Official Freewing Twin 80mm EDF A-10 Thunderbolt II Super Scale V2 Thread

[DCORSAIR]

Ah, I probably will end up not using the gyro, especially with the NWS, from what I've heard and read. I only ordered the 12 blade because of my other EDF jets, it seems the 12 blades have a better sound. But you say you think the 9 blade does on this one? Interesting. It's expected on June 3rd so I'm looking forward to it. Did you fly it on 5000 mAH batteries? I'm contemplating 6000 but looking at the weight difference and the CG? I didn't order batteries as I have both already. What 120mm HSD jets did you go back to? Thanks again for the info. I'll stay in touch...

I used only 5000mah packs in my old 9 bladed A-10 and also in the new V2 A-10, I did notice right away on the new version with the inrunners I was able to get longer flight times compared to the old version with 9 blade fans and outrunners. When I got the new version it just seemed so much quieter to me but after watching and listening to some of the older versions and now the new one, the new version seems to have a better wooosh sound and the whine is still there, I still think the old 9 blade version sounds closer to scale, my opinion.

Here, you be the judge.

https://youtu.be/-lyqt5cXW5M?si=jqPSu-HtcFPX5TJB

https://youtu.be/aDk3luclifA?si=p9XSpkgYH0am7yRu

[xviper]

Ah, I probably will end up not using the gyro, especially with the NWS, from what I've heard and read. I only ordered the 12 blade because of my other EDF jets, it seems the 12 blades have a better sound. But you say you think the 9 blade does on this one? Interesting. It's expected on June 3rd so I'm looking forward to it. Did you fly it on 5000 mAH batteries? I'm contemplating 6000 but looking at the weight difference and the CG? I didn't order batteries as I have both already. What 120mm HSD jets did you go back to? Thanks again for the info. I'll stay in touch...

This harkens back to the day when people used to put nerf whistles in the exhaust of their V1 A-10. It gave a more whistly, whiney sound that some say mimics the real A-10. The 9-blade started off being more of that sound that people liked. The nerf whistles made it more so. Some put 2 in each engine nacelle. The 12-blade gives more of a true to real life jet sound. To each their own.

[FlyNAce]

Hi guys! I am also a Futaba user and I just got the new A10 which is a wonderful airplane. I went with an older 12-channel FAST-Multi Futaba receiver in mine. The current version of that receiver is really expensive. I needed the extra channels as I have a sound system installed in my A10 and required the extra channels for switching the sounds on and off.

I did want to chime in and say that I have several of the generic Radtron receivers. I have not used the big one you mentioned, but have used a couple of the 4-channel units, a couple of the lightweight units, and the one with the gyro built in. All of them have worked flawlessly with no glitching or any other signal problems. You get a lot of value for your money with this brand. Since the A10 is so big and expensive, I would suggest perhaps getting the receiver you want to use and fly it around in a smaller bird just to make sure it works for you. We fly in a wide-open farmland area, so there isn't much in the way of interference, so I can't speak to how the receivers would perform in a noisy area.

I switched from Spektrum to Futaba a few years ago because I felt like the "feel" of the Futaba radio was better than the Spektrum products. I went with the 18SZ, but also have a 16 IZ.

Good luck with your A10!

Hey Raptorflyr... Thanks for "chiming in"! Good to hear that you like the V2 A-10 as well. I am looking forward to receiving my A10 shortly! I was wondering about adding a sound system maybe, down the road. Do you use it for the gun?

I ordered the 14 channel Radtron receiver to try in a smaller, less expensive aircraft on a trial basis. I appreciate your feedback on the Radtron receivers. It's good to get some feedback from someone who has tried them. Our field that I mainly fly at here in the north PHX area isn't too bad yet in the way of interference but you never know, as we are getting encroached upon.

I do agree with you on the "feel" of flying Futaba over Spektrum.

