I picked up a 163 Komet from H K this past December. On her maiden flight, I discovered that 1 of the wing servos was slower in response to the other and she rolled over and into the ground when I pulled up elevator on take off. No serious damage and I have since corrected the problem with new servos.
I'm having issues with finding the proper CG and setting up the balance for the little guy. I do plan to use the rocket motor just for S&Gs but this does throw some wrinkles into the balancing act so to speak, and with the battery (a 3S 2200 mah pack) as far forward as I can get it, using the recommended CG location specified in the manual:
} with no dolly attached; the plane balanced with 1.75 oz of lead right in front of the foam firewall
} adding the dolly makes the plane balance with 1.25 oz of lead [ + dolly = 1/2 oz reduction of nose weight ]
} removing dolly and adding the rocket motor in the tail makes the plane balance with 2.50 oz of nose weight
So I was wondering as to how did you guys balance your 163 Komet for the best all around solution for the features available???
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Greetings Loneflier,
Agreed, with the provided power system this should still be a fun flyer.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Bill L.L.
in OKla.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Thanks for the updates guys. After viewing the video and thinking of the potential complications, I believe I will fly mine with just the battery and motor provided. Should still be a very fun plane, and unique as well. Still glad I bought it, and hope to bring you a flight report soon.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Greetings Steve,
I am confident that HK is going to sell a lot of Me-163's on the novelty factor of the rocket motor alone.
While the hope is that folks will do their due diligence, many are not going to bother to reading the instructions or watch the video.
They're going to load up their motors just to "see what this baby will do!!" and most unfortunately - for them and our hobby - many of these motors our going to get fired off unexpectedly creating bad and dangerous experiences and that's usually followed by bad press for the RC community.
I am not a 'Sky Is Falling' kind of guy, but after watching that video, I have a bad feeling about this one.
We shall see........
Clear Skies
Bill L.
in OKla.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Agree completely with ya Bill. At the very least I would add another (mechanical) switch in series as a fail safe somewhere on the exterior so that it could be armed just before take off. I doubt a US based company would even think of this arrangement considering the liability issues raised. With all the bad press about "Drones" and such we sure don't want any more, or more importantly see anyone injured. Also, if you fly at an AMA sanctioned field this is probably a safety violation (have to check on that though).Originally posted by Rocketeer
EDIT: Not an AMA violation:
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or d
rops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property.
Exceptions:
Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight.
Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be used provided they remain attached to the model during flight.
Model rockets may
be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from model aircraft.
Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to
use devices and practices as defined within the Team AMA Progr
am Document.
(AMA Document #718.)
SteveLeave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Greetings Gang,
I'm sure you are already aware of this but, HK has released a new video covering the New Durafly ME-163.
If ANYONE is considering acquiring this plane WITH the optional rocket launching capability, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE watch their video on the required installation and initialization procedures for the rocket motor option!!
THERE ARE SOME DEFINATE SAFETY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS OPTION RELATED TO THE POSSIBILITY OF PRE-MATURE INGNITION OF THE BLACKPOWDER MOTOR!!!
Personally, having been president of our local model rocket club for many years, I'm astonished they have released this option without directly addressing this issue first!!!
Here is the VERY important link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJZFAfSgJX0
While the correct procedure is outlined in the video, it still leaves a high opportunity/risk for forgetful accidents. IMHO
Safety First
Bill L.
in Okla.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Thanks Flygirl,Originally posted by Flygirl
I am looking forward to getting this one in the air, of course, I always look forward to flying any of the new planes, but the Komet is so unique, I just had to give it a try.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Greetings Loneflier,
Agreed, HK, has become a player!!!
When ordering from there US warehouses deliveries have been consistently days away after ordering.
Even a package I recently ordered from China arrived well ahead of expectations.
I really believe they read our MRC posts and have learned what is most important to buyers... support and service.
I real game changer for HK.
Bill L.
in Okla.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Was just watching a vid on it.... Looks like a handful on the roll axis. Should be fun!Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Well, I got home today, and found that the brown truck had beat me home and left a gift! HK has stepped up their game, and got this in only 4 days.. Of course, I am ordering from the Arkansas warehouse, so the distance is much closer than the West warehouse, at least for me. Nicely boxed, well protected by foam cut-outs, and no damage at all.
The Me-163 Komet comes in a large box since the wings are already attached. The build for this one looks like it might take a whole 15 minutes! Basically, all you have to do is bolt on the tail/rudder, hook up the receiver, and add a battery. Extremely simple. It will probably take more time programming the radio than the actual assembly will take. The paint and detailing looks really good as well. I have a couple of builds ahead of this one, not to mention some maiden flights of other planes I need to do, but I am really anxious to get started on this Komet. It will certainly be the only one at my flying field! :D
I will update this post once I build the plane and fly it for the first time.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Thanks Bill,
I also am very anxious to see this little jewel. I have several wings, and enjoy flying them, but this will be my first scale warbird wing!
I did not opt for the solid rocket propulsion,....wait for it......YET! :cool: I want to fly it a few times with just the regular motor and get a feel for her before I try to go ballistic with it! They do cover the solid option in the manual, and I read it with their on-line manual.
It should be here by early next week, so I will be happy to give you a run down of the initial impressions of the kit.
Take care, and Happy Flying!
RichLeave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Greetings Loneflier,
I can't wait until you receive this baby!
Did you order the optional switch mechanism for igniting the rocket motor (blackpowder)?
I will be very interested in learning how they do it remotely.
If you didn't go for that option I think they will still cover it in the instructions.
This should be really interesting with a C6-0 rocket motor!
Normal burn time for this motor is 1.6 sec. with a total Impulse of 10.0 Newton Sec.!
That's a maximum thrust of 3.4 lbs. or 15.3 Newtons! And those specs are for going vertical !
I can't wait to see what will occur with the reduced drag of horizontal flight!!
The installed weight of a C6-0 motor is an additional 12.48 grams loaded which will effect the CG but as the fuel burns the tail will surely get progressively lighter!?!
Interesting.
This is going to be exciting!! Can't wait to hear!!!
Clear Skies,
Bill L.
in Okla.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Thanks Steve,
I'll keep everyone posted on the build and maiden flight once it gets here. I really like flying wings, they generally are, pretty stable and fun to fly. I hope this one will be as much fun as my others.Leave a comment:
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RE: Durafly Komet Me-163
Well, I'm still resisting..........so far :rolleyes: . It is something out of the ordinary, which I love, and it seems they've put a lot of thought and engineering into it. We all like to show up at the field with something people want to see fly and the rocket is sure to please and surprise unwary onlookers :D . Have fun with it and let us know how it flies.Originally posted by Loneflier
SteveLeave a comment:
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Durafly Komet Me-163
Well, I couldn't stand it. HK offered the Me-163 as a new Durafly release, with the option to use a small solid rocket as additional propulsion. Not sure I will use that part, but the actual model looks great. One of my favorite WWII planes from the Axis side, and one that you don't see often. Wingspan is 970mm, and has a scale looking dolly that can be dropped right after take off. For 160.00 I thought it was a pretty good deal. It is on the way, and I will be letting you all know about the build and maiden as soon as I get it here! Even my wife liked it, and told me I need to order it!! Heck, does it get any better than that?? :D
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