Sportsman Aviation Corsair:

[CUBANO8]

I hope this Forum works out, and stays permanent. I am going to start a build thread on this one. I am going to be converting it to electric.

The Model is available thru Hobby People:

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/127534.asp

Here are the specs:

Wing span 58.25"
Wing Area 618sq "
Length 45.25 "
Flying weight 2800 - 2900g

The plane is an all balsa ARF, and comes with rotating retracts. The retracts are like the Hobbico ones, if not the same.

[CUBANO8]

For my power plant, I am going to be using an AXI 4120/14. My ESC will be a JETI advance 70 opto plus, for brushless motors. As far as my battery goes, I ordered a TP 5s3p 6000mah from Hobby Lobby today, but it will not be available until July.

[CUBANO8]

Since the motor mount offered at HL is not going to be long enough, I've decided to make my own. I went to Home Depot today, and bought a aluminum flat bar, and angle bar.

The Flat aluminim bar is 1/8" thick, and 2" wide.
The angled bar is 1/8" thick, and 3/4" wide per side.

Hopefully, I can construct a mount to suit my needs.

I guess that AXI had this also in mind, in that they included a motor mount template.

[CUBANO8]

One last purchase at Home Depot was a thiiner(1/16") angled aluminum, that I am going to cut out, and use this to support the main spar on the wing, around the retract well. This was suggested by my good friend, Herm.

[CUBANO8]

Next time I will be posting the weights of the Individual parts. So this can be helpful for someone who is interested in this plane...

[hermperez]

This arf is very impressive, excellent quality and light.. and only $219 with retracts. You cant build a similar kit for that kind of money.. I think it will make a good conversion.

Herm

[CUBANO8]

OK, I got some weights for the individual parts:

Horizontal Stab + Elevator - 1.7oz
Vertical Stab + Rudder - .7oz
Right Wing - 14.7oz
Left Wing - 14.9oz
Center Wing Panel - 3.8oz
Fuselage - 13.1oz
Canopy - 1.2oz
Cowling - 3.1oz
Linkages - 1.4oz
Hardware - 10.1oz
Belly pan - 1.1oz

[CUBANO8]

Here's the Belly pan pic...

[CUBANO8]

Here's the Pics of the retracts, both retracted and extended....

[CUBANO8]

So If my math is right, I got a total of 65.8oz or 4.1lbs

[CUBANO8]

Well, I had the chance to start on my motor mount assembly. I was able to use the supplied template that came with my AXI motor, to help with this process.
I laid the template on the aluminum bar, measured out the sides that I needed for the L-bracket support, and cut accordingly.
Once the front plate was cut, I started to drill out the motor mount screw holes, the center shaft hole, and the motor air intake, for cooling.

Now I have to wait for the 6mm shaft adapter, before I proceed. I will then get an accurate measuremnet for my motor mount side supports.

Until next time :)

[Magic840]

How is the Corsair coming along?

This is great I will be paying close attentions to the thread. I want to do a larger electric conversion just can't choose one to do. Good luck and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Adam

[CUBANO8]

How is the Corsair coming along?

This is great I will be paying close attentions to the thread. I want to do a larger electric conversion just can't choose one to do. Good luck and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Adam

Thanks Adam,

I've been very busy with work, and I got vacation coming up this week. So I will probably work on this some more next monday when I get back.

So far I'm at the motor mount stage, I got some hardware in to complete the mount assembly, and I'm still waiting for the battery to arrive.


Sam :)

[CUBANO8]

Well, I worked a little on the mount. I use a countersink bit on the motor mount holes to fit the bolts properly to the head plate. Then I drilled, countersunk, and fitted the outside angled aluminum supports to the head plate with 10-24 x 1/2" bolts and attached with lock nuts....

[igno]

For my power plant, I am going to be using an AXI 4120/14. My ESC will be a JETI advance 70 opto plus, for brushless motors. As far as my battery goes, I ordered a TP 5s3p 6000mah from Hobby Lobby today, but it will not be available until July.
Hi Cubano8, do you know what size glow engine your corsair was built for? I'm converting a .40 size trainer and will be keeping track of your progress.

[CUBANO8]

Hi Cubano8, do you know what size glow engine your corsair was built for? I'm converting a .40 size trainer and will be keeping track of your progress.

It is for a .46 to .52 two stroke or a .65 to .70 four stroke.

