Wicked powered SR-71 [Archive]

Joe 1320

Nov 24, 2008, 07:54 PM

Mine arrives any day as well. It's getting a pair of Wicked 4000s and 40A escs. How are the retracts looking?

I'm wondering if cut down wattage/SF 3 blade impellers would work in the stock housing to reduce the amps. any thoughts?

The Don

Nov 24, 2008, 08:01 PM

First impressionis it looks pretty good actually. Thebox is big, 32" x 32 x 6" deep. I now realize I only have retracts for the mains no nose retract :( I though I took a photo of the gear, I guess I will have to take one and post it. They are mechanical retracts similar in style to the Executive Jet retracts. I will say I am baffled in regards to the exit nozzles. The open up after the fan :confused: (see post #2 photo #1) I am definitely going to remedy that with some exit nozzles.

In regards to gear I am debating if I want gear at all. I have no real place to ROG as I fly on grass fields and the mains are very short and you can not really rotate to takeoff as the exhaust nozzles hit the ground. More to come :)

Don

Joe 1320

Nov 24, 2008, 08:05 PM

I will say I am baffled in regards to the exit nozzles. The open up after the fan :confused: (see post #2 photo #1) I am definitely going to remedy that with some exit nozzles.

I saw that....... :confused:

fh64_lucky

Nov 24, 2008, 08:52 PM

How does it look for a hand launch Don?I hand throw all my jets,is there enough room under it to hold onto?I will compare notes on mine and yours.I would like to know,as I have not got mine yet,how much room for diffferent and bigger size lipos is there in fuse? Joe

The Don

Nov 24, 2008, 10:20 PM

I think hand launch will be good actually. Here are a few more photos. The photo of the gear bay shows two small molded "dash" marks. They appears to be the CG location. So I am going to fill the bay with some foam and put two finger holes there for launching. There seems to bee good lipo space. The photo I have shows two 2S2200 lipos and the CG was pretty close like that with a pair of Wicked 4800s in the rear but I did not have the ESC in the slots.

I tested a nose gear from the Executive Jet and it looks like it could work if needed.

Don

kelberts

Nov 24, 2008, 10:48 PM

Is it EPS foam? The bead size looks like it could be EPP/EPO???

The Don

Nov 24, 2008, 10:50 PM

It is the regular style foam. Though it seems a little higher density than a GWS type model.

Don

DaveESPI

Nov 24, 2008, 11:44 PM

Nice. What site did you get it from? and how many pieces is the fuse?

Knife Liddle

Nov 25, 2008, 12:11 AM

Thanks for all the pics, logging on. Should have mine before the weekend.

Unsubcribing from the other thread. No time for politics, need to play.

Mine`s comming from Nitro Planes, I`ll try to compare to the pics that Don posts to see if it`s the same mold.

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 12:17 AM

Nice. What site did you get it from? and how many pieces is the fuse?

I got them from a supplier in China but it looks like the ARF airframes are at Nitroplanes for about the same price.

Don

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 12:27 AM

I weighed all the parts on the scale. Here is my weight break down.

All foam parts and EDF units: 14 ounces
Two Wicked 4800 motors : 4.2 ounces
Two Pentium 40 ESCs: 2.5 ounces
Two servos and servo extension: 1.0 ounce
Receiver: .3 ounces
Two 3S lipos: 6.8 x 2 = 13.6 ounces

Total: 35.6 ounces plus ~2 oz for other stuff so lets call it 38 ounces. I should be getting about 700-750 total watts. So that is about 300 watts per pound :D Just how I like my EDFs!

Don

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 12:29 AM

I forgot to mention, if you need to touch up the black paint use Testors Model Master Spray Enamel Flat Black #FS37038, it is a perfect color match.

Don

Doubletap

Nov 25, 2008, 12:47 AM

Don, how does it look for going with 70mm fans? Does it have enough material to remove?

Doubletap

RemE

Nov 25, 2008, 12:55 AM

Subscribing, looks good!

