shells and a 29mm motor mount. It was holding up ok under E motors, but the jump to a G was not smart, with the lightweight airframe...I warned them...:) The nose folded over under the dynamic pressure shortly after launch and lead to a most spectacular shred under power.

When we were doing the R/C model with the old Estes E motors, every 2-4 flights was an on board fire emergency caused by the failing motor. I still have an old RX with a toasted case..:)

[U812]

Thanks a bunch Thomas! that's a big help and you get a fiber glass test bed too.;)

Ed,

I'll be out monday morning again. We did get video but the guy that shot it hasn't contacted me yet. You got to see the maiden it's worth it for the wild take off alone. The landing was uneventful after I got her settled in.

See if you can make it Monday or if not let me know when you can as long as it's not on a weekend.;) Thanks Ed.

Steve

[Bomberguy]

I think Monday will work, I'll know for sure tomorrow :cool:

[U812]

Thanks Ed, I have my finger's crossed.

Steve

[Bomberguy]

Steve, I have to work Monday, how about tomorrow (Friday)?

[U812]

Ed,

Got to work on the new secret tomorrow so I can't get away. I'll still have it the week after that. Maybe then?

Steve

[Bomberguy]

OH well. Next non weekend days off are 6/4 & 6/7. PM me if you'll be out either of those days.

Off the subject. I got the in-cockpit video from the Thunderbird crash last September from a friend at Lockheed. I'm not sure if you have seen it

http://rcgroups.com/gallery/data/500/25204In-Cockpit_Video.mpeg

here is the crash video I'm sure you have seen

http://rcgroups.com/gallery/data/500/25204T-Bird_Six_Impact.wmv

[JimF]

anbody have that front on still pix of the pilot ejecting? I saw that once before, don't know where, and now would like to find it again.

Thanks
Jim

[Bomberguy]

Jim, I have lots of photos of the crash (from Lockheed). I put the high resolution head-on shot in my gallery for you:

http://rcgroups.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8162&size=big&password=bb11a726633f12dd9845d65f1083159c&sort=1&cat=500

[U812]

Just got back. One more flight and I still have the plane. Flew for about 2 minutes or more today.

The wing seemed to wobble it a bit but it was still solid. Better on roll as I have cut the throws to 1/8 each was. Pitch real good.

This plane flies better at very high speeds. It comes into it's own then. Pulled a big high vertical half loop and roll out today, very nice.

Still had the roll to the right on take off and I needed a lot of left trim but once that was dialed in it behaved better. By the 3 rd flight I should have it all dialed in. Just need to take it slow and get to know it. It was a blast to fly!

Still haven't received the video of the first flight. Hoping for it soon.

Steve

[Bomberguy]

Glad everything went well, wish I could have made it

[U812]

Well Ed this plane wants to survive it seems. It's scary to fly but each flight it gets better. It will still be there.

Steve

[JimF]

Bomberguy

Thanks!

Jim

[opualuan]

I'm definitely in for a glass kit... what's the span and length?

maybe a candidate for the blue gws retracts? :)

[GregG]

This is such an awesome plane. I'm glad that you're the one doing it Steve. The glass version does sound interesting. I can't wait to see video of the flights. :D

BTW, where did you end up putting the CG?

[U812]

The span and length is 34 1/2 X 20 inches. T do think those retracts will work for sure.

Greg,

The CG is where the nacelles meet the wing exactly. The pitch is very good but this thing rolls like a top.

Thanks Guys,

Steve

[GregG]

Hey Steve, What did your control throws work out to?

[U812]

So your up to it huh? Well roll at 1/8 each way is still pretty sensitive but manageable. Pitch 1/4-3/16 each way. Pitch is smooth even when it was set a bit high for the first flights. But roll at 1/4 inch each way is 10 rolls in one blink of an eye.

This plane will get your blood pumping but I like it and it's actually quite smooth once you get use to it. I even looped it last flight out and it didn't snap or do anything scary.

Steve

[turbonut]

Hi Steve, I have seen these listed on ebay for the past few weeks,The guy says he has quite a few(How many is that?) He has been gitting 80 to 105 bucks (last was 104) what are they made out of?
Scott

[U812]

A very hard shelled foam. Not that EPS stuff. Doesn't look like foam even close up. This has to be the fastest plane I own.

Steve

[FLlGHTL0VER]

Hi Steve,
I've been thinking about ways to do a twin EDF version and still get the scale look with the shock cones. The full scale bird has bypasses near the back of the nacelles, which greatly augment thrust by acting as ramjets. Do you think it would be possible to put the fans all the way in the back of the nacelles, and use these bypasses the increase intake area? Almost like cheater holes, but more scale. What are your thoughts?

[U812]

I have often thought of doing that. But I wouldn't use the vents alone. Rather make to cheater holes with a nice ramp up to the fans. then you can keep the shock cones. I don't see why that would work.

Plan a scratch build or trying to out fit of these?

Steve

BTW Welcome to RC groups!

[FLlGHTL0VER]

As you have noticed, I am very new to this hobby. I actually have not built or flown a model yet, so I would not attempt something like this without some experience. I have, however, scoured this forum for every bit of info I can glean before I start to build a trainer. I intend to scratch-build. I know that most people will be screaming at this point that I should start with a cheap, pre-built trainer before attempting a scratch-build, but I look forward to the build as much as the flight. I will probably start with a nice high wing foamy with a di-hedral wing, and rudder-elevator control, and slowly move up to full house, jet-like EDF. But we'll see what I can do.

By the way, thanks for welcoming me, and sorry to take up so much room on your thread.