[CUBANO8]

I got some more work done on the motor mount today. I needed to get 5 1/4" from the back of the prop to the firewall(as per instruction), so I had to cut my side supports to 4 3/8", taking into consideration my 1/8" angle support, that will be attached to the back of the side support, and the firewall.
I installed the side supports with the same material as the head plate. I also drilled several holes on the side supports for ventillation, and to reduce weight.....

[CUBANO8]

I got the motor mount complete, and installed to the firewall. I also got the cowling in place and anchored the supporting blocks in place to the firewall with glue.
I also worked on the aileron servo installation, they are supported by two wood blocks glued to the aileron access wing plate.

I have completed both wing aileron installs, and have joined both wing to the center section. This is set aside to dry overnight.....

[Magic840]

Looking good!

Adam

[hermperez]

that motor mount looks good, should help to keep the motor cool also. How much did it end up weighing?

I guess you did not go to see mickey?

Herm

[CUBANO8]

that motor mount looks good, should help to keep the motor cool also. How much did it end up weighing?

I guess you did not go to see mickey?

Herm

I did. on Friday, but then left because of Dennis, lots of rain and wind.

[CUBANO8]

I got the wing assembled, and the retracts functioning. I am using 3 1/4" wheels, since I fly off of grass. I only had to widen up the wheel wells a little.
I fiberglassed the inside of the wells, on the inner top of the wings for strength. This was done with .75oz cloth and Z-poxy.
I also removed a monokote strip on the joining of the center section and the wings, and fiberglassed that too for strength.
Once dry, I put a strip of monokote back in place. My monokote coverings are bad :(
Then I attached the wing to the fuselage, and installed the plastice belly pan under the wing....

[CUBANO8]

One more pic, I also installed the horizontal stab in place....

[Magic840]

It really is coming along now. What do you think of the gear? Does it seem strong, like it can take some punishment?

I hope you got through dennis ok. We got lucky over here in Orlando.

Adam

[CUBANO8]

It really is coming along now. What do you think of the gear? Does it seem strong, like it can take some punishment?

I hope you got through dennis ok. We got lucky over here in Orlando.

Adam

I think this gear will work with this plane, if I keep it under 7lbs. It is the same one used in the Hangar 9 Corsair, and they had a lot of issues with this gear,(ball linkage coming off, and collapsing gear) I think it should be allright.

I didn't have any damage to my home from dennis. We got back to Miami on Saturday from Orlando. I didn't want to stay the rest of the days there due to the weather. I did see lightning hit the top of space mountain, but no one was hurt.
I'll just have to plan another weekend to go back ;)

[CUBANO8]

I got the vertical stab installed, and I went ahead and installed the elevator,rudder,tail wheel assembly, and there linkages. I also installed the canopy with some screws.
Here's what I have so far.....

PS. It would be great to get in those Lipo batteries tomorrow :rolleyes:

[drksyd]

Nice job on the motor mount. Even if it does come out a little heavy you'll need it to balance in the end. Good choice on the motor. For my 40 size warbirds I'll be using the 4120/14 and use the 2826/10 or 12 for the 40 size trainers. I tried a 4120/14 in a H9 Corsair and it flew it but could have used more oomph.
Not sure about the MA K series prop but their electric only prop pulls a lot more amps than the equivalent APC's. More static thrust and speed.
Would recommend getting ballcaps for the retracts. The supplied linkage is junk and not an expensive upgrade for the security.

[CUBANO8]

Nice job on the motor mount. Even if it does come out a little heavy you'll need it to balance in the end. Good choice on the motor. For my 40 size warbirds I'll be using the 4120/14 and use the 2826/10 or 12 for the 40 size trainers. I tried a 4120/14 in a H9 Corsair and it flew it but could have used more oomph.
Not sure about the MA K series prop but their electric only prop pulls a lot more amps than the equivalent APC's. More static thrust and speed.
Would recommend getting ballcaps for the retracts. The supplied linkage is junk and not an expensive upgrade for the security.

Good tip on the linkage, I also thought they were kinda weak. Where can I get these Ballcaps?

I'm in the process of converting a GSP P-40 54" to electric, and I will be using the 2826/10 on it. I recently had it on a Global spitfire which came out to 6 1/2 lbs. and it pulled it along nicely. I have to wait, because my ESC is fried and I have to ship it out for repair.

