500 Size AH-64A Apache build

[F106DeltaDart]

After 2 weeks of second shift work and 14 hr days, I finally got got back to the Apache this weekend. I didn't do much, but I did get the chance to detail the TADS a bit more. I dremeled out the left side of the TADS, and added in two circular mirrors to simulate the cameras behind the glass. Looks a bit better than the stock molded in lens at least.

[F106DeltaDart]

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to seeing it fly soon! I'm still reworking a few things with the mechanics, but hope to at least ground run it soon. The goal is flight by September! I am currently rebuilding the tail rotor angle gearbox and working out some friction issues with the tail drive gear.

[Prowler901]

Very nice! I too am looking forward to the video flight report.

[TiredIronGRB]

Very cool...can't wait to see video of it flying!

[F106DeltaDart]

Thanks Prowler, it's a slow craw but it's making progress. Finished up a few more details and added the cockpit side consoles. Also installed the gun and added windshield wipers. Still need to do the final cockpit install, but here's a few shots of the test fit.

[Prowler901]

Lookin' really good, Delta! :Cool:

[F106DeltaDart]

A bit more progress on the cockpit interior, almost ready to install in the helicopter.

[F106DeltaDart]

Finally made a bit more progress on the Apache. I got some more paint this morning (as well as snagged a new 550 heli) up at a swap meet in Denton. Finished up the basic paint work this afternoon. Still need to do all the detail painting, but the majority of it is covered. One of the other things that I did was some detailing on the TADS. I had found out from reference photos that the targeting sensor pod and the big sensor on the TADS had a mirror finish. So, I ordered some one-way glass film on Amazon and applied it to some leftover clear plastic. Then I recessed that into the TADS and sensor pod. Here are some pictures of where it is at tonight, took them outside so hopefully it's a bit more visible.

I am debating what to do about the other side on the TADS though. This is where things get difficult. The mold line for that sensor is wrong on the airframe, the bottom should slant the opposite way, and the lense should have 2 separate plates with different angles not a single flat spot:

Is it a small thing? Yes, but for all the detail I've put in so far I kind of want to fix it. Would definitely require some dremel surgery though, so I'm not sure if it's worth the risk. But, the angles panes with some fake cameras behind them would certainly look better than just a piece of clear plastic in the existing spot.

[F106DeltaDart]

Ft. Worth at rush hour used to be one of the scariest places on earth :Scared:. I'm sure it's gotten worse in twenty years. Yikes. That Apache is going to be a show stopper.

Thanks guys, Yeah, its not great unless you feel like sitting in the parking lot known as the freeway.. I'll be at EAA Airventure this weekend, so finishing up the paint will have wait. In the mean time, I'll probably start work on the TADS lenses.

[Westsider]

Ft. Worth at rush hour used to be one of the scariest places on earth :Scared:. I'm sure it's gotten worse in twenty years. Yikes. That Apache is going to be a show stopper.

[Prowler901]

That's a nice looking paint job! And, she is one big birdy. :Cool:

[F106DeltaDart]

This weekend I preshaded all of the panel lines, and started painting the the green. Naturally, I ran out of paint when I was about 90% finished . I'll have to wait until next weekend to get more paint, (unless I want to run to North Ft Worth in rush hour..). In the mean time, I installed the tilt servo in the gun, and have started installing the windshield panels. That will be a slow process, since each panel has to be done one at a time, with a 24 hr cure time on the glue. Still, gives an idea of how it will look when finished.

[F106DeltaDart]

Thanks man, it's slow progress, especially during the week.. A bit more progress tonight, weapons pylons have been attached and the rocket pods and hellfires have been dry fitted. I'll glue on the ordinance after the aircraft is painted.

[Prowler901]

Coming together beautifully. You really are doing some great work. To bad about the camera space.

[F106DeltaDart]

Alright, Delta. For your next challenge you need to fit a miniature camera in the TADS and set it up on a head tracker for FPV.

You joke, but that was originally my plan! It was even going to be setup on a separate receiver so that you could take another person for a ride in the gunner's seat. I was going to use one of the micro cameras from an inductrix or similar, and attempt to hook it up to a custom OSD to get the Apache-type HUD. Unfortunately, the servo and hinge mechanism took up too much room inside the pods to make it practical. Would have been a lot of fun though.

I did get to detailing and gluing the engine nacelles on last night. Slowly making more progress..

[Prowler901]

Alright, Delta. For your next challenge you need to fit a miniature camera in the TADS and set it up on a head tracker for FPV.

[F106DeltaDart]

Thanks guys! Just got the TADS finished and working. Time to get the gun set up now!

One thing that is also coming up soon is the H-stab install. The manual recommends letting the stab sit naturally on a hinge at the LE. On the full scale, incidence changes with airspeed. What would you guys recommend, especially anyone who has an Apache or Blackhawk. Leave it free floating, fix it in one position, or actuate it as a surface (perhaps couple with fore/aft cyclic like Huey Stabs)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Prowler901]

Awesome work, Delta! She's gonna look amazing. :Cool:

[Westsider]

Great skills and amazing patience bud. That's gonna be a killer goosebumps generator. Delta the Heli Wizard rocks!:Cool:

[F106DeltaDart]

After a long night of rewiring and getting the swivels to work properly, the TADS can finally tilt up and down successfully! Now I have to get it installed in the nose, and set up the servo for panning.