What version of A-10 did you buy? And what mAH battery are you flying your's with? Again, I appreciate you "chiming in". It's all good info... Have a good evening! And continued Good Luck with your A-10...Enjoy it!!! :punch: :a10:

[FlyNAce]

Ok, keep me updated if you do try one of those receivers.
You will love the A-10, it has to be one of the best flying EDF jets out there, I sold mine because I went back to the big 120mm HSD jets and if I do get another one down the road I will get the one with no gyro and with the outrunners, I like the sound better with 9 blades and it don't need a gyro, it's so stable.

Ah, I probably will end up not using the gyro, especially with the NWS, from what I've heard and read. I only ordered the 12 blade because of my other EDF jets, it seems the 12 blades have a better sound. But you say you think the 9 blade does on this one? Interesting. It's expected on June 3rd so I'm looking forward to it. Did you fly it on 5000 mAH batteries? I'm contemplating 6000 but looking at the weight difference and the CG? I didn't order batteries as I have both already. What 120mm HSD jets did you go back to? Thanks again for the info. I'll stay in touch...

[Raptorflyr]

Hi guys! I am also a Futaba user and I just got the new A10 which is a wonderful airplane. I went with an older 12-channel FAST-Multi Futaba receiver in mine. The current version of that receiver is really expensive. I needed the extra channels as I have a sound system installed in my A10 and required the extra channels for switching the sounds on and off.

I did want to chime in and say that I have several of the generic Radtron receivers. I have not used the big one you mentioned, but have used a couple of the 4-channel units, a couple of the lightweight units, and the one with the gyro built in. All of them have worked flawlessly with no glitching or any other signal problems. You get a lot of value for your money with this brand. Since the A10 is so big and expensive, I would suggest perhaps getting the receiver you want to use and fly it around in a smaller bird just to make sure it works for you. We fly in a wide-open farmland area, so there isn't much in the way of interference, so I can't speak to how the receivers would perform in a noisy area.

I switched from Spektrum to Futaba a few years ago because I felt like the "feel" of the Futaba radio was better than the Spektrum products. I went with the 18SZ, but also have a 16 IZ.

Good luck with your A10!

[DCORSAIR]

Ok, keep me updated if you do try one of those receivers.
You will love the A-10, it has to be one of the best flying EDF jets out there, I sold mine because I went back to the big 120mm HSD jets and if I do get another one down the road I will get the one with no gyro and with the outrunners, I like the sound better with 9 blades and it don't need a gyro, it's so stable.

[FlyNAce]

I fly with Futaba and I flew my V2 A-10 with the Futaba 6108SB and I decided not to use the reverse thrust just because I don't need it with the long runway I fly at, I went with the flashing gun instead which I could never see it flashing in the air, its more of a on the ground thing and if I got another A-10 I don't think I would even bother with the flashing gun, kind of worthless without sound.

I didn't know about the Radtron rx your talking about until now, kind of curious if they do work really well or not because some of these Futaba receivers are getting hard to find and are expensive. I've been using Futaba receivers so long it's hard to change to another receiver when I've never had any issues with them, been with Futaba for 41yrs now, but if you do try one let me know how it goes.

Thanks for the reply DCORSAIR ... good to hear from another long-time Futaba user. (me 56 + years). I was thinking that one couldn't see that muzzle flash in the air, hence why I was giving it up, to keep the TR for when I do fly on a shorter field. I've always used Futaba Rx also, with never an issue. And it's hard to think about messing with success, especially with a bird like this. I fly some BUSA detailed out 1/3 scale WWI birds and I only trust those to Futaba as well. But like you said, some of these Futaba Rx are getting hard to find and are getting pricey! So I may buy one of the Radtron Rx to try on one of my cheaper aircraft sometime, just to check it out. If I do, I will let you know what the results are with any drop outs, etc. I'm ordering the V2 A-10 when I finish this reply. I'm looking forward to receiving and flying it. Thanks again for your reply! :punch: :a10:

[DCORSAIR]

