Official Freewing Twin 80mm/90mm A-10 Thunderbolt II Thread

[screamingtiger]

Container comes in 26th guessing at best 2nd week in june we'll have them in our hands

[Alpha]

Thanks Sean, thanks guys, we mean it.

Welcome to Hobby Squawk, Kurtzz!

A-10s begin shipping out later this week and the Avantis continue their own deluge, too. This is where the fun begins!

[wolpertinger]

A-10s begin shipping out later this week and the Avantis continue their own deluge, too. This is where the fun begins!

Oh so happy news....Cool: now the wait for :Mail:

[Twowingtj]

A-10s begin shipping out later this week and the Avantis continue their own deluge, too. This is where the fun begins!

Now that I have the Avanti S and have seen first hand how well it is designed and constructed, I can hardly wait for this A-10! Alpha, you and the entire Motion RC Team have really risen to the top IMO.

[Legman01]

My little Warthog Family, Momma (LX), Daddy (FW), and twin baby hogs (UMX), got plenty of action on the electric flight line at Joe Nall this year. The baby hogs pulled off several exciting formation flights without killing themselves or anyone else, but the star of the show was the new FW Hog graciously presented to me by Motion RC.

I can honestly say, flying this A-10 has so far been one of the most joyful flying experiences of my 45 years flying all kinds of airplanes. Trust me, you guys are gonna love how this thing handles. It's actually very much like flying the real Warthog, easy to fly, stable, predictable, and an awesome presence in flight. At 1/2 to 3/4 power, it presents a very realistic scale speed. At full power (unlike the full scale airplane), it goes like a scalded dog, more than enough power for my flying taste.

I have 5 flights on it now, and starting to settle in and get comfortable ringing it out a bit more each time. I'll keep the updates coming!

Thanks again Michael Lovero for graciously hosting me at Joe Nall and Motion RC for giving me this awesome airplane to fly. It is truly an honor!

ATTACK!!!
Legman

[ColtPilot]

My little Warthog Family, Momma (LX), Daddy (FW), and twin baby hogs (UMX), got plenty of action on the electric flight line at Joe Nall this year. The baby hogs pulled off several exciting formation flights without killing themselves or anyone else, but the star of the show was the new FW Hog graciously presented to me by Motion RC.

I can honestly say, flying this A-10 has so far been one of the most joyful flying experiences of my 45 years flying all kinds of airplanes. Trust me, you guys are gonna love how this thing handles. It's actually very much like flying the real Warthog, easy to fly, stable, predictable, and an awesome presence in flight. At 1/2 to 3/4 power, it presents a very realistic scale speed. At full power (unlike the full scale airplane), it goes like a scalded dog, more than enough power for my flying taste.

I have 5 flights on it now, and starting to settle in and get comfortable ringing it out a bit more each time. I'll keep the updates coming!

Thanks again Michael Lovero for graciously hosting me at Joe Nall and Motion RC for giving me this awesome airplane to fly. It is truly an honor!

ATTACK!!!
Legman

I built a Hawg for Brig. General John D. Slocum who flies A-10s out of Selfridge ANG and in charge of the base the 127th Wing. I'm liking the new paint scheme that has been approved for the Red Devils for the Centennial of the base.

[Aros]

The honor is all ours my friend. And gentlemen, you're not going to find a better customer rating on this model than an actual Hawg Driver saying she flies very much like the real deal. :Cool:

[ColtPilot]

The honor is all ours my friend. And gentlemen, you're not going to find a better customer rating on this model than an actual Hawg Driver saying she flies very much like the real deal. :Cool:

If any of the Motion guys would like to come to the Centennial Celebration, let me know. Aros, always welcome to this side of the continent.

[Mike_Then]

Thanks Sean, thanks guys, we mean it.

Welcome to Hobby Squawk, Kurtzz!

A-10s begin shipping out later this week and the Avantis continue their own deluge, too. This is where the fun begins!

Fantastic news!! So if "later this week" translates to "Wednesday", that means I'll get mine on Friday. I'm off Friday - Tuesday which gives me ample time to get it put together and test-flown. If it sits in my local UPS hub all holiday weekend I'm gonna go nuts!!