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 12:57 AM

Don, how does it look for going with 70mm fans? Does it have enough material to remove?
Doubletap

70s should go in.

Don

RemE

Nov 25, 2008, 01:11 AM

I've got the airframe coming from Nitro as well, tomorrow. I'll go with the wicked 4800's, they look great and solid with those EDO plugs. May I ask the normal amp draw on these, and what size 3 cell packs you are using? Just trying to get a feel for runtime. I'll be adding the retracts and probably a few more goodies.

In looking at the tailcones, are the oversize outlets just supposed to be cosmetic, with the "real" exit being back-set inside? I take it you think this will mess with the outflux? If you add thrust tubes, how far out will you take them?

Thanks!

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 01:19 AM

The 4800s on 3S will pull about 35 amps and be about 360 watts each. I plan on using two 3S 2200 lipos, maybe two 2600s . I am not sure why they did what they did on the tailcones. I am going to make my outlets 80% on these. Once I have them drawn I will post the templates for the tailcones and for the centering ring. They will end at the current exit but will just smaller in diameter.

Don

fly_boy99

Nov 25, 2008, 01:19 AM

It's too bad they just didn't set this up for 70mm because looking up that intake shows it could easily be done.

Exhaust tube shouldn't be bad to pull down the exhaust size to 54mm for each side.

Doubletap

Nov 25, 2008, 01:39 AM

I'm thinking the tail cones are actually there just for cosmetics; they are much larger in diameter than the actual molded exhaust duct but that's why it shouldn't adversely affect the performance. They are there just for looks but are not functional in any way.

Doubletap

RemE

Nov 25, 2008, 01:43 AM

Right, but I gather that even the smaller "live" duct is too big, and could use a smaller tube still.

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 01:54 AM

RemE

Nov 25, 2008, 02:00 AM

Two 4800's and two pentium 40's ordered!

I will go with a modified E-Flite F-15 nose retract and Great Planes 0.10's for the mains . I had great results with them on my modified HL F5-E Camo and this plane's a pound lighter. The stock retracts are too delicate, the plastic gear wire holder's with grub screws are a weak link as is the wire itself, too soft and no spring coils.

RemE

Nov 25, 2008, 02:05 AM

Don, I like the way you think :) Looking at the pics of the tailcones again, would those intakes that flow into those turbulent zones act as venturi's, drawing an air cushion around the outflow and relieving some of that "trapped" turbulance? Aaaa my head is beginning to hurt, I'm an electronics guy....

Also, looking in the box, were there decals (with correct USAF spelling) and red trim tape??

Doubletap

Nov 25, 2008, 02:17 AM

Well it is a sudden expansion and I remember sitting in my Fluid Dynamics Labs and measuring pressure losses in sudden expansions and contractions. So for me it is just taking the outlet energy we have and throwing some away for no good reason.

I understand what you are getting at but although jet turbine and ducted fans are both "reaction" type engines, they are different in that the turbine jet benefits from the expansion of hot gases which doesn't exist with the ducted fan. But then again, it's been over 2 decades since my aerospace engineering days in college and almost a decade since I last worked in the industry, so I am a bit rusty. :o

Doubletap

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 02:54 AM

they are different in that the turbine jet benefits from the expansion of hot gases which doesn't exist with the ducted fan.

Actually I was referring to simple shop air being blown down a clear acrylic tube. At least that is what we had in my labs. No turbines or hot gases, we would burn ourselves for sure :) I recall we had ~3" diameter clear tubing with shop air blowing down it then we measured the head losses from expansions going from say a 3" to 4" tube then compared our measured head loss "K" factors to what was published in our textbooks based on the expansion area ratios. Lots of fun :D

I need to grab my Fluids book and take a look to refresh (been 13 year myself). Might be fun to see what is going on. My Eeagletree can get me airspeed then that leads to Reynolds number and so on....

Don

Petefoss

Nov 25, 2008, 08:06 AM

jet-ster

Nov 25, 2008, 08:20 AM

ALright GREAT you started this thread. Getting really tried of people bitchin.

jet-ster

Nov 25, 2008, 08:35 AM

Is Don'sRC in the states?or outside?