Hi Everyone.... I've been contemplating pulling the trigger on this one since it came out. I've been busy, but now is the time. Wednesday I'm going to order it in the PnP Inrunner 12-blade version w/gyro. Has anyone flown it yet with the Futaba T16IZ or equivalent and a R7108SB 8 Channel Rx? I know I won't have all functions with the 8 channel Rx, I could go S-Bus and have 9 channels or put in a 14 Channel Futaba Rx in it. Someone said to try the Radtron R14FA 14-Channel Futaba FASST Compatible Receiver that Motion RC sells, but I have never used those Rx and probably wouldn't feel comfy trying one out on this great bird, just to have the gun channel, which is what I'll give up to use my 7108. I'm asking because it seems most everyone these days are flying Spectrum but I have flown Futaba since forever. I do have one DX6e to bind to some foamies to fly with my grandkids but... BTW, this is a great resourceful thread on what seams to be a better version of the V1, which I missed out on. I'm not missing out on this one!!! Have a great evening everyone!

I fly with Futaba and I flew my V2 A-10 with the Futaba 6108SB and I decided not to use the reverse thrust just because I don't need it with the long runway I fly at, I went with the flashing gun instead which I could never see it flashing in the air, its more of a on the ground thing and if I got another A-10 I don't think I would even bother with the flashing gun, kind of worthless without sound.

I didn't know about the Radtron rx your talking about until now, kind of curious if they do work really well or not because some of these Futaba receivers are getting hard to find and are expensive. I've been using Futaba receivers so long it's hard to change to another receiver when I've never had any issues with them, been with Futaba for 41yrs now, but if you do try one let me know how it goes.

[FlyNAce]

Hi Everyone.... I've been contemplating pulling the trigger on this one since it came out. I've been busy, but now is the time. Wednesday I'm going to order it in the PnP Inrunner 12-blade version w/gyro. Has anyone flown it yet with the Futaba T16IZ or equivalent and a R7108SB 8 Channel Rx? I know I won't have all functions with the 8 channel Rx, I could go S-Bus and have 9 channels or put in a 14 Channel Futaba Rx in it. Someone said to try the Radtron R14FA 14-Channel Futaba FASST Compatible Receiver that Motion RC sells, but I have never used those Rx and probably wouldn't feel comfy trying one out on this great bird, just to have the gun channel, which is what I'll give up to use my 7108. I'm asking because it seems most everyone these days are flying Spectrum but I have flown Futaba since forever. I do have one DX6e to bind to some foamies to fly with my grandkids but... BTW, this is a great resourceful thread on what seams to be a better version of the V1, which I missed out on. I'm not missing out on this one!!! Have a great evening everyone!

[xviper]

Is everyone flying the book CG ? I saw Jon from 2Bros was 20 mm further aft on his AS3X setup. It looked like it worked well. I am going to put a Hobby Eagle in mine so wondered how suitable his CG was .
many thanks.

You gotta realize that Jon was originally a 3D flyer, so almost everything he flies since those days are balanced "tail heavy". He loves to do "high alpha" on virtually everything. A rearward CG from recommended helps to do high alpha easier. Not "everyone" gravitates to high alpha passes.
For me, high alpha flying gets really old, really fast. I set my planes up at the recommended CG to start and in almost all cases, I leave it there for the entire life of my planes. You should do what feels right to you and not necessarily following what someone else does.

[GliderGuy]

Is everyone flying the book CG ? I saw Jon from 2Bros was 20 mm further aft on his AS3X setup. It looked like it worked well. I am going to put a Hobby Eagle in mine so wondered how suitable his CG was .
many thanks.

Hi 400driver. Of course “everyone” is a broad stroke. It depends on what flying characteristics you want. More tail heavy = more twitchy in pitch. More nose heavy = less twitchy in pitch…more locked in feeling.

With Admiral 6000s pushed back as far as the hold down straps will allow and still hold….she’s just a touch nose heavy when lifted on the CG mark.

