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

[GliderGuy]

It was breezy, but many days this week will be very windy. So, I flew…anyway. It was 8-9 mph steady with thermal gusts to about 12 mph.

She did OK, but she wing waggles quite a bit in the turbulence. For “pretty” and smooth flying, she’s better flown on special days. Still…she did not exhibit any bad habits in the wind. A couple of times, she ballooned up from ground effect height. When that happens, she responds very well to a burst of power on the down side of the balloon and touches down lightly. Note: Less waggle at faster speeds, but I fly about 1/2 throttle for 3:30 timer with an Admiral 6000. Cut it short if you hot rod any.

58 total flights and loving this plane. Graduated to loops and rolls (very fast roll rate…I did not reduce aileron throws…just dialed in 50% expo).

Great job FW and MRC!

-GG

[GliderGuy]

Finished making flight 48 at sunrise today. Made sure to turn on the xmitter BEFORE connecting the battery in the plane. That one flight with the gyro not initialized was ENOUGH!

I’m finding the sweet spot set-up for landing is 4 clicks of power once on final and leaving the power on to touchdown. She sets up in a slight nose-high attitude, flares and floats nicely to touchdown.

Realizing all radios are different, 4 clicks translates to roughly 15% throttle (stick position wise) on my gear.

-GG

[DCORSAIR]

“Is working” is the key operative. Works for this pilot who comfortably flies an MRC 90 mm F-4 on high rate (large amount of control movement) and no expo.

The SR-71’s full-stick roll rate with default factory set-up and 50% expo on low rate is something to see!

Having less control throw than recommended is a reasonable suggestion for the maiden and while experience with the bird is gained.

-GG

Yeah I didn't say all that in my post about less throw on maiden and all that, everything I fly has no expo or dual rates, it can be done if mechanically set up properly on any plane or jet and flown successfully doing all maneuvers, the problem is we have radios that will do magical things now days and gyros and helis that almost fly themselves, I'm getting worried that the younger pilots will never know what a well set up aircraft will ever feel like, there is just something about spending the time setting up a radio system and mechanical throws to get a plane to fly perfect, oh don't forget the CG thing.

Back on topic here, I did goof my first landing on the SR-71 because of dumb thumbs but 28 flights later it has been a joy to fly, it has been set up with reduced throws and linkages mechanically setup on the servo horns and I fly it with gyro on or off, very little wobble on a breezy day, if its calm it flies very nice. I did try a stall turn the last time out and that was a hoot watching that big long nose slide around and point itself straight down, it flies very well inverted too.

Well done Freewing is all I can say, for I finally got to fly an SR-71.

[GliderGuy]

Glad to hear the recommended is working. For me personally, my eye test makes me think even less than recommended is not a bad thing. However if recommended works, fantastic!

“Is working” is the key operative. Works for this pilot who comfortably flies an MRC 90 mm F-4 on high rate (large amount of control movement) and no expo.

The SR-71’s full-stick roll rate with default factory set-up and 50% expo on low rate is something to see!

Having less control throw than recommended is a reasonable suggestion for the maiden and while experience with the bird is gained.

-GG

[EDF-Jetpilot]

Sure…Here is the best photo I have of the gravel size that broke the SR-71’s anti-torsion arms within the first 8 landings. B-2 hasn’t had issues with it other than a broken nose steering arm on one cool 45F day. The area has some very small weathering cracks which probably caused the breakage. Such a cracked area can be seen near the top center of the photo.

-GG

Okay, thanks. This isn't exactly a landing gear-friendly track, of course, but it's better than I imagined. I thought you were flying on loose gravel.

[EDF-Jetpilot]

Your right Aros, to me there is no reason to set the SR-71 as per the instructions, but then again I always reduce throws on any model and never go by what the instructions say or even by what anyone else says actually. First thing I do when I get a new kit is move the linkages in on the servo horns on all the surfaces, it just tames those maiden flights down for one and also makes for a smooth flight. I always get a kick out of guys with way to much throw and then complain about how bad the plane flies, I have seen over my 41 yrs of flying how people set up the elevator and always have to much then see a stall usually on the turn to final or a snap roll of some kind from to much elevator. The SR-71 likes very little throw on all the surfaces really in my opinion, but hey I'm no expert so ignore my opinion....