RemE

Nov 25, 2008, 10:35 AM

Is Don'sRC in the states?or outside?

He's in the US

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 12:45 PM

Is Don'sRC in the states?or outside?

I am in Willoughby, Ohio. Just east of Cleveland, home of the famous Cleveland Browns or should I say Cleveland Clowns!

Don

RemE

Nov 25, 2008, 12:53 PM

Willoughby, hmmm, wasn't that a train stop destination in a Twilight Zone episode?

Petefoss

Nov 25, 2008, 04:05 PM

I am in Willoughby, Ohio. Just east of Cleveland, home of the famous Cleveland Browns or should I say Cleveland Clowns!

Don

At least they are better than the Lions!

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 09:46 PM

What is the inner diameter of the motor mounts?

See photo :)

It is about 21.8mm. It is made for 20mm motors.

Don

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 10:04 PM

Here are some more photos with build comments.

Don

The Don

Nov 25, 2008, 10:07 PM

And a few more

SteveC68

Nov 26, 2008, 03:07 AM

RemE

Nov 26, 2008, 11:13 AM

I can't believe Nitroplanes sold out of the airframe only kits in 3 days! I bet they can't believe it either. I didn't follow the other thread as it got ugly fast, but what is the heritage of this plane? The fans look the same as the one that came in my EDO F-15. I can't wait to yours fly Don.

Steve

Yah, I ordered one on Sun am. I received a conf email with UPS trak on Mon saying arrival on Tues. It didn't show, checked UPS, "shipping request received" no status. Called Nitro, "sorry we're out, should have more in a few weeks". I mention the email & trak #, he goes away and comes back with "it's going out tonight". Sure enough, checked status now and it's out for delivery, guess I just slipped thru :)

Looking forward to the next build installment!

Knife Liddle

Nov 26, 2008, 11:35 AM

I had a feeling that they`d go quick.

I think I ordered mine Monday. Got comf and track # that day, but for two days the UPS site just said notification recieved.

Now I get this....
BALDWIN PARK,
CA, US 11/26/2008 1:23 A.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
11/26/2008 12:05 A.M. ORIGIN SCAN
BALDWIN PARK,
CA, US 11/25/2008 10:37 P.M. FORWARDED TO THE FACILITY IN THE DESTINATION CITY
US 11/24/2008 6:32 P.M. BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

Looks like they may have run out and then got some in yesterday, or they`re just running behind getting them out the door.. Looks like it was picked up late last night from Nitro Planes. They must be working overtime these days. Now they are saying delivery on 12/2, much longer transit time than normal. I hope it gets here sooner.

RemE

Nov 26, 2008, 11:50 AM

Yup, you're in ;)

ALISO VIEJO,
CA, US 11/26/2008 5:28 A.M. OUT FOR DELIVERY
11/26/2008 3:51 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN
BALDWIN PARK,
CA, US 11/26/2008 2:50 A.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
11/26/2008 12:03 A.M. ORIGIN SCAN
BALDWIN PARK,
CA, US 11/25/2008 10:36 P.M. FORWARDED TO THE FACILITY IN THE DESTINATION CITY
US 11/24/2008 5:46 P.M. BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

Looks like the shipping dept. got swamped... I'm a few miles from them but you are hit with the Thanksgiving gap. I've got a Tower order delayed that way.

Edit, it arrived double boxed and is the same size as Don described, the inside kit box is plain brown, no glossy photos. The model is complete with all 3 retracts, wheels, hardware, and fan assys. The retracts are the same design as Starmax F5-E etc. They are improved from the F5 kit I have, the nose gear is still based on a main retract mech with the steering servo mounted on the strut. The nose strut mech is solid, no play! and it's even got spring loaded Oleo Shock action. I just may use the nose gear strut mech but will replace all 3 of the retracts with Great Planes 0.10's.

The fan intake cones are black, the decals are correctly spelled, and red trim tape and manual is included.

