Could the ParkHawk be made to break down?

[ifxmnfly]

I hear the ParkHawk is designed to be assembled once and forever. But that 46 inch wingspan makes it tough for airline travel. It would require a huge box. I've got one ordered, but it hasn't arrived, and I haven't been able to inspect the attachment method yet.

Is it possible to attach the wings with some sort of locknut that could be removed for that occasional trip??

:cool:

[Arnel Realin]

That would be cool for travel. It doesn't appear to have any delicate parts, so stuffing it in a box would be nice and compact. That should satisfy the need for flying when traveling.

[kasra]

There are two cap screws on each side mounting the attachment arm from the crank to the wings. These could be removed and the wing can be folded. Another option would be to use a cap screw with a long enough shoulder and cut the head off and use an E-ring or a pin clip.

[eflyer12345]

As you will see by the construction process, you can break this bird down to a very small package by removing 6 screws. The removal of the two cap screws allows it to go flat in some luggage. The other 4 allow you to roll up the wings

-Jeffrey

[ifxmnfly]

I'd expect that Cap Screws would wear out the host material pretty quickly if they are removed repeatedly. Could they be replaced with a small bolt, washers, and lock nut assembly? (Or something better than that?)

This bird looks ideal for the occasional trip. You'd just have to take care and politely convince airport security that the batteries are innocent!

:cool:

[eflyer12345]

The cap screws on the hinges is into metal and fairing robust. It would be hard to put bolts there. Take a look when the bird comes in, you will see this is up to the task. This has been the way I travel with the bird, quick and simple.

-Jeffrey

[ifxmnfly]

With all that flappin 'n floppin' going on - is there a tendency for the hardware to come loose?

Especially if you disassemble her frequently, do you need Locktite to keep those Cap Screws secure? If not, is that just something you check before each flight? I check my fixed wing planes out before each flight, and so far I have always caught the trouble before it bit me.

Somehow, the thought of coming apart midair sounds like it would make for a rough landing. :(

[eflyer12345]

As you go through the building process, you will note it does say to use Locktite. I have used it on all screws that stay in the bird during breakdown. For those that I remove, I have not bothered with the locktite. So far, knock on wood, I have not had a problem with the bolts coming loose. All my problems can definately be traced back to the pilot. :-(

-Jeffrey