Originally posted by Hugh Wiedman
View Post
Got the F-16 out yesterday to try the nose wheel modification and a couple different batteries from the RT 5500 70 C I've been using. This time changed the livery to the Fighting Razorbacks version and got it out with a stiff 15-20 mph wind. I tried the HRB 6000 mAh 50C and the Hobbystar 8000 mAh battery Phantom had suggested to me (thanks for tip).
First off, the new nose wheel worked like a charm, it took off with each battery in less that 100 feet (before that it took a good 130-150 feet), so the slightly higher AoA on the runway helped and the larger wheel (going to 2" from 1 3/4") resulted in much less drag on the grass runway, allowing it to reach V1 much easier. And it was a hot, humid day, which makes it perform like it's at a higher altitude than being at sea level. As far as the batteries, the HRB performed great, virtually the same thrust as from the RT and at the same weight (but at least $40 bucks cheaper in cost), but gave about 20 seconds more flight time (an eternity in EDF's). Surprisingly, the HS 8000 (at 900g) performed just as well and gave an additional minute over the RT (but still need to fly that battery more to gauge it's ultimate performance and flight time). So now the RT 5500 is out and the HRB and HobbyStar are in. It seems the upgraded 12 blade 4068-1835 Kv inrunner in this is worth it's cost, cause if it can fly well with a brick like the HS 8000 in it (after already being considered a "heavy" jet), that's saying something.
Unfortunately, I noticed that Hangar 9 no longer makes the 2" Pro-Light that I used but was lucky that I had several from other planes I no longer have. Not sure what a good alternative to that would be because the diameter was perfect, with only slight modification to the strut, and the width was just right and the axle hole could be drilled out to the right size. And it's not as "mushy" as the stock wheel so rolls on grass easier.
Also modified the SU-30 nose wheel to the 2 1/4" Hangar 9 (which are still made) and that also worked wonders for that flying bus (at least on take-off, it still flies like a tank). But the HS 8000 was just too heavy for it, although it took off in the same distance, but it flew like
needing almost full throttle to keep it up (and thereby losing any gain in flight time) and ending up with very strained vertical. No HS 8000 for that beast anymore!
Anyway, I have attached a really bad video of both take-offs with the F-16 here, but don't give me any heat over the poor quality of the video. It was take with a friends cell phone, the wind was making it shake and I think we both had a few too many shots earlier, but at least it sort of proves that the modifications worked and the batteries are usable. Here's the video:
First off, the new nose wheel worked like a charm, it took off with each battery in less that 100 feet (before that it took a good 130-150 feet), so the slightly higher AoA on the runway helped and the larger wheel (going to 2" from 1 3/4") resulted in much less drag on the grass runway, allowing it to reach V1 much easier. And it was a hot, humid day, which makes it perform like it's at a higher altitude than being at sea level. As far as the batteries, the HRB performed great, virtually the same thrust as from the RT and at the same weight (but at least $40 bucks cheaper in cost), but gave about 20 seconds more flight time (an eternity in EDF's). Surprisingly, the HS 8000 (at 900g) performed just as well and gave an additional minute over the RT (but still need to fly that battery more to gauge it's ultimate performance and flight time). So now the RT 5500 is out and the HRB and HobbyStar are in. It seems the upgraded 12 blade 4068-1835 Kv inrunner in this is worth it's cost, cause if it can fly well with a brick like the HS 8000 in it (after already being considered a "heavy" jet), that's saying something.
Unfortunately, I noticed that Hangar 9 no longer makes the 2" Pro-Light that I used but was lucky that I had several from other planes I no longer have. Not sure what a good alternative to that would be because the diameter was perfect, with only slight modification to the strut, and the width was just right and the axle hole could be drilled out to the right size. And it's not as "mushy" as the stock wheel so rolls on grass easier.
Also modified the SU-30 nose wheel to the 2 1/4" Hangar 9 (which are still made) and that also worked wonders for that flying bus (at least on take-off, it still flies like a tank). But the HS 8000 was just too heavy for it, although it took off in the same distance, but it flew like
needing almost full throttle to keep it up (and thereby losing any gain in flight time) and ending up with very strained vertical. No HS 8000 for that beast anymore!Anyway, I have attached a really bad video of both take-offs with the F-16 here, but don't give me any heat over the poor quality of the video. It was take with a friends cell phone, the wind was making it shake and I think we both had a few too many shots earlier, but at least it sort of proves that the modifications worked and the batteries are usable. Here's the video:
I had one with the 12 blade 1835kv inrunner but would like to hear how the new 9 blade 1900kv inrunner performs.
Comment