SteveC68

Nov 27, 2008, 12:56 AM

With all of those kits already sold, there should be some flight video showing up pretty quick I would hope.

The Don

Nov 28, 2008, 12:57 AM

I am home from work tomorow and my wife is going shopping so I will be building!

I have been measuring the nacelles and here is what I found:

Inlet area: 3117 mm^2
FSA of the fan: 2726 mm^2
Outlet #1: 3217mm^2
Outlet #2 at the back of the nacelle: 3960mm^2
Percentage of inlet: 3117/2726 = 114%
Percentage of outlet #1: 3217/2726= 118%
Percentage of outlet #2: 3960/2726= 145%

I am going for an 80% FSA outlet which will be 2181mm^ or 52.7mm diameter. I am going to draw up my cones and then post them here if others want to use them.

Don

RemE

Nov 28, 2008, 01:07 AM

Gotta Love Black Friday ;) Same boat here, I may try to get some flying in, or possibly track down an UltraFly Spear...

Looking forward to your build progress!

Knife Liddle

Nov 28, 2008, 11:42 AM

looks like there is plenty of volume for 70mm`s to work well. Just depends on how much power and weight the airframe can stand. 3kw would be easy to do with twin 70s if the airframe can deal with the stress and the weight. Should be fun.

Don, your 750w power system at 300w/lb should be awesome.

Does anyone know how many watts the stock rtf system in the video is producing?

I`m playing with using cut down minifan or HET rotors in a Hayeo 64mm housing for a system capable of very high efflux speeds on lower power.

Knife Liddle

Nov 30, 2008, 01:19 PM

Looks like mine will show up tomorrow. Cool!

sanman55

Dec 01, 2008, 07:44 AM

Don, What a plane, I use to watch it do touch and goes when I worked for lockheed in palmdale california.
Questions:
Are you going to use 2 channels for the motors or put the speed controls on one channel?
How many servos will the esc. handle? I did not see any info on my 40a speed control paperwork on this.
Will you use a seperate bec.?
On some esc. you have to disconnect the red wire on one, and others you do not have to do this. What does your esc. recommend.
Got to have this bird.
Happy belated thanksgiving to all.
Sanford

The Don

Dec 01, 2008, 11:34 PM

Are you going to use 2 channels for the motors or put the speed controls on one channel?
How many servos will the esc. handle? I did not see any info on my 40a speed control paperwork on this.
Will you use a seperate bec.?
On some esc. you have to disconnect the red wire on one, and others you do not have to do this. What does your esc. recommend.
Got to have this bird.
Happy belated thanksgiving to all.
Sanford

I am going to run them on a Y harness on one channel. The ESCs have 3 amp switching ESCs, and the ESC manual says they are good for 5 servos. It is listed at the bottom of page one on the ESC manual.
http://donsrc.com/ESC_Manual.pdf

I will disable the red wire on one ESC before putting themonteh Y hrness.

Don

The Don

Dec 01, 2008, 11:44 PM

Here is my exit nozzles I made today. They fit perfect. I am posting a PDF file of them so other can use them. Just make sure when you print from Adobe it prints 100% scale.

Don

The Don

Dec 01, 2008, 11:49 PM

Here is the PDF template and a trial fit.

RemE

Dec 02, 2008, 12:41 AM

Thanks Don! I thought with the wife out shopping, that you'd be out flying by now;)

I thought I'd have all this free time and ended up dragging all the christmas stuff out, getting lights up......

The Don

Dec 02, 2008, 12:49 AM

I thought I'd have all this free time and ended up dragging all the christmas stuff out, getting lights up......

I got stuck on Xmas tree duty as well. Weather is wind and snow anyhow so I have a few days. At least I got to maiden the F117 Saturday.

Don

RemE

Dec 02, 2008, 12:54 AM

How does it fly with those odd outlets?? Slow cruzer? I haven't seen any video of them yet.

Edit, saw it on Bananna Hobby, looks like a nice park flyer.