I would think of going for the 4130's on the Hangar 9 corsair, what do you think?
That MA prop came out of a saito 72 that I have. I just put it on for the looks. I bought a APC prop for it, but I still have to see how much the amps it is going to draw before I make my final decision.

Thanks,
Sam

[drksyd]

You can try checking the car/truck section at lhs for the ball caps.
The CMP P-40 is a nice kit and I'd like to get that one later. That kit would be very easy to setup a geared in runner motor that you could just clamp in. The 2826 should be enough power but I like to have some in reserve.
Definitely go with the 4130 in the .60 size conversions. I have a 4130/14 for my H9 Miss America.
If you like Corsair's, then you might want to get the Great Planes .25 Corsair for combat. It looks great and flies great too. I have an Axi 2820/12 running on a 4S2P Maxamps 3300mah swinging a 9x7.5E prop. Probably better with a 9x6E but I like the performance.

[Willmsy]

Yes I have the Hangar 9 Corsair with the 4130-16 and a 14-9-3 prop according to the calc program I use I put ~ 41 amps. I have flown it on a 6s2P pack.. Batteries weren't even warm... I am at 8.3 lbs AUW

Matt

[drksyd]

Matt
Is that a Master Airscrew prop? I plan on using an APC 15x10E on MA.

[Willmsy]

Yes it is a master airscrew prop... it gives a different sound than the apc props.. little bit quieter.

[hermperez]

Dont encourage Sam, he has like 14 corsairs already!

Herm


If you like Corsair's, then you might want to get the Great Planes .25 Corsair for combat. It looks great and flies great too. I have an Axi 2820/12 running on a 4S2P Maxamps 3300mah swinging a 9x7.5E prop. Probably better with a 9x6E but I like the performance.

[drksyd]

Ha, never enough! I just wish I could afford more.

[CUBANO8]

Yes, Its true. I love Corsairs, my favorite plane.

[CUBANO8]

Yes I have the Hangar 9 Corsair with the 4130-16 and a 14-9-3 prop according to the calc program I use I put ~ 41 amps. I have flown it on a 6s2P pack.. Batteries weren't even warm... I am at 8.3 lbs AUW

Matt

Thats very good weight on that Hangar 9 Corsair. Mine had a Saito 100 with CJ air retracts, and it came out to 10 lbs. She was a floater still. Had 6 flights on her, and the wing folded :mad:

Can you post some pics on your battery setup. I would like to get an Idea on how to approach my Batt Install :)

Thanks
Sam

[CUBANO8]

I don't know if this is going to come out or not. I've Included a wiring diagram, showing how I wire up the retract servo on a seperate battery.
Let me know what you think.

[Willmsy]

Here I will try to describe it to you.... I have 2 (3S2P thunderpower 4200) pack.. set up in series. Now this is on a castle creations pheonix 60... in order to use the ESC with that voltage you have to disconnect the BEC.. Here is how I did it... I got a 3-6 inch servo extension and clipped the RED wire (per instructions with the ESC for disabling the BEC) By clipping the extension I don't damage the ESC. And now I have no power to the servos. I have a seperate flight battery (came with the radio) plugged in the the battery slot on the receiver. And Bingo it all works. I will work on the photo in a minute just got the camera back.

Matt

[CUBANO8]

Here I will try to describe it to you.... I have 2 (3S2P thunderpower 4200) pack.. set up in series. Now this is on a castle creations pheonix 60... in order to use the ESC with that voltage you have to disconnect the BEC.. Here is how I did it... I got a 3-6 inch servo extension and clipped the RED wire (per instructions with the ESC for disabling the BEC) By clipping the extension I don't damage the ESC. And now I have no power to the servos. I have a seperate flight battery (came with the radio) plugged in the the battery slot on the receiver. And Bingo it all works. I will work on the photo in a minute just got the camera back.

Matt

Cool, Thanks,

What are your flight times with the 4200mah packs?

Sam

[Willmsy]

Well the first flight with the taxi was about 6 minutes.. so I could probably get about 10 minutes with flight management.

Matt

[CUBANO8]

Well I got one of those brown boxes in today :D
And Hobby Lobby tape was on it, sooo.. it can only mean one thing. My Battery pack!!!

Oh yea, I could see this bird already flying :)

The battery pack is 2 1/2" by 9 3/4"
The weight came out to 1lb 5.4oz.