Ken

[U812]

Ken,

Just go for it. You want to so do it. Learn to fly on the trainer. Then move to a low wing.

You can always start building anytime as your skills improve by that time you might be ready for the SR. All sounds like a good plan to me. You'll love it!

Steve

[Thomas B]

A very hard shelled foam. Not that EPS stuff. Doesn't look like foam even close up. This has to be the fastest plane I own.

Steve

Hey, Steve....

Thought I would interject that the depron type EPS that HobbyLab used on the SR-71 models had a thin Mylar coating bonded to it when the roll of material is created, for a stronger/better surface finish. It does make the material a little heavier.

I still owe you another SR....I am due to get out there sometime later this spring and will try to bring one along.

[roccobro]

Interesting idea on the Mylar.... I was wondering how they got such a nice finish on those Hobbylab SR's.

Justin

[U812]

Thanks Thomas!

steve

[Thomas B]

Interesting idea on the Mylar.... I was wondering how they got such a nice finish on those Hobbylab SR's.

Justin


Not just an idea...it was reality...;)

[roccobro]

Lol. I meant it was an interesting idea to put into effet on our stuff. Kinda like an iron on covering for our foam planes so there is no need to spackle and sand for days...

Justin

[Thomas B]

I know, I was pulling your leg a little...;)

It really was a great foam. The stuff on the ones molded in the USA was the best, but those are all gone. The ones molded in China and the ones left over had thinner Mylar and the shells were lighter.

The other downside was that this sheet EPS with the Mylar film on it was a touch harder to mold and did not do quite as well on deeper pulls.

[Dan Smith]

I just got one of these from Hobby Town. Just the plane and decals though, no directions. What is a good power setup?? CG location?? Flying tips?? and how did you mount the landing gear??

[EpowerFan]

Steve, great project! When you say the fastest thing you have.. we kno that's faaaast.

I'm working on a scratch SR-71 on midi fans.. at the point of building the ailerons/ elevators. Thinking there's 2 ways to do elevator / aileron / elvon control:

Either the 2 control surfaces near the middle as elevator, with 2 outsides as ailerons. ...Or

2 control surfs on each side controlled as one, mixed elevator+aileron control (elvon?). Am i making any sense?

Which way do you think is better?

p.s. Saw your note on prev page that CG located right where the nacelles meet the wing worked great... This bigger SR airframe may not be nearly as scale, but i think i'll start at that.

Thanks, mark

[rocketguy]

I'm very intrigued by this conversion - I have a HL SR-71 that I've flown under rocket power, but afraid to again - I'd like to convert to Electric. Need some info

Do you have any photos of the conversion, where did you put the battery pack, how did you mount the motor. Where is the flight CG, etc.

Any info will be greatly apreciated

Ron

[demetrius]

I'm very intrigued by this conversion - I have a HL SR-71 that I've flown under rocket power, but afraid to again - I'd like to convert to Electric. Need some info

Do you have any photos of the conversion, where did you put the battery pack, how did you mount the motor. Where is the flight CG, etc.

Any info will be greatly apreciated

Ron
just follow the directions as for the cg! You must keep it light as possible due to the foam body! This will difinitly prolong the life!

[rocketguy]

That is the problem - the Kit I got had no directions - IIRC the cg was where the nacelle met the wing, but I don't know wether it's the inside or outside edge. I was looking for a flight tested CG.

Thanks for the photos

Ron

[demetrius]

That is the problem - the Kit I got had no directions - IIRC the cg was where the nacelle met the wing, but I don't know wether it's the inside or outside edge. I was looking for a flight tested CG.

Thanks for the photos

Ron
mines flew well with this cg!

[rocketguy]

Thanks for the post - I see the instructions said the inner wing/Nacelle joint. OK - Is yours there?

I see you went with external servos at the tail - Was yours the orignal R/C version or did you convert the FF version?
What is your All Up Weight?

I'm really getting excited about converting mine

Ron

[WarrenM]

I would like to find one of those. Don't make em anymore...my understanding.

[GregG]

Demetrius, what size prop are you using? How high above ground level is the center of the motor shaft when the plane is sitting at rest on the LG?

[Joe 1320]

I would like to find one of those. Don't make em anymore...my understanding.

I just picked one up on ebay. I see them pop up on there every so often. Can't wait to start the conversion!

[demetrius]

Thanks for the post - I see the instructions said the inner wing/Nacelle joint. OK - Is yours there?
yes!

I see you went with external servos at the tail - Was yours the orignal R/C version or did you convert the FF version?
I converted mine! It came with the rockets etc. They did make one with brushless setup!
What is your All Up Weight?
23oz.!

I'm really getting excited about converting mine

Ron
Just don't forget to do what i told you about the weight! Keep it lite as possible! The foam won't hold up if you have 19+ oz! If I was to do it again i would go with taking out the nose weight and using a very light and small brushless setup with very small packs!
Here's my thread on the 2nd one i did!

GregG quote; "what size prop are you using? How high above ground level is the center of the motor shaft when the plane is sitting at rest on the LG?"

I used a 4.7x4.7 and the clearance was first eyeballed to clear a 5.5 prop then I made the gear to accommodate this!




Here's my thread on the 2nd one that I built!
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=482002
It Flies fast and at 19 to 23 +oz. It needed plenty of runway and speed before lift off or it will nose down if you forced it up to quickly and die!

[KenP]

Does anyone know if the glass version of this plane was ever done?

[bushpilotx1]

Anyone Interested In A Nib Hobbylab Sr71? Lmk Thanks Geoff