The Don

Dec 02, 2008, 01:28 AM

Here is some video of my F117 from Saturday.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=XYVncFiScoU

sanman55

Dec 02, 2008, 07:16 AM

Thanks Don, missed the servo output,. Man thats great, it supports the most servos that I have seen.. Like this esc. , easy to program...
It mentioned a program card, do you sell these?
Good job so far on the sr.. can't wait to get your report on its flight.
I am like a kid in a candy store.............
sanford

sanman55

Dec 02, 2008, 07:24 AM

Nice job on nozzle... I do the same thing and found some thin plastic I use.Its a kids school paper holder you get in the school section of your grocery store. Its real thin but tough and comes in many colors.
Thanks for the templet.................

RemE

Dec 02, 2008, 11:32 AM

Nice vid Don! The motor just sounds great and it looks like it moves out well!

Are you using a helmet cam? I'm suprised how well it works, nice to be able to hear you comments along the way. So often I've gone out to test something and want it on video but unable to get it due to no available help.

If by chance it's a FlyCam, check out their site here for the just released firmware download, it increased video quality a little and fixed the sound/video sync offset that has been present in the previous firmware versions. (I thought I detected a sound sync issue in your vid).

http://www.flycamone2.com/index.php?id=20&L=3

Knife Liddle

Dec 02, 2008, 04:59 PM

Mine showed up today just like the UPS tracking said it would. As far as I can tell this is exactly the same mold and hardware as the one Don has.

It came with retracts, fans, decals, battery box and radio compartment.

It`s a good fun size. Large enough to get some attention, but small enough to be easy to transport and fly.

Knife Liddle

Dec 05, 2008, 01:32 AM

Don, just a heads up. Double check you CG location. My instructions say 78mm back from the front edge of the motor pods.

The small marks in the wheel well area are 5/8" farther back than that. The small marks DO NOT mark the CG location on my model.

On mine the measured CG is about 1/16" behind the back edge of the rx compartment.

When you get a chance check this measurment on yours. That should tell if they are out of the same mold or not.

Planning to fly my pusher prop version tomorrow.

The Don

Dec 07, 2008, 02:04 PM

More progress today :)

Don

RemE

Dec 07, 2008, 03:03 PM

Thanks Don! I take it you don't care about sealing the outer vents from flowing around the thrust tube? Will the rings cause the airflow to now pass over the external vents and cause less drag, improving things even more?? I will probably push them in more to hide them a little, for asthetics...

The Don

Dec 08, 2008, 01:03 AM

The ring will block the bypass air from those vents. If you push them in more you will have to make the center hole bigger than the template I posted.

I got the nose glued on today as well.

Don

RemE

Dec 08, 2008, 01:09 AM

Not concerened with the ESC's being out of the wind?

The Don

Dec 08, 2008, 01:14 AM

Not really, as I run the Pentiums inside all the time and since this is 3S all shoudl be good.

Don

sanman55

Dec 08, 2008, 07:27 AM

looks like you are close to flight?
Good job, can't wait to get flight report and maybe vidio??
I call nitroplanes and it looks like 4-8 weeks to get in frame...oh well it winter anyway.......
I am curious as to how you do the batteries, a lot of cutting??
later, sanford

sanman55

Dec 08, 2008, 07:53 AM

Don.. This is for what its worth dept..
I hooked up two motors on different channels and then linked them to the rudder. With this set up you have full throttle on throttle and when you give it rudder input you cut down one motor while the other stays the same.
This could make a wild flat spin and some nice turns? With the motors so close together not sure about turns. This setup also gives you tuneing ability if one motor pulls more than the other. Just a thought.
I did this on my twinstar and took it off on water. Did not need a water rudder, it turned great and did some crazy spins.
Later , sanford

RemE

Dec 08, 2008, 10:52 AM

That's called differential throttle, I did it on an Su-27 and it had almost no effect, only in stall turns. I wonder if the SR71 would work a little better as the fans are farther apart and the fins are smaller than the Su-27. It's easy enough to try if you have open channels...

