Official Freewing 80mm A-4E/F Skyhawk Thread

[Brinka]

My A4 yesterday with 2 perfect flights, as the massive F86 Turbine takes off, well known jet pilot Pablo Fernandez commented how nice the A4 looked as he taxied made me proud of my custom job . I find the 5000mah HRB lipo best suited for this jet, especially if you're flying with external fuel tanks, hump and missiles. The A4 tends to be tail heavy, I came down at 45% after 4 min flight.

[Alpha]

Bogietrim I'm glad you're back! Thanks for sharing your maiden with us all.

[Phantom]

I'm getting about 4 minutes as well landing with 3.8's. I was hoping to stuff more mah's into her, but the way the front fuselage was designed and the canopy there's just no more room.

[Bogietrim]

I just did obviously, I've heard this birds power system described as being efficient, but my experience has been the opposite. So looking forward to hooking up two 4200mah 6s in parallel to get some decent flight times on her.

I have been using the Admiral 6000’s right at the rear edge of the battery tray. It flies great with authority and I am getting well over 4 minutes of spirited flight landing with reserve left in the tank.

[Bogietrim]

Bogietrim When is your maiden of your awesome Aggressor?

Sorry, I took a bit of a break from the forums. Just getting caught up here. Maiden was months ago and went perfectly! She’s a sweetheart and has quickly become my go to jet. I think it flies better with the 6000mah battery. The added weight just makes it a little more solid. I will try to get some video up soon!

[Phantom]

Nose weight removed, I'm flying her with a hrb 6s 6000mah 50c, it fits snug as a bug against the back bulkhead and gives me perfect CG.

[Beeg]

I had my throws set to the book low settings and the ailerons were still too sensitive. Herb at RCG posted these numbers and after I set mine up the same it is a delight to fly.

Ail.
+- 10mm

Elev.
+-20mm

Rudder
+- 15mm

Flaps
18mm 28mm

[themudduck]

Builds finished I am using a 5000 admiral the cg is right about were the back end of the factory recommended cg with the gear down I added about an ounce and a quarter it's about a quarter inch forward of the back end mark watching you tube videos I see it proposing up on landings and leaping off the ground on take off I'll try another batt first and if that doesn't work I'll add more weight to get it about a half inch forward of the cg mark

This one's got me nervous

70 percent hight rates aerolines 80 on elevator

Mids 65 aero

Low is 60

Any input?

Thanks in advance

Reduce your ailerons to 50/45/40 and use at least 35% expo.. You'll thank me later.

[Johnnyrabuse]

Builds finished I am using a 5000 admiral the cg is right about were the back end of the factory recommended cg with the gear down I added about an ounce and a quarter it's about a quarter inch forward of the back end mark watching you tube videos I see it proposing up on landings and leaping off the ground on take off I'll try another batt first and if that doesn't work I'll add more weight to get it about a half inch forward of the cg mark

This one's got me nervous

70 percent hight rates aerolines 80 on elevator

Mids 65 aero

Low is 60

Any input?

Thanks in advance

[Phantom]

I have not.

I just did obviously, I've heard this birds power system described as being efficient, but my experience has been the opposite. So looking forward to hooking up two 4200mah 6s in parallel to get some decent flight times on her.

[CVA59]

Anybody remove the nose weight? I don't have time to read through the 116 pages, so thought I'd ask...

I have not.

[Phantom]

Anybody remove the nose weight? I don't have time to read through the 116 pages, so thought I'd ask...

[CVA59]

Am I safe starting at this location for the maiden or should I add some weight to the nose to balance it further forward?
Also is anyone using the recommended throws for high and low rates?
Thanks in advance,
Santa

This guy does an excellent review including telling you where to set your throws, expo and such.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mvR5MTx8h8

[EA-6B Geek]

Greetings Pilots,
I just picked up a used one, it's a little ruff, hoping if flies well, if so I will probably purchase new wings as these have been repaired, are missing the ordinance and the mounting points. I've downloaded the current manual from MRC's site, but reading through this forum there seems to be a lot of discussion about the what the CG should be and it's starting point. I will be flying a Zippy 4500 6S pack that weighs 725g slightly less than the Admiral 5000 most of you all are using at 732g. I have it pushed all the way forward and it seems to balance fine at the documented location and a little forward of that. Am I safe starting at this location for the maiden or should I add some weight to the nose to balance it further forward?
Also is anyone using the recommended throws for high and low rates?
Thanks in advance,
Santa

Hey Santa. The A-4 seems to be happiest riding the forward setting on the CG. Don’t over do that, but it will fly safely there. The control throw settings stated in the manual are a little aggressive. I think you’ll find at least a few references to “drill bit” roll rates if you search through the thread. Try the low rate settings, you’ll be at a good start point. It’s my favorite jet. Enjoy!

[Elbee]

Greetings Pilots, Santa

S5, Welcome to Hobby Squawk. glad you're on board, Sir. Best, LB

[santanig5]

Greetings Pilots,
I just picked up a used one, it's a little ruff, hoping if flies well, if so I will probably purchase new wings as these have been repaired, are missing the ordinance and the mounting points. I've downloaded the current manual from MRC's site, but reading through this forum there seems to be a lot of discussion about the what the CG should be and it's starting point. I will be flying a Zippy 4500 6S pack that weighs 725g slightly less than the Admiral 5000 most of you all are using at 732g. I have it pushed all the way forward and it seems to balance fine at the documented location and a little forward of that. Am I safe starting at this location for the maiden or should I add some weight to the nose to balance it further forward?
Also is anyone using the recommended throws for high and low rates?
Thanks in advance,
Santa

[Alpha]

Brinka Please do!

[Elbee]

Perhaps I should enter this in the contest, A4 with fuel tanks and missiles attached.

BK, Nothing beats a failure, but a try, my friend. Just do it. Best, LB

[Hardway]

Brinka You bet!!! Great job!!!

[Hardway]

Monty500 Thank you Sir!!! Greetings & Blessings from Texas!! Jerry