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

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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

[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]

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

[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

[DCORSAIR]

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

It also flies great inverted around the pattern if your into that. I put 28 flights on mine and just sold it a couple of days ago. I just get bored with any EDF after a few flights and don't keep a huge inventory anymore so that is the reason I sold it, picked up a new 80mm Cougar only because I have never flown one. I think I enjoy putting them together more than flying now, 41 yrs of flying just about everything there is out there so I'm always looking for something different.

[GliderGuy]

Yes…correct / she flies nicely inverted. Have you flown the B-2?

I seemed to have solved the problem of the weakish anti-torsion arm on the landing gear. After beefing them up, not seeing any more issues.

-GG

[Aros]

Finally looks like I get maiden weather this weekend so I am looking forward to taking her to the active runway I have permission to fly at! As you can surmise by my avatar this is my favorite jet of all-time so I can’t wait to experience this beautiful rendition! GG I will take your advice of 15% throttle for the landing sequence. As always, thank you for the detailed flight reports!

[Evan D]

Good luck with the maiden!

[Aros]

Good luck with the maiden!

Thank you kind sir!

[DCORSAIR]

Yes…correct / she flies nicely inverted. Have you flown the B-2?

I seemed to have solved the problem of the weakish anti-torsion arm on the landing gear. After beefing them up, not seeing any more issues.

-GG

Yes, my buddy has the B-2 and loaned it to me so I could try before I buy lol, it flew great too and landed nicely as well. Taking off, now that's another story, what a squirrel on the ground but it flies very well too, I no longer have the space for too many or I would have kept the SR-71 and got the B-2 also.

[DCORSAIR]

Finally looks like I get maiden weather this weekend so I am looking forward to taking her to the active runway I have permission to fly at! As you can surmise by my avatar this is my favorite jet of all-time so I can’t wait to experience this beautiful rendition! GG I will take your advice of 15% throttle for the landing sequence. As always, thank you for the detailed flight reports!

Good luck on the maiden Aros.

What I did on my landings was pull power back to an idle right when I turned base to final so it will slow down and get in that perfect AOA then quickly add in power to maintain that same AOA all the way to touchdown and pop that chute, it's awesome how it slows down quickly.

[GliderGuy]

Yes…good luck! The Windy app shows light wind opportunities for your area this weekend.

I noticed longer take-off runs and short landing roll-outs the last few flights. Wheel lubrication issue? It’s more complex than that.

1) The center “U” fork on the mains can spread putting pressure on the outer (inner and outside) axle head and C clip = braking action.
2) The inner tire material can “spread/flatten out” on the outside part of the tire. This rubs against the inside of the “U” fork = braking action.

Solutions:
1) With pliers, gently compress the “U” fork tips towards each other. Not too much, or you won’t be able to mount the center wheel back on…or cause the inner wheel to bind. The tolerance is minimal. Not much leeway either way. Gotta get the fork spacing correct.
2) With a razor knife or Dremel, reshape the inner tire so it no longer rubs against the insides of the “U” fork.
3) Lubricate well!

The main gear’s fork tip spacing will require regular checking and adjusting.


-GG

[GliderGuy]

Reference post 239…Problem solved. Shorter take-off run and typical deceleration on landing roll is the result of the adjustments to the mains and good lubrication.
Flight total is 68 after this afternoon.

-GG

[Aros]

I’m sure you’ve stated but remind me, you are using the stock gyro, yes?

[GliderGuy]

I’m sure you’ve stated but remind me, you are using the stock gyro, yes?

Yes…Stock gyro, default factory control set-ups, 50% expo on aileron and elevator, CG on the mark wheels down. Admiral 6000 mAh pushed as far aft in the front battery bay as possible. For your initial flights…Set your timer to 3:00 and get on down wind at 2:30. That’s with most of the flight at a bit more than 50% throttle. Fly faster, land sooner. Later on, you can go 3:30 at 50% and less time if hot rodding).

She feels more solid with 2-3 clicks of added throttle when you lower the gear.

Definitely leave on some power on final. It is possible to glide her in at zero power, but it is a bit tricky to judge that. So much easier to set AoA on final with about 15% throttle and let her settle in. Get slow, and she will drop…but a burst of power will stop the fall.

If you get outa synch down low, just go around. You can eat up a lot of runway trying to “save” a landing.

Good luck and have fun! Let us know how it goes.

-GG

[Aros]

Great! Thank you!

[EDF-Jetpilot]

Great! Thank you!

good luck and have fun!