RemE

Dec 08, 2008, 06:06 PM

I like to ask everyone who got the airframe only, did you get a bag of parts that contained the control horns and the plastic clamps that hold the fan in? I just went thru my kit and those parts are missing.

I got,

main fuse/wing section
nose section
fins
batt boxes
fans
fan nose cones
retracts, main/nose
instructions
decals/trim tape.

I don't know besides the clamps and horns what could be missing. I contacted NitroPlanes and they are working on it, we'll see what happens...

jet-ster

Dec 08, 2008, 06:19 PM

Good luck, they sent me a set of wings for free of charge about a year ago and have not seen it yet.

Knife Liddle

Dec 08, 2008, 06:27 PM

On mine the bag with the pushrods/horns/screws etc was easy to find. There is another bag with the clamps/screws for the fan covers. I didn`t think I got it either, but it was tucked in with one of the fan units.

RemE

Dec 08, 2008, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the replys guys,

jet-ster, you should be riding Nitro like a carnival pony till they come thru!

Knife, sure enough, I went thru the fan bags and there they were, all complete, whew :o

The Don

Dec 08, 2008, 09:53 PM

Mine came with all the parts except the retract nose gear and nose wheel! Oh well.

Don

Bombay

Dec 09, 2008, 07:52 AM

I still haven't been able to find many flight vids with the stock or modified EDFs...despite an overwhelming interest in this bird. Is everyone crashing theirs on the maiden?
Rob

Knife Liddle

Dec 09, 2008, 08:18 AM

I`d be surprised if they were all being crashed. I set mine up with the factory suggested CG and it flew great. It was a little nose-heavy and required more "up "elevon than the 3 degrees they suggest, but other than that, day one was without problems.

I`ve switched my prop-jet conversion from a single pusher with ~800w to a twin tractor with +1200w. I plan to fly it and get more video Thursday when the winds are suppose to lay down some.

SR-71 Prop-jet Thread (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=962572)

SR-71 Pusher Prop Video (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=964216)

Joe 1320

Dec 09, 2008, 09:00 AM

Looks good Don. I still think mine will use your wicked 4000s on 4s. What are you using for retract servos?

The Don

Dec 09, 2008, 07:08 PM

Looks good Don. I still think mine will use your wicked 4000s on 4s. What are you using for retract servos?

I will probably upgrade as well, but I wanted to get a reference point to start with. I am not installing retracts as I only received main gear retracts in my kit.

Don

Knife Liddle

Dec 09, 2008, 07:31 PM

I used a Tower Pro standard 9g servo on mine (one for the mains, one for the nose) . It takes a little tinkering and some lube on the retract parts to keep them from buzzing, but they will work. I`m using 6 volts to power the servos.

The Don

Dec 15, 2008, 08:50 PM

Ok guys I am getting more done on the SR-71. Sorry for the delays in this build but my dad has been in the hospital now for almost two weeks, he had several micro strokes but he is now stabilized and is now out of the ICU and into a normal room. The best part is he is starting to act normal again. He is just weak and needs some rehab to get his strength back again, but my flying buddy will be back in business in short time :) :) :)

The Don

Dec 15, 2008, 09:06 PM

Here are a few more photos.

My AUW is going to be right about 38 ounces with a pair of 3S 2200 lipos. I ran it up and at a little above half throttle I get 1:1 thrust to weight. WOT want to go! I am glad there is so much thrust even with the 80%FSA reducers.

Don

Bombay

Dec 15, 2008, 10:44 PM

Hi Don:
Sorry to hear about your father. We hope him the best and a healthy recovery.
Rob

RemE

Dec 15, 2008, 11:36 PM

All the best to your Dad! I went thru this with my Mom early in the year, took 2 months to get her back home again. Glad he's getting better.

The Don

Dec 15, 2008, 11:45 PM

Thanks guys. Each day is better and better now so we are hopign for a fast recovery. I told him he needs to build something while he is there :)

Don

The Don

Dec 15, 2008, 11:48 PM

Here are a few more photos of my hatch construction.

