What New FlightlineRC or FreeWing Model would you like to see come next!

[Aros]

For what it's worth I turned my LX Blackbird into a hand tosser/belly lander.

[mshagg]

Whilst they would undoubtedly be cool, the potential issue i see with stealth bombers and mach 3 deltas is freewing typically does a great job catering for unimproved surface operations. So you have an SR-71 for example which flies on tarmac only,cutting anyone that flies from grass out of the potential market (this is eflite's usual strategy lol) or you have one with hilariously non-scale undercarriage, which upsets a different category of modeller.

[Valkpilot]

I read on this forum at least once, that black painted foam planes were considered a possible issue due to "gatoring" of the foam in the sun. That would be a drag for sure. The Dynam P61 is a black plane and I'm not sure how it fares, but it would definitely be awesome if there were a Freewing SR71 in the future. Too bad there's no magic black foam that's heat resistant...Maybe a shot of black liquid PVC could be sprayed into a mold before the foam expands. After the baking process, a hard thin black outer PVC shell could protect the foam surface, but I guess the internal heat keeps puffing the foam cells. The expansion pressure is strong....Anyway, here's another consideration for a supersonic Delta that never really went anywhere. According to it's history, the XF108 was shelved not long after the Avro Arrow project. The SR71 was the only plane from that era that actually made it off the production line and into service!!!....

The Rapier was supposed to fly escort for the XB-70 and used compression lift like the Valk. The reason it only existed as a mock-up and never had a prototype was because the money was used for the 70. The project was cancelled when they decided to start scaling back the order for the 70.

[OV10]

If FL is gonna do a B-25 it has to be 2000mm with a 3 piece wing where the outer panels bolt on just like the new FL Bronco does and where it would be outboard of the nacelles versus the booms.

[Merry Boozer RC]

F117 would be really a cool model the LX one always looks so good to me... but I only trust it as far as it can be thrown. I’ve came close several times to buying one and replacing everything just can’t bring my self to do it. I’d say my wish for Flightline is a 1600-2000mm B-25 and my wish for freewing would be a F117 stealth fighter

[AirHead]

I read on this forum at least once, that black painted foam planes were considered a possible issue due to "gatoring" of the foam in the sun. That would be a drag for sure. The Dynam P61 is a black plane and I'm not sure how it fares, but it would definitely be awesome if there were a Freewing SR71 in the future. Too bad there's no magic black foam that's heat resistant...Maybe a shot of black liquid PVC could be sprayed into a mold before the foam expands. After the baking process, a hard thin black outer PVC shell could protect the foam surface, but I guess the internal heat keeps puffing the foam cells. The expansion pressure is strong....Anyway, here's another consideration for a supersonic Delta that never really went anywhere. According to it's history, the XF108 was shelved not long after the Avro Arrow project. The SR71 was the only plane from that era that actually made it off the production line and into service!!!....

[Aros]

It is an amazing model, magnificent as you stated. Some of the scale details like all moving twin rudders would be hard to engineer in a twin 70mm or 80mm edf model I think. They seem to be instrumental in making those flat turns in the pattern and in controlling ground track for those long delta wing approaches.

However if that video did anything for me it solidified my thoughts, atleast in my own mind, of the flight characteristics I'd be expecting from an SR-71 model, flat patterns, and some high speed straight passes.

I believe this model falls into that niche, that the larger the SR-71 is, the better it will fly. Shrinking this model will most likely require some sort of flight stabilization for the majority. Not a bad thing as that's quite a common accessory to add from what I've seen nowadays.

As stated before, I love the history, legacy and inspiration the real Blackbird stirs within me. I've seen 4 different ones in person and had the privilege of speaking with an former Blackbird driver as a teenager when my father was in the Airforce.

I just don't see myself picking one of these up if they became available...

I understand the SR-71 is not for everyone, even if they appreciate the legacy/history like you do. To me, it's about having such an infatuation with the aircraft, the airframe, the history, knowing it's limitations in the RC setting and still enjoying it for what it is. In fact, it's what makes this hobby so exciting to me. If all my models were flown the same way, or treated in the same way, I would lose interest. The diversity of models, flight characteristics and having to learn each model's tastes is what keeps me excited decades in. There's a model out there to scratch anyone's itch. As a huge fan of scale military RC aircraft, I can appreciate the complexity of flying and landing a giant scale F4U Corsair just as much as I can appreciate trying to negotiate a foamie SR-71's likes and dislikes in order to take her home in one piece, lol.

I am crossing my fingers that Alpha/MRC and Freewing have a meeting of minds and consider the Blackbird or A-12. Not just for the iconic, historic value but because I feel they would be the first manufacturer and collaborative team that would honor the aircraft and the legacy like no other foam EDF before with a beautifully scale and flying EDF. Make it so boys!

(My LX SR-71 years ago with slick afterburners...Before Centerburners was a thing)

[Phantom]

Actually, in my case it's more than just that. I've seen the pictures and videos you folks post. Most of your fields are like flying from an Air Force base. Mines more like a carrier.

I'm with you, I fly from a true aircraft carrier. About 300 ft of usable runway with high obstacles on final and a sheer dropoff of 60ft down to wet rice paddies on 3 sides. Either I make the deck or I take the walk of shame lol

[Phantom]

I have found that a properly balanced SR-71 model flies well. I have lots of flights on an LX SR-71 and a Hobbylab SR-71. We are flying them at very light wing loadings and they do fine in the pattern.