[bill34207]

It would have to happen on Monday or Tuesday for it to do me any good. I'm off Friday-Tuesday myself but would ride up to the shop and pick it up if it comes in prior to the weekend.

[Aros]

If any of the Motion guys would like to come to the Centennial Celebration, let me know. Aros, always welcome to this side of the continent.

Thank you! If I could I would love to!

[RCAV8R]

My little Warthog Family, Momma (LX), Daddy (FW), and twin baby hogs (UMX), got plenty of action on the electric flight line at Joe Nall this year. The baby hogs pulled off several exciting formation flights without killing themselves or anyone else, but the star of the show was the new FW Hog graciously presented to me by Motion RC.

I can honestly say, flying this A-10 has so far been one of the most joyful flying experiences of my 45 years flying all kinds of airplanes. Trust me, you guys are gonna love how this thing handles. It's actually very much like flying the real Warthog, easy to fly, stable, predictable, and an awesome presence in flight. At 1/2 to 3/4 power, it presents a very realistic scale speed. At full power (unlike the full scale airplane), it goes like a scalded dog, more than enough power for my flying taste.

I have 5 flights on it now, and starting to settle in and get comfortable ringing it out a bit more each time. I'll keep the updates coming!

Thanks again Michael Lovero for graciously hosting me at Joe Nall and Motion RC for giving me this awesome airplane to fly. It is truly an honor!

ATTACK!!!
Legman

Congrats Legman on your ceremonial day at Joe Nall! It's so great to have your perspective shared with us for our benefit! I'm dying to hear your thoughts on landings...does the FW A-10 float/glide as you would expect? Ryan made that one comment on his video that it could surprise on approach...did you experience any tendency to stall? Do you prefer short high approaches to use the airspeed from dropping, or long gradual approaches under more power?

Also, to you other jet pros and Alpha...on the Stinger 90 video that Rich Baker did, he noted that he preferred to have the control rods set on the servo arms at the close in setting (for more torque?). Do the directions call out the specific settings for the control horns and servo arms? Is that a common practice with jets? this will be only my second EDF, so just checking! Thanks, Rob

[Legman01]

Congrats Legman on your ceremonial day at Joe Nall! It's so great to have your perspective shared with us for our benefit! I'm dying to hear your thoughts on landings...does the FW A-10 float/glide as you would expect? Ryan made that one comment on his video that it could surprise on approach...did you experience any tendency to stall? Do you prefer short high approaches to use the airspeed from dropping, or long gradual approaches under more power?

Also, to you other jet pros and Alpha...on the Stinger 90 video that Rich Baker did, he noted that he preferred to have the control rods set on the servo arms at the close in setting (for more torque?). Do the directions call out the specific settings for the control horns and servo arms? Is that a common practice with jets? this will be only my second EDF, so just checking! Thanks, Rob

Hi Rob, and thanks!

I had seen Ryan's comment about the possibility of "surprise" on approach, so I did carry some extra power on final on those first few landings. Of course, Triple Tree Airdrome has a nice long putting green runway for roll out. The last couple of landings I made, felt very comfortable with a normal 3 to 1 glide path, full flaps, and just a touch of power until the flare, and let it settle on without trying to hold it off too much, just like the real A-10. Worked like a charm and had a reasonably short rollout distance. I never felt like I might be approaching stall, but I wouldn't call it floaty either.

On take off, I was using half flaps, and let it roll a good 200' or so before rotating. A couple of takeoffs seemed to dip a bit just after liftoff, and nearly touch down again when I was too ginger on the up elevator on rotation. Seems better to go ahead and give it a good positive rotation (without out yanking it), to break ground and establish a good 15-20 degree climb angle.

Bottom line is handle it initially like you would any war bird until you get the feel for it.

The full scale Hog of course has split ailerons which deploy as speed brakes with a slider on the throttle. The final turn to landing is flown with the speed brakes half out for drag, and the power up to maintain final approach speed (which is based on your weight). The TF -34 engine has a long spool up time from idle to producing appreciable thrust, several seconds, so if you did need to go around, just closing the speed brakes gives you an instant speed boost.