Yes, the point about the throws is absolutely true and applies most strongly to beginners or aircraft like an SR-71 or a Mirage 2000 (ailerons), which are therefore easier to fly in their original configuration. But as an experienced pilot, you need the full range of throws, especially on the elevator, for experimentation and for cobra or flat spin maneuvers, for example, with an F-16 or F-22. Ultimately, I fly every model with three rates: one for high-speed flight, one for maximum flight without stalling, and one for maximum maneuverability. I'm always happy with that and have fun, even at the touch of a switch if desired.

But ultimately, every pilot has their own habits, and that's how it should be – the most important thing is always safety!

[Aros]

Your right Aros, to me there is no reason to set the SR-71 as per the instructions, but then again I always reduce throws on any model and never go by what the instructions say or even by what anyone else says actually. First thing I do when I get a new kit is move the linkages in on the servo horns on all the surfaces, it just tames those maiden flights down for one and also makes for a smooth flight. I always get a kick out of guys with way to much throw and then complain about how bad the plane flies, I have seen over my 41 yrs of flying how people set up the elevator and always have to much then see a stall usually on the turn to final or a snap roll of some kind from to much elevator. The SR-71 likes very little throw on all the surfaces really in my opinion, but hey I'm no expert so ignore my opinion....

Indeed my friend! I couldn't agree more.

[DCORSAIR]

I feel you. I wouldn't say it if I didn't think it was still relative based on the profile and flying characteristics of the model regardless of manufacturer or size. Look at some of the reviews and you will read the same thing. I stand by what I've said. Just because I haven't flown this particular model just yet doesn't mean I am off base here. The SR-71 doesn't want wicked roll rates, period. No matter the size or manufacturer. Clearly this is no high wing trainer we are talking about. Pitch rates whatever, but it wasn't until I reduced the roll rate is when I finally tamed the LX model. Granted, no gyro and I think that will be a major benefit here but I still stand by my stance that this model favors less is more when it comes to aileron authority, especially for intermediate pilots.

Your right Aros, to me there is no reason to set the SR-71 as per the instructions, but then again I always reduce throws on any model and never go by what the instructions say or even by what anyone else says actually. First thing I do when I get a new kit is move the linkages in on the servo horns on all the surfaces, it just tames those maiden flights down for one and also makes for a smooth flight. I always get a kick out of guys with way to much throw and then complain about how bad the plane flies, I have seen over my 41 yrs of flying how people set up the elevator and always have to much then see a stall usually on the turn to final or a snap roll of some kind from to much elevator. The SR-71 likes very little throw on all the surfaces really in my opinion, but hey I'm no expert so ignore my opinion....

[Aros]

Don't take this as an attack but as someone that is a moderator here, works for Motion, etc, making a statement, recommendation, opinion or whatever that is contrary to the manufacturer when you haven't flown the actual plane, to me is something not to do or at least make sure people reading it know it's an opinion based on flying other aircraft.

I feel you. I wouldn't say it if I didn't think it was still relative based on the profile and flying characteristics of the model regardless of manufacturer or size. Look at some of the reviews and you will read the same thing. I stand by what I've said. Just because I haven't flown this particular model just yet doesn't mean I am off base here. The SR-71 doesn't want wicked roll rates, period. No matter the size or manufacturer. Clearly this is no high wing trainer we are talking about. Pitch rates whatever, but it wasn't until I reduced the roll rate is when I finally tamed the LX model. Granted, no gyro and I think that will be a major benefit here but I still stand by my stance that this model favors less is more when it comes to aileron authority, especially for intermediate pilots.

