Official Freewing Twin 70mm SR-71 Blackbird with Gyro EDF Jet Thread

[Aros]

Ooooooh, yeeeeeaaaaaaah.

[Shaun Evans]

Blackbird to Single Turbine A-12 conversion done.

[GliderGuy]

Several more landings (66 total flights) are showing that additional attention to the mains is needed. In a previous post, it is discussed how the “U” shaped main axle support will need care if it bends outa shape even a little bit.

After yesterday’s flights, I noticed again that the mains were not rolling easily.

Some additional Dremel tool re-engineering corrected the binding. The axle is a little too short, so if the “U” axle support spreads even a little, the pressure on axle head and “C” clip cause the outer wheels to bind. Also, the tire material tends to deform/spread out and rub against the “U” axle support.

Not gonna go into all the “re-engineering” here because it is obvious where to Dremel on the plastic wheel hubs to remove the material that is binding.

You’ll need to attack the following places:
-Re-shape the tire…remove the outer edge “side wall” part that is spreading out and binding against the “U” support.
-Remove the plastic in areas of the hub where you see binding…including the center raised area by the axle hole…including the outer plastic wheel rim area.

Removal of the plastic hub material has the same effect as lengthening the axle. Once done correctly, you will note space between the axle head and the “C” clip and the plastic hubs of the outer wheels.

After some time spent tweaking, all six main wheels are freely spinning again. Periodic rechecking of the wheel spinning freely will be required. That is unless you make every landing butter smooth. 😜

Suggestion…you may want to buy some main spares to keep handy. Eventually, you’ll need them, so it seems.

-GG

PS Getting 3:30 comfortably with Admiral 6000 and mostly 60 to 65% throttle position…a little full throttle hot rodding. Leaves enough for a go-around. Fly faster…fly shorter.

[GliderGuy]

Also, I got those clips you mentioned to help reduce power loss. How in the heck do you open them?!

Good…
Note: The clip-on RF chokes reduce RF noise…not power loss.

Look on one side of the RF choke. You will see 2 small latches. The 2 curved lines in the sketch below show where the clasps are. Use something thin to lift the latch clasps. Once installed…add a zip tie to ensure the choke stays closed. CAUTION….Take care not to mash or crush the wires between the two halves when you close and latch the RF choke.

Once you unlatch the small clasps, unfold the choke and place it so the wires run down the center channel. Then clasp closed. The arrow shows the wires.

-GG

[GliderGuy]

Here’s how I measured, unscientific perhaps. Now it says 21”. Diameter, circumference? Same thing? I sucked at math and measuring lol.

That is diameter. Thanks.

-GG

[Aros]

Also, I got those clips you mentioned to help reduce power loss. How in the heck do you open them?!

[Aros]

Here’s how I measured, unscientific perhaps. Now it says 21”. Diameter, circumference? Same thing? I sucked at math and measuring lol.

[Aros]

I measured from side to side when pulled completely apart. Is that not right?

[GliderGuy]

Boy was I off. It's actually 20".

You sure? A 20 inch circumference is only 6.4 inches in diameter. That’s pretty small.

-GG

[Jpahemi1]

Thank you I appreciate the help

[Aros]

Boy was I off. It's actually 20".

[Aros]

I'll see if I can measure but it looks to be between 8-10".

[Jpahemi1]

Circumference

[Aros]

Length? Circumference?

[Jpahemi1]

Love this jet but I’m not ready to pull the trigger. Can someone tell me the chute diameter?

[ridgerunner]

... My fiancée does a great job filming, thank you I will pass it along! ...

Your kindly on-board videographer does a pretty good job as well.

Sweet! +1

[Aros]

That's awesome Aros and don't worry I messed up my first landing as well but after that one bad landing the 27 more flights with several touch and goes were smooth as butter.

I had one time the chute did not open and that was because I left it packed for a week, it popped out fine but was to wrinkled to open so after that I left it unpacked and tucked away in one of the exhaust outlets and that solved the problem.

Nice! Yeah I never once felt that she was a handful. As stated, it had everything to do with Sun orientation mixed in with learning the runway (where to position myself), best times of day to go where the Sun won’t become a hindrance when flying the pattern, And if I have to come in on final approach from the North, be mindful of how she can get lost a bit once under the tree line.

I shouldn’t be standing at the beginning of the runway. I need to be at least 1/3 of the runway which gives me a better chance of seeing her better regardless of which way I am coming in to land.

If the rain staves off tomorrow I may go out again and practice touch and goes. If I have her in sight with a nice approach altitude and a few clicks of power, I feel like she will come in nice and easy.

I like your idea about keeping the parachute tucked in the outlet before flying. I’m going to try that!

[DCORSAIR]

Thanks!

Okay back at home. So the complete story is I fly at an uncontrolled, low traffic runway (which I received permission for) which is sweet! However, the orientation puts me smack dab staring at the Sun at this time of year and day. I really did get lucky not crashing as at least three times I flew right into the Sun line and could not see (bleep) for a few seconds each time. Yikes. Luckily I kept my sticks pretty level and she came out the other side okay. No doubt does the gyro help. I purposely kept the flight short and high altitude in case any kind of recovery altitude was needed.

As for the landing, I was too high, and she was too far away for my liking (this is only my third time flying at this runway so I am still learning it) since the wind direction was coming from the South instead of the North like I was hoping. When she dropped below the tree line to my vantage point I lost her for a few seconds which explains the "whoop-de-doos" lol. Finally once she got close enough I was able to tame her down a bit but the landing was a bit harder than I would have liked. But no harm, no foul. I was bummed that the parachute didn't deploy! I'll have to take a look at how it's all wrapped up. Maybe a bit too good.

I only flew the one maiden. I brought an extra 6000 but I typically don't fly after a maiden because as long as it was a success (i.e. not coming home in a trash bag) I look at it as coming home from Vegas with house money, lol.

The more I familiarize myself with the runway, orientation, Sun position, wind, etc, etc, the better the flights will go. I never once felt like I was fighting the sticks with her. She was docile the entire time. Any "whoop-de-doos" were on my part, again due to Sun orientation, coming in too far away, losing her in the tree line, etc. Outside of that, I feel she's easy peasy and I can't wait to get more flights on her!

That's awesome Aros and don't worry I messed up my first landing as well but after that one bad landing the 27 more flights with several touch and goes were smooth as butter.

I had one time the chute did not open and that was because I left it packed for a week, it popped out fine but was to wrinkled to open so after that I left it unpacked and tucked away in one of the exhaust outlets and that solved the problem.

[Aros]

Aros, very nicely done. I watched your ewe-toob vid and that's a great looking place to fly.

Tamms asked if that is a lake or a river, I thot lake, but could not see all that well.

Your videographer is to be congratulated keeping Habu in the frame for the entirety.

Congrats to you on a successful check ride #1, as well, Sir.

Best, LB

Thank you kindly, kindliest of kind men!

The water is actually a bay. It’s part of the Columbia River that meets the Pacific Ocean. Little side note, that area where the river meets the Pacific is among the deadliest on the planet for mariners.

My fiancée does a great job filming, thank you I will pass it along!

now when are you getting yours?

[Aros]

The “loss into the tree line” is discussed in this video.
It’s well done and shows stall recovery and chute packing.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HPr3-YPeSaU

-GG

I’ll check it out, thanks!