I've got it on the charger now :D :D

Herm, you ready for my maiden :)
I've got fighter protection for your A-26, so tell those mechanics of yours to get on the ball, and finish the maintenance on it, will ya!

Sam ;)

[CUBANO8]

Well the first flight with the taxi was about 6 minutes.. so I could probably get about 10 minutes with flight management.

Matt

Thats good to know. I thought it was kinda low, but 10 minute flights are what I do anyways, so I guess I can use a smaller pack on these .40 to .60 size birds.

Thanks
Sam

[drksyd]

Is that a 5S3p? Should get some good flying time off of it. Good luck with the maiden.

[hermperez]

Dont forget Sam, you want to be conservative on these lipo packs if you want them to last. I can only fly tomorrow sunday and friday.. lots of work!, gotta work when you can.. I'll call you..dont forget to do a range check.

Herm

Thats good to know. I thought it was kinda low, but 10 minute flights are what I do anyways, so I guess I can use a smaller pack on these .40 to .60 size birds.

Thanks
Sam

[CUBANO8]

Is that a 5S3p? Should get some good flying time off of it. Good luck with the maiden.

Yes thats the one.

Thanks

[CUBANO8]

Dont forget Sam, you want to be conservative on these lipo packs if you want them to last. I can only fly tomorrow sunday and friday.. lots of work!, gotta work when you can.. I'll call you..dont forget to do a range check.

Herm

Well I still have to get the battery in the plane, and balance it. This morning I woke up with a severe case of pink eye. last week kidney stones, and now this. I'm getting too old :(

[CUBANO8]

Well, I started on my battery Installation. The 1st thing I did,was to remove the motor mount, and cut out an opening on the firewall to pass the battery thru, and to provide air flow for the battery.
Then I had to make a outlet vent for the air to come out of, so I found a scope, and painted it Insignia Blue. I placed it on the bottom fuselage, and made an opening. After that I glued the scope vent in place.
Then I worked on the battery tray, 1st installing support beams inside the fuselage to help support the tray.
Then I glued the tray in place, I also put velcro on top of the tray, and made a strap around the tray to support the battery.
Then I made an RX box, lined the insides with 1/4" foam to secure the RX.
I also added a switch for my retract servo battery....

[CUBANO8]

...Then I mounted the motor mount, and Installed the ESC, and UBEC to the sides of the motor mount with tie wraps.
Then I attached the sermo connectors to the front of the cowling for easy access, they will act as a switch for the Li-Po battery, and complete the circuit.
Lastly I installed my retract servo battery, underneath the Li-Po battery tray, and secured it with 1/4" faom and tie wraps.
Finished the wiring, and balanced the plane, with just a little movement of the Li-Po pack from its original place.
I put the plane on the scale and came out to a dissapointing 8lbs total :(
This was not what I wanted for as my target weight...

[CUBANO8]

Ok after that I did some real world tests with my super Whattmeter, and these are the results:


APC Electric 12X8

1/4 throttle 20.8volts 3.7amps 79watts
1/2 throttle 20.3volts 10.8amps 222watts
full throttle 18 volts 56amps 1012watts


MA K 13x8

1/4 throttle 20.5volts 2.8amps 60watts
1/2 throttle 20.1volts 11.6amps 236watts
full throttle 17.7volts 61.7amps 1127watts

[drksyd]

The numbers for the APC sound about right, lots of power for this .40 size. What's your auw?

[CUBANO8]

The numbers for the APC sound about right, lots of power for this .40 size. What's your auw?

A dissapointing 8lbs :(

[drksyd]

Wow, that plane must be pretty sturdy. It should still fly great, let us know the results.

[CUBANO8]

Well after a dissapointing 1st attempt at my maiden, due to the plane nosing over on just taxing on the grass :(
I was able to extend the wheels a little bit forward of the leading edge, and this helped alot. Now I could taxi the plane without a problem :)
I haven't flown it yet. I will maiden it once I get back from a business trip to Puerto Rico. :rolleyes:

Here's a few pics of it on the field...

[hermperez]

it is not 8lbs it is 6 lbs and 32 oz.. see that sounds better when they ask you how much it weighs, say 6lbs and then mumble a bit ..

The plane has lots and lots of power.. I dont think it will be too heavy.

Herm

[Willmsy]

Flew my H9 corsair on tuesday in the wind here are some pics on the ground and a B-25 in the air.

Matt

[CUBANO8]

I think I posted this on the other thread. Those are very nice pics. I like that B-25!