[Evan D]

Don't take this as an attack but as someone that is a moderator here, works for Motion, etc, making a statement, recommendation, opinion or whatever that is contrary to the manufacturer when you haven't flown the actual plane, to me is something not to do or at least make sure people reading it know it's an opinion based on flying other aircraft.

[Aros]

Because I’ve flown the LX version hundreds of times, went through a dozen airframes until I cracked the code and found that this airframe is going to be much better off with limited roll. Granted, I haven’t flown this version yet but I can’t believe this model would be all that different. It’s still the same profile generally speaking. The gyro is a big help for sure. Back in the day it was no gyro, just go.

Expo is a biggie as well. Glad to hear the recommended is working. For me personally, my eye test makes me think even less than recommended is not a bad thing. However if recommended works, fantastic!

[GliderGuy]

And I've said it before and I will say it again as it bears repeating: Reduce your aileron throws in this bird. You will be happy you did.

Hmmm…I didn’t reduce throws on any axis…left them at whatever the default set-ups were.

More important is to increase the EXPO to a somewhat high value. I like 50% on aileron and elevator. I did not add EXPO to rudder, but that wouldn’t hurt.

-GG

[Evan D]

Why post that Aros?

Is it in response to a specific question?

Have you flown yours yet?

[Aros]

And I've said it before and I will say it again as it bears repeating: Reduce your aileron throws in this bird. You will be happy you did.

[GliderGuy]

Thanks for the confirmation and explanation. I can’t say “nothing happened”! I aged about 5 years in 2 minutes.

I recall listening to a military jet pilot when he said, “If we lose the Stability Augmentation System, we punch out.” That’s how I felt. First hand…I can say that the SR-71 is a real challenge to fly without a properly initialized gyro.

-GG

[EDF-Jetpilot]

Some of you will be shaking your head in disbelief about the stupidity!!!! Good news = all OK, no crash

Or…It might just be my specific electronics or a behavior that is unique to the SR-71 stock gyro. Who knows?

WARNING!!! I’ve always heard best practice is (1) turn on the xmitter (2) then turn on the RX.

A few times in the past with other planes, I got this backwards and had no issues. Read on…

WARNING!!! Again!!!!!

This morning was calm, so I few the SR-71 4 flights. I noted the xmitter batteries were a bit low after #2 flight. Changed the batteries and ended up getting the RX on “BEFORE” turning the xmitter on.

Everything checked out once I turned the xmitter on, so I took off.

Oh my gosh….The gyro or RX had lost its mind!!!!! It was in a hard left turn condition which took nearly full right aileron to counter.
My heart rate equaled that of Neil Armstrong’s as he landed on the moon!
I barely got it around once and landed. WHEW!!!

I unplugged the RX and then plugged it back in. Took off…all was normal. Made one more flight, too. All good.

LESSON LEARNED!!!!

-GG

PS Total flights now 48
Finding the best landings are with 3 clicks of power until wheels touch.

Yes, exactly, that's how it can happen. It's really important to always turn on the transmitter first, otherwise the gyro won't initialize correctly. Dear RC friends, please remember this very well, because in the "stress" of preparing for takeoff, you always have to pay full attention to this point. Thanks for your input, and it's great that nothing happened!

[stitch]

Those spring type,I have seen them burn it that spring gets hot melts seen it just keep eye on it don't force bunch amps at once 😆 be ok! Myself I only use those kinds up to 4mm ones.spring type lose tension after they keep getting hot over time.

[stitch]

Ya one on left is best all I use,plus sold em for yrs on eBay never had one problem with that kind, another reason overheating is not soldered good. Check wires make sure soldered nice and tight.

[f4u ausie]

I recently Lost my al 37 I suspect that was my reason.. I did same. But turned off tx ..to go back to my car ..left Rx powered..came back. Turned on tx.. did not do another flight check.. vwala. Take off and.. gone. Like last week's pay..

[Aros]

Glad you didn't have to have the dreaded Walk of Shame! I've done my share of stuff that jeopardized a flight but for some reason I've always turned my radio on first before I plug in. A good case study in why that's important!