Don

lashmett75

Dec 16, 2008, 09:47 AM

Best wishes for a fast recovery for your father Don. My uncle just a triple bypass heart surgery yesterday. So the next week or so is pretty tense. Nothing like alittle hobby plane construction to keep your mind at ease. I have been working on the Executive Jet. Just need to attach motor connectors and nacelles and I am done. It is getting a US Airways livery. should Maiden weekend after X-mas. I will try an get video, if not I will post some pics on the other thread.

Merry X-Mas,

James

stuka

Dec 16, 2008, 11:12 AM

Signing up for this thread. Thanks for the great review. Im sorely tempted! Now if I could only find some asphalt or pavement I could ROG from. Not that easy, seems most peoaple are afraid of the dark, and light posts abound.

RemE

Dec 16, 2008, 04:44 PM

gotta love a flat black plane, great for touch ups :)

The Don

Dec 16, 2008, 09:47 PM

Here is the all finished photo. Hopefully I can get a flight in this weekend.

Don

RemE

Dec 16, 2008, 11:32 PM

So, what do you guess the flight time will be with 2x 2200's on board??

The Don

Dec 17, 2008, 12:05 AM

The way I fly, which is WOT the whole flight , I would say 4 minutes.

Don

Spid

Dec 17, 2008, 06:16 AM

Awesome job Don!! Can't wait to see it fly in person.

rick88ss

Dec 17, 2008, 08:02 AM

looks good. Are you gonna hand launch or put the wheels on it?

The Don

Dec 18, 2008, 01:39 AM

Hand launch!

Sammy70

Dec 18, 2008, 09:53 PM

SR looks awesome Don and best wishes for your father and his speedy recovery :)

sanman55

Dec 23, 2008, 01:35 PM

Got my ama mag. the other day and saw a sr-71 from easytigermodels.com.
List for $289 w/o receiver. They state that they only fly what they sell and this model is a rocket with a 4 cell.
They have 40 amp. speed controls but suggest a 18c bat., thats just 39 amps.I emailed them to ask how an 80 amp. can run on a 39 amp battery.
I watched the vid and they are wide open all the time.
I was not impressed at all with the flight even though it did take off on grass.
I think dons plane is the best so far.
I have learned to watch the take off cause they can't fake the distance it takes and that tells a lot on the power.
Hope all have a very MERRY XMAS AND NEW YEAR.

The Don

Dec 30, 2008, 05:28 PM

I just got back from the park and maidened the SR-71 in the 33F air. Hand launch was each with about 3/4 throttle. The aileron were touchy and they were on low rate so I need to rework that. I needed the high elevator throws though. The model flies awesome! I am very happy, it also slows down nicley to land. The head cam recorded the launch before the camera died, it does not like the cold it seems. It was scooting along pretty good.

Here is all the video I have!
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=GxViEnntb9w

Don

fh64_lucky

Dec 30, 2008, 06:34 PM

Knife Liddle

Dec 30, 2008, 06:40 PM

The Don

Dec 30, 2008, 07:08 PM

Oh Don...your killlin me! I have been waiting to see yours fly.I gotta ask...top speed est.?Hows verticle?Flight time on what battery?After the waiting,We get a 10 second video!!!! Dont make me come over there! ;) Joe

I only did a few WOT passes but I would say it was 90mph. Hard to tell though as the model is big. It sur elooked cool coming right at me! I had a little bit of a hard time flying it as the ailerons were way to touchy (at least at full speed). I used two 3S2200 lipo. I was hoping to fly again tomorrow but the winds are suppose to go back up to 25mph again. What the heck is going on with the weather? The two days I have to work the winds die down, then as soon as I am off, they go back to 25mph!

Don

The Don

Dec 30, 2008, 07:10 PM

Don, you`re a braver man than I am LOL.
Seriously, doing the head-cam thing is hard. Half the time I forget to start the camera, the other half, the camera isn`t aimed right.
Lookin` forward to a longer video. Good job!!

I think the Fly Cam One does not like the cold. It works fine in my house now after it warmed up. It does appear that the new firmware fixed the audio lag issue.