[RCAV8R]

Wow! Thanks Legman...that is great input! I feel like I'm right there in the cockpit! Did you guys do the Air Force "thing" of holding the nose wheel off as long as possible after touching the mains down? Rob

[ryramZ]

Very cool Kelly! Thank you and congrats. Capt Mike has ours. Between us both we have about 60 flights on it. I've only flown it ten times or so when the cameras were rolling for video and pics. Can't wait to get my own.

Really great having your perspective on the A-10.

Thanks!

[Dewey H Lee]

Hey Legman that was a great picture of your Hog Pen.:) Congrates on the bird man. You deserve it and thankyou for your service helping to keep our great contry Free. Men like you should recieve all our gratitude for your service.

[downwindleg]

+1 on that Dewey, not much I can say that hasn't already been said except our nation depends on the sacrifice of men like you Kelly and no matter what the politics are of any given war, service people in general should not mistake anti war sentiment for lack of appreciation for your brave and courageous service. Love the Hog family, Brad P.S. Hope to shake hands with you someday!!

[ColtPilot]

Hi Rob, and thanks!

I had seen Ryan's comment about the possibility of "surprise" on approach, so I did carry some extra power on final on those first few landings. Of course, Triple Tree Airdrome has a nice long putting green runway for roll out. The last couple of landings I made, felt very comfortable with a normal 3 to 1 glide path, full flaps, and just a touch of power until the flare, and let it settle on without trying to hold it off too much, just like the real A-10. Worked like a charm and had a reasonably short rollout distance. I never felt like I might be approaching stall, but I wouldn't call it floaty either.

On take off, I was using half flaps, and let it roll a good 200' or so before rotating. A couple of takeoffs seemed to dip a bit just after liftoff, and nearly touch down again when I was too ginger on the up elevator on rotation. Seems better to go ahead and give it a good positive rotation (without out yanking it), to break ground and establish a good 15-20 degree climb angle.

Bottom line is handle it initially like you would any war bird until you get the feel for it.

The full scale Hog of course has split ailerons which deploy as speed brakes with a slider on the throttle. The final turn to landing is flown with the speed brakes half out for drag, and the power up to maintain final approach speed (which is based on your weight). The TF -34 engine has a long spool up time from idle to producing appreciable thrust, several seconds, so if you did need to go around, just closing the speed brakes gives you an instant speed boost.

That's what I'm talking about. Nice play by play. Now I can talk you into an ASR, PAR or ILS approach or strictly VMC. Retired Navy Air Traffic Controller. Got your six and as always, thanks for your service. I have a couple of the A-10 pilots here in Michigan wanting me to build their B1RD with their side numbers and have done so. More to build. Change to departure, good day.

Tim T
Piper Colt Pilot

[sisaksen]

Does anyone have the box the A-10 comes in? I have ordered 4 6S 5000mah 50C batteries with my A-10 and i really hope they will fit inside the box. As it will be shipped to Europe the batteries must be shipped with the A-10 in the box. If someone could check for available space and how many batteries that would fit inside the box it would be great! I really should have one set more with this shipment. :)

[Legman01]

Wow! Thanks Legman...that is great input! I feel like I'm right there in the cockpit! Did you guys do the Air Force "thing" of holding the nose wheel off as long as possible after touching the mains down? Rob

Yeah, you could "aero brake" with the Hog to some degree, not quite as much as the F-15/16s do. It does make for a prettier landing to hold the nose gear off a bit and then let it down slow, and this is what most of us did at our AF bases with long runways. It's all about looking good, right ;). But if you had to land it on a short runway, best not to dink around finessing the nose wheel down. Running off the end ain't so pretty! The brakes are more effective in a three point stance. The great big barn door split aileron speed brakes are also deployed to full open on touchdown and do a great job on the initial speed reduction on landing.

If someone could model those speed brakes on this bird, that would truly be awesome! Brandon? Steve? any takers?

BTW, I grabbed for the ejection handles twice during my 10 years flying the A-10, didn't pull either time. Once was on takeoff. Some evening when I've had enough beers, I'll tell you guys that particular bedtime story;)

ATTACK!
Legman