This R/C aircraft has been
an incredible adventure right from the start. Originally designed
and built in 8 weeks, it is now at revision 7 only six years and 800
hours later! It is pictured here as it was first built.
Jeff Gilbert provided the
powerplants and servos and the wing design is very similar to
Jeff''s Diamond Dust. Propulsion was generated by two Kressjet
RK-720's.
So far, the aircraft has completed seven
flights and crashed five times! The first two crashes were due to
pilot stupidity. The remaining three crashes were due to the
airframes' propensity for pilot induced oscillation on the pitch
axis. The airframe responds very slowly to elevator commands but
once enough force is built up on the elevons the pitch change
occurs abruptly. This year (2003) an FMA "Co-Pilot" will be used to
stabilize the pitch and roll axes. Hopefully that will solve this
one remaining obstacle.
Specifications:
Wingspan:
45"
L.O.A.: 78"
Flying Area: 1040 sq. in.
Dry Weight: 6.2 lbs Flying Weight: 8 to 9
lbs
Power: (2x) MVVS 3.5cc with an 8 x 4 prop @ 17,800 rpm
Min. Speed at rotation: ~55mph Max
Airspeed: ~145mph
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