29-05-2011, 10:36 PM
Here's the maiden of my new F4 Phantom from HobbyKing via my brother. It's my 1st EDF so I wanted to ensure I had plenty of speed before takeoff. That was easily achieved with plenty of power from the....umm whatever sized motor that's in it.
The 1st negative in regards to a rolling takeoff is the lack of rudder. It has a steerable nose wheel but with any speed, the weight on it reduces to the point that any steering is dependent on the last bump that the aircraft hit on the takeoff run. Maybe a linkage & some hinges cut into the fin to form a rudder could be on the cards.
As mentioned, the takeoff occurred easily with rapid acceleration, in fact it kept up with my rising heartbeat nicely. The elevators were a little too nose down for the first flight creating a "lawnmower" departure as I didn't want to stall her by pulling up too steeply on takeoff. As it got airborne I relaxed the elevator slightly, but with the nose down trim, the aircraft wanted to help Darren keep the grass between the runways short.
The ailerons are very responsive & they were creating a left roll which was trimmed out easily. I had programmed a dual rate for them and this gave a very comfortable roll rate at full stick. As I get used to it I'll increase the throws on them.
The elevators are driven by separate servos and these need a bit of tweaking to get a symmetrical loop and not a half roll off the top! The landing saw a better glide than I expected but an acceptable touchdown into the "arrestor wire" of the grass to the side of the runway. The second landing on the next flight was lined up better, allowing a taxi back to the taxiway. Oh happy days!
Overall she is very well balanced with the 2200mah 4S up front, and for a first EDF, a very enjoyable experience!! The video has no special effects or music because I couldn't have been bothered for my own aircraft. A different story if I'm showcasing one of yours!! Anyway, many thanks to Kieran for his excellent videography. Nice shots!
Enjoy the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM_fGuSgK-8
The 1st negative in regards to a rolling takeoff is the lack of rudder. It has a steerable nose wheel but with any speed, the weight on it reduces to the point that any steering is dependent on the last bump that the aircraft hit on the takeoff run. Maybe a linkage & some hinges cut into the fin to form a rudder could be on the cards.
As mentioned, the takeoff occurred easily with rapid acceleration, in fact it kept up with my rising heartbeat nicely. The elevators were a little too nose down for the first flight creating a "lawnmower" departure as I didn't want to stall her by pulling up too steeply on takeoff. As it got airborne I relaxed the elevator slightly, but with the nose down trim, the aircraft wanted to help Darren keep the grass between the runways short.
The ailerons are very responsive & they were creating a left roll which was trimmed out easily. I had programmed a dual rate for them and this gave a very comfortable roll rate at full stick. As I get used to it I'll increase the throws on them.
The elevators are driven by separate servos and these need a bit of tweaking to get a symmetrical loop and not a half roll off the top! The landing saw a better glide than I expected but an acceptable touchdown into the "arrestor wire" of the grass to the side of the runway. The second landing on the next flight was lined up better, allowing a taxi back to the taxiway. Oh happy days!
Overall she is very well balanced with the 2200mah 4S up front, and for a first EDF, a very enjoyable experience!! The video has no special effects or music because I couldn't have been bothered for my own aircraft. A different story if I'm showcasing one of yours!! Anyway, many thanks to Kieran for his excellent videography. Nice shots!
Enjoy the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM_fGuSgK-8
3 Useless things for a Pilot:
Air above you, Air in the tanks, Runway behind you.
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