Congrats Matt.

Sam

[CUBANO8]

Yes :D it was!!

Finally, after working out all the bugs on getting this thing off the grass field, I almost gave up on the maiden, after the plane cart-wheeled during my 1st attempted take-off this morning. But then an angel showed up at the field with CA, and a quick fix to the vertical stab, and it was ready for another attempt.

....and this time she flew!!, yes, she flew!!

A little porposing on the rollout, but I still need to get a feel for her still. Then airborne she went, with a little trim to the right aileron, and no trim to the elevator, I was ready for the gear-up routine. Gear-up, and she continued to fly smooth. She is not a speed demon, for sure, she flys like a trainer, slow. I flew her mostly at a conservative 1/2 throttle, did some rolls, and a couple of loops. Then I did some low passes, some with full throttle , and some at half. I didn't want to push my luck on the 1st flight. So, after around 8 minutes of the flight I decided it was time to land. Went around, so I could see the gear come down, (which to me is an awesome sight), then started some slow circuits to get a feel of her before touching down. My first attempt at landing was kinda too fast, so I went around again, and set her up for the 2nd attempt. This time I came in a little lower on my final. Everything looked great, so I went for it. I started my flair to lose airspeed, and she started to ballon a little, so I drop the nose just a little to get some airspeed, and started the flair again. This time she decended at the right attitude that I wanted, and made a Beatiful landing. Just as the mains touched the grass, I Immediatley gave her up elevator, to hold the tail down. It all worked perfectly.

I was elated.... :D :D :D :D

All you could see at the field was teeeeeeth :D :D :D :D

I will see if I could get some video of her next time, to post here.

Who dat!

Sam

[CUBANO8]

Oh BTW, I just finished charging my pack, and it put in 3971mah, for the 8minute flight.

[drksyd]

Congrats on the maiden. Even though your pack has a lot more left, I think 8 minute flights are just about long enough.

[CUBANO8]

Thanks drksyd,

I was being a little conservative on the flight. I think I will try for 10 minutes next time.

[CUBANO8]

The 1st video attempt was not good at all :(
I had a stray dog at the field that didn't want to go away. Added to that my Wife is terrified of dogs. So you could Imagine what was going thru her head while she was filming.
My yelling in the beginning was directed towards the dog.

The Grass also played a major part in the takeoff and landings, which were not good at all :(
But never the less, the plane is still in one piece, and I will fly her later on in the day.

http://www.ercflight.com/SACORSAIR1.wmv

[hermperez]

that was so funny!, I will bring more food for the puppy tomorrow.

Hairy takeoff, surprised you did not lose the plane there.. you need mild exponential in the elevator..excellent video as usual, your wife has a good eye for video.

Inverted in the second flight :)

The bigger the Corsair the better it looks in the air..

Herm

[CUBANO8]

Its the grass.(gotta blame it on something)
That dog made a home at the field. He ain't leaving.
Wait to you see the full version on Saturday, you're gonna get a kick out of it.

[drksyd]

It flew good, but landing/taking off from grass sucks. Good thing no damage to the rudder.

[skippy hop hop]

i have to say i have done many electric conversions my last one was a rush with a axi 4120 and it flew grate on 12X3000 cells basicly 2 venom 3000 6cell car packs put together and the thing went grate my point is is that motor you have is a bloody good one i love axies because you can swing big props without a gear box

[DrBill]

Cuban08,
I saw this thread awhile ago and I remembered it when I went into my LHS 2 weeks ago and saw the Sportsman Corsair for sale. SO I plunked down the money and brought it home, knowing I had an extra AXI 4120/16, TP 5s3p 6000mAh pack, and a CC60. :D The build was a cinch and I went ahead and reinforced the gull wing sections per your advice. Everything else is as per plans and I am ecstatic with the smoothness of the retracts and the overall looks of the bird. Here are a couple of pics from the build. I still need to re-work the battery pack to get a bit of nose weight forward. I had re-packaged the 5s3p into a brick style pack but it still nedds to go further forward...I might have to place it through the firewall like you did. Anyways, thanks for the inspiration...I can't wait for the maiden if the weather ever breaks here in the Northeast (I'd hate to think I will need to wait till next spring!!! :( )

DrBill

[DrBill]

ahhh come on guys...no comments on the pretty warbird??? Not even a "that pilot does not belong in a Corsair???""" LOL

DrBill