I am satisfied with this CG. She’s locked in and still performs reasonable aerobatics. The only way I can get a more aft CG will be with tail weights. I don’t feel the need to do that.

-GG

[400driver]

Is everyone flying the book CG ? I saw Jon from 2Bros was 20 mm further aft on his AS3X setup. It looked like it worked well. I am going to put a Hobby Eagle in mine so wondered how suitable his CG was .
many thanks.

[Aros]

Your A-10 looks awesome Aros and I also use the Sharpie pens for all kinds of touchups on black painted surfaces or rivet detail like you did. I like the twin tip black Sharpie pen, one end has the Fine and the other end is Ultra Fine.

Thanks buddy! Like minds! They really work great for all kinds of detail work.

[DCORSAIR]

Thank you! I simply used permanent ink pens (fine point) in black and metallic silver. Just light dots along the panel lines and a lot of patience.

Your A-10 looks awesome Aros and I also use the Sharpie pens for all kinds of touchups on black painted surfaces or rivet detail like you did. I like the twin tip black Sharpie pen, one end has the Fine and the other end is Ultra Fine.

[TwistedGrin]

I am curious about the optional springs - wondering if they are harder or softer and ...what effect to they have on grass field

Please keep us informed !!

I have 18flights on my FW V2 A-10 and slowly getting comfortable with it....continuing to monitor throttle with flight times for mixed acrobatics ....so far I can toss it around for 6:30min landing and taxi with 3.86v per cell .... very pleased with performance and flight times

TwistedGrin

[TwistedGrin]

I am curious about the optional springs - wondering if they are harder or softer and ...what effect to they have on grass field

Please keep us informed !!

I have 18flights on my FW V2 A-10 and slowly getting comfortable with it....continuing to monitor throttle with flight times for mixed acrobatics ....so far I can toss it around landing and taxi with 3.86v per cell .... very pleased with performance and flight times

TwistedGrin

[AiR VeXeD RC]

Has anybody successfully removed the main wheels to try the two springs in the included hardware bag? I've removed the grub screws on both, but can't rotate/loosen the main wheel axles. Once I get those out, I should be able to remove the e-clips holding the arms in and get to the landing gear strut springs. Thanks!

[TwistedGrin]

Continuing my test flights of this new FW A-10 at AMA#1140 Greater Southwest Aero Modelers of Fort Worth Tx grass field:

Confirming full armament 6min flight duration with mixed throttle and acrobatic flight routine (Aileron rolls, Cuban eight, figure eight, loop, Immelmann, split S, dirty pass, lazy eight, fast pass, slow pass, vertical climb spin into descending 360 power glide etc etc) landing with taxi via SMC 5900mAh LiHv at 3.85per cell. 7min flight times cruise landing at 3.80v per cell.

Be careful of touch-n-go to ensure enough runway is available for "Slow throttle increase" rotation for rollout take off....otherwise aggressive throttle input will hold the nose down causing long runout for take off.

The flight envelope of this twin EDF is impressive ....very responsive aggressive flight performance with Aft CG. Flight duration of 7min display cruise is astounding

I did see gyro undulations at 100% throttle nose into 13mph winds......so be mindful of possible gyro flutter at WOT.

Take off flap setting works well for landing, full landing flaps may work better by refraining from elevator flare to prevent secondary lift (bounce)

TwistedGrin

[flyingernst]

Okay your link shows what I wanted to know, thanks. So my choice of Lipo would fit perfectly,
Thanks and regards

[xviper]

Hi. Question about the ESCs. Are the 100A the long term current or only short term? I would like to fly 6s 5800mAh 30c (long term, 174a) lipo 60C short term

Thanks, regards

Long term, short term? This is a new designation to me. You are describing a LiPo battery's "c" rating, not much to do with ESCs. Long/short term for batteries is also unfamiliar to me.
Here are some specs on the ESCs:

https://www.rc-castle.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=10827

I've seen them described as "continuous" and "peak" (or "burst").