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

[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...

[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

[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)

[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!!!....

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Aros]

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

[Valkpilot]

or you have one with hilariously non-scale undercarriage, which upsets a different category of modeller.

If you're that picky over details, you should stick to static models. My criteria is this: 1.) Does it look like the real thing and not a caricature, 2.) Does it fly, 3.) Does it have landing gear. I'm willing to accept fixed, non scale landing gear as long as conditions 1 & 2 are met. Firm believer in K.I.S.S..

[Aros]

If you're that picky over details, you should stick to static models. My criteria is this: 1.) Does it look like the real thing and not a caricature, 2.) Does it fly, 3.) Does it have landing gear. I'm willing to accept fixed, non scale landing gear as long as conditions 1 & 2 are met. Firm believer in K.I.S.S..

Agreed. While I am a HUGE proponent of scale details, I am quite willing to make concessions where it makes sense. If Freewing were to release a SR-71, I would expect the profile to be spot on. I would expect many scale details that LX simply would have never bothered with. But I would not expect the scale gear for instance. Oleo struts as is typical with most Freewing models would make sense. Concessions.

[f4u ausie]

these r models cost grass fieilds .....mmmm 4 me i agree flying profile first ,.... what an incredible aircraft those engines....... wow

[mshagg]

If you're that picky over details, you should stick to static models. My criteria is this: 1.) Does it look like the real thing and not a caricature, 2.) Does it fly, 3.) Does it have landing gear. I'm willing to accept fixed, non scale landing gear as long as conditions 1 & 2 are met. Firm believer in K.I.S.S..

Preaching to the choir here. I'll have a B2 stealth bomber with tractor wheels if it means I can actually get up off the grass. But a lot of guys hold the view that jets are for tarmac and are critical when concessions are made to broaden its theatre of operations.

Could you imagine the reaction if they released a 6S EDF with fixed landing gear lol.

[Aros]

All this talk of the Blackbird I had to take it down and get her airborne. The dust is free of charge.

[Elbee]

All this talk of the Blackbird I had to take it down and get her airborne. The dust is free of charge.

Aros, Looks good to me with the dust and much like Bu.No. SR-71961 on exhibition here at the Cosmosphere only the nose needs the paint rubbed off from all the hand prints. Best, LB

[Aros]

Great pic LB! Just hangin' with my pal the Habu. Love it.

[T-CAT]

Awesome video and pic, guys! The SR-71 is one of my favorite jets. The documentaries, walk-around videos, cockpit videos, etc. are always phenomenal to read and watch. It is such a mystical jet, way beyond its time, a legend, and still looks "out of this world" today.

[Aros]

Agreed! I always say it looks like something Darth Vader would fly. Kelly Johnson was a genius. Designed in the 50's and it still looks futuristic today.

For those of you who haven't heard the "Speed Check" story, enjoy...

For those of you who haven't heard the "Buzz The Tower" story, enjoy...

[RRHandy]

Aros, Thanks for sharing those. Lmao.

[tab28682]

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.

My LX SR-71 can handle short dry grass.