Originally Posted by metalguy

I think I will grab another one of these, and cover it with silkspan. Maybe that will help it stay together better. I really like the unique design of this plane, and after having it defeat me last time, I want another round with it! ------Metalguy

Give the clear packing tape a go. You can paint over it if you like, but I left mine as is. Countless flights and rough landings, and she is still together. I know lots of people support the silkspan/glass cloth covering, but for me, they just turn into flying eggshells, or "crunchies" The tape finish has "give", and adds tremendous strength to foam. I covered my Starmax F22 Raptor in clear tape, and never looked back. It is a PITA to do, but the benefits really pay off after a couple of rough landings

I never had a "landing" with my first one of these, but am determined to make my second be a successful effort.------Metalguy

Just ordered my second try at this model. Hoping it will be a better experience than the first one! ------Metalguy

Good on you for having another go Metalguy. Like my previous posts, I ended up writing my first one off, but knew it had potential. Bit like staying single forever because your first girlfriend was a bitch Get your COG spot on, handlaunch up instead of straight and level into a nice steady breeze (pick your days; patience helps here ), My 2nd He162 is still flying, with the 3rd still in the box unbuilt. If I had a way of packaging my pig headed- ness, I'd send you some, although my wife tells me I have plenty to spare If you have an open space with lots of long grass to absorb "mistakes", that helps too. Let us know how you get on.....good luck

I will definately turn the patience up for this one. I flew more in the last year than I have in a long time, so my skills have certainly improved, too. I am not new, just rusty. Been riding motorcycles less recently, and reloading, and flying more. -----Metalguy

I think a lot of my problem was where I was flying. The field is fairly small, and turns must be made right away, and probably not the best situation for a maiden. I also had zero experience with ducted fans, and even though launching this one will be different from the level toss I give mine now, I understand the pause needed for the plane to get up to speed before input....and I just have a lot more time on various aircraft now, so I have a pretty fair chance at success this time. I also think my batteries were not up to the task, so I was getting less thrust than needed, too... I am thinking of forgoing the stock motor and ESC, and using a 4s set up for better power. Think this is a good idea?------Metalguy

I'm sure you will tame her this time. Just be aware on the turns, the only weak spot with the stock EDF.

I just have to wait now....on its way from China. Will the stock motor handle 4s? I know the stock ESC won't.-----Metalguy

I just answered my own question today. I still have the edf from my departed He-163, and hooked it up to a 4s capable esc, then ran it up. Wow. Great amount of thrust, and I believe this will be one of the first mods the plane will get when it arrives. I shall swap out the esc, and put in a 4s capable unit of around 50 amps, or so. I will also swap out the stock servos, fix the nose gear linkage, and do the normal beef-up of critical areas. I bet she flies well on 4s. ------Metalguy

Originally Posted by metalguy

I just answered my own question today. I still have the edf from my departed He-163, and hooked it up to a 4s capable esc, then ran it up. Wow. Great amount of thrust, and I believe this will be one of the first mods the plane will get when it arrives. I shall swap out the esc, and put in a 4s capable unit of around 50 amps, or so. I will also swap out the stock servos, fix the nose gear linkage, and do the normal beef-up of critical areas. I bet she flies well on 4s. ------Metalguy

have not tried it on 4s, but used one of the the new nanotech high d/c 3s batteries ( 65-130) and she seems to develope good usable power. Not sure how long the OE motor/fan will last with the extra punch from 4s, but I guess you will find out. With the inherant design of this plane, especially the stubby wings, Keeping the weight down is absolutely critical. The wing loading MUST be kept to a minimum, or she really deteriorates in flight behaviour When I was experimenting, i dropped in a GWS 64mm set up, and it produced much better performance. Used it with a 40amp ESC as well to keep things cool. Looking forward to hearing some good news

I do think my last He-162 suffered from poor battery performance, too. I was using 1300mah 20c batts, and they were older, too. I now know they weren't up to par, as my nano-tech 45-60c 1300 batts have a lot more whallop. I have used them both in my light version of the HK Me-163, and its like day and night. While it will still fly on the old, low c batts, it is in no way the powerhouse it is on the higher c batts. I did buy some nano-tch 4s 1000 mah batts to see how they do in the new He-162....------Metalguy

Well. Guess what arrived today? My new He-162! Looks like the usual slight damage, nose, tiny bit on the tail, and T.E of wing roots. Has anyone tried a product called styrospray? I have been reading up on it, and may coat some of the bottom of this with it, to see if it can alleviate some belly rash on landings.--------Metalguy

Styrospray? Never heard of it. Let us know how it works

It appears to be a lightweight coating that folks use on EPS sculpures, to weatherproof, and give them some strength. I will test out the small 2 quart size, and see if it can be feasable to use on models. I am hoping it isn't very heavy. While I don't plan on coating an entire model with the stuff, it could be useful as an abrasion resistant coating for the underside of belly landers.------Metalguy

I may start this build tonight. It is siting in the box, awaiting some attention.-------Metalguy