In fact, a scale SR-71 flies well enough to win in Designer class at Top Gun. The essence of the SR-71 certainly transferred well to this model.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyQBPB1wnyk

Magnificent.

It is an amazing model, magnificent as you stated. Some of the scale details like all moving twin rudders would be hard to engineer in a twin 70mm or 80mm edf model I think. They seem to be instrumental in making those flat turns in the pattern and in controlling ground track for those long delta wing approaches.

However if that video did anything for me it solidified my thoughts, atleast in my own mind, of the flight characteristics I'd be expecting from an SR-71 model, flat patterns, and some high speed straight passes.

I believe this model falls into that niche, that the larger the SR-71 is, the better it will fly. Shrinking this model will most likely require some sort of flight stabilization for the majority. Not a bad thing as that's quite a common accessory to add from what I've seen nowadays.

As stated before, I love the history, legacy and inspiration the real Blackbird stirs within me. I've seen 4 different ones in person and had the privilege of speaking with an former Blackbird driver as a teenager when my father was in the Airforce.

I just don't see myself picking one of these up if they became available...

[tab28682]

I'm on board with the B1 Lancer because it would have a much broader flight envelope than the SR-71. Much like the real aircraft a flying model of the SR-71 would only do one thing well, fly straight. It wouldn't turn in a pattern well the landing would be very tough with scale gear, very flat.

I love the real plane, it's looks, it's performance and it's legacy, just don't think it transfers well to a model.

I have found that a properly balanced SR-71 model flies well. I have lots of flights on an LX SR-71 and a Hobbylab SR-71. We are flying them at very light wing loadings and they do fine in the pattern.

In fact, a scale SR-71 flies well enough to win in Designer class at Top Gun. The essence of the SR-71 certainly transferred well to this model.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyQBPB1wnyk

Magnificent.

[Andym610]

I’d love to see a B-25. Lovely looking aircraft and a decent sized model would have real presence in the air.
A decent sized P-40 would be great too. The Dynam model looked great but was slightly small and whilst the FMS P-40 looks ok I prefer the deeper chin scoop...

[Valkpilot]

Hahaha Don't you give in to that Cr_p Valkpilot! Save some of that rebellious nature we all covet for flying something that out weighs a folded paper airplane!

Actually, in my case it's more than just that. I've seen the pictures and videos you folks post. Most of your fields are like flying from an Air Force base. Mines more like a carrier.

[Phantom]

How about some ultra micro sized planes (under .55 lbs) to dodge the new rule?

Hahaha Don't you give in to that Cr_p Valkpilot! Save some of that rebellious nature we all covet for flying something that out weighs a folded paper airplane!

[Valkpilot]

How about some ultra micro sized planes (under .55 lbs) to dodge the new rule?

[Beeg]

I remembered an old Welsh, very early heavy metal band called Budgie, who's album artist took an SR71 Blackbird , painted it orange and added a bird skull. They named their album BUDGIE/SQUAWK!....I couldn't resist the play on the SR71....Those were the days...

I remember that album. Along with King Crimson and Camel. Yes, those were the days...

[AirHead]

I remembered an old Welsh, very early heavy metal band called Budgie, who's album artist took an SR71 Blackbird , painted it orange and added a bird skull. They named their album BUDGIE/SQUAWK!....I couldn't resist the play on the SR71....Those were the days...

[Aros]

There is a guy that makes both of them in composite. They look awesome except for the gear which is always expected not to be scale and they fly really well but they also come with a hefty price tag. https://fabcompmodels.com/

Cool find! I didn't even know there were composite Blackbird and Bone ARFs out there in the 70-90mm EDF range. Yeah, price is out of my budget by the time I bought everything I needed, but they both would be sweet! Would LOVE to see Freewing release both of these models. I've flown the LX SR-71 so many times (and yes gone through many airframes too) I am quite confident a Freewing version with our guidance would be a fantastic model. Its flight characteristics are not for everyone, that's for sure, but for a Habu Nut like me, I would be ALL over it!

[Phantom]

There is a guy that makes both of them in composite. They look awesome except for the gear which is always expected not to be scale and they fly really well but they also come with a hefty price tag.

https://fabcompmodels.com/

Too rich for my blood

[OV10]

I'm on board with the B1 Lancer because it would have a much broader flight envelope than the SR-71. Much like the real aircraft a flying model of the SR-71 would only do one thing well, fly straight. It wouldn't turn in a pattern well the landing would be very tough with scale gear, very flat.

I love the real plane, it's looks, it's performance and it's legacy, just don't think it transfers well to a model.

There is a guy that makes both of them in composite. They look awesome except for the gear which is always expected not to be scale and they fly really well but they also come with a hefty price tag.

https://fabcompmodels.com/

[Phantom]

Sr-71 and B1 Lancer.

I'm on board with the B1 Lancer because it would have a much broader flight envelope than the SR-71. Much like the real aircraft a flying model of the SR-71 would only do one thing well, fly straight. It wouldn't turn in a pattern well the landing would be very tough with scale gear, very flat.

I love the real plane, it's looks, it's performance and it's legacy, just don't think it transfers well to a model.