Electric Conversion: Part 2

kiectrw conversion PART 2 youve yen convert Gas design electric power lacked confidence attempt look no further answers questions EBob Kopski Model Aviation regrets space considerations forced last-minute division Bob Kopski s Electric Conversion two parts what follows Mr Kopski concludes discussion Electri-fly large noncompetition models text continues directly first segment can found July 1991 issue magazine Taking Senioritas heavier weight consideration substituted Sig %2 nose gear/mount fits exactly like kit-supplied %-in version main gear stock may decide strengthen tends spread landing allowing plane bounce So far Seniorita has flown windshield messed up kit window plastic unable get replacement material time first flight did install side windows made clear MonoKote Actually combination gaping hole windshield should opening firewall gives supercooling motor battery Drag course Seniorita flies slowly its minimal concern fact cooling works well think Ill leave windshield off Besides thats exactly flew cabin Playboy years agothe yellow transparent thats featured AMA film Diamonds Sky Check out reference purposes Senioritas completed wooden fuselage structure weighed 8/2 oz its 10A oz covering radio-equipped fuselage-andtail assembly landing gear weighs 27 oz covered power system motor battery wiring prop etc weighs four ounces another rule thumb power system Electric should make up 40 60 percent finished model weight case power system 52 percent final all-up flying weight 84 ozright wing loading 14 oz/sq ft Proper balance attained battery packs forward location against front former shown plane tail-heavy would have Id used spruce longerons Id have reconfigured packs three rows 5/4/5 shift battery weight forward other option would have add nose weightaagghh remaining space battery compartment filled foam blocks keep packs place force incoming air through cells Ive flying 11 x 8 prop Id rather use 12-in -diameter ground clearance would become marginal grass field nose wheel two inches mains 2 items Sullivan Sky Lite writing Seniorita has logged 43 flights its first month first flight mild snowstorm Average cruising flight time no-lift evening conditions over nine minutes will improve noticeably replace quite old well-used temporary packs stuck model just get going electrified Seniorita handles very well ground smooth positive taxi takeoff climbout Andno surprise hereit doesnt blow hole sky highly recommend use speed controla high-rate best results cause adds much fun flyin Finally Seniorita handles wind surprisingly well Electric has proven its effectiveness trainer So far six field visitors never before flown have handled Seniorita successfully Ive decided against trying install camera no doubt will make some illumination pods so-called illuminons strap wings night flying summer wouldnt consider plane werent such pussycat fly Next winter Ill look ski idea Right now Im looking small Glider tow What power system use differently sized models fit within focus articlethose wing areas about 700 1300 sq wing loadings comparable described Astro geared 25 40 systems both safe choices Use 25 planes wing areas lower end range 40 larger planes As examples Powerhouse 84 Cavalier Model Aviation plans Kadet Senior Senior Telemaster would adequately powered 40 although Ive seen some hotter ones 60s Use gears 25 40the larger slower props consistent relatively slow flight speeds intended Gears available 60 So choose appealing model design go Keep article handy work study photos follow rules thumb Fly quiet long high wont Starship lets salute anyway Live long prosper E New/Pond Continued page 65 accounting much weight about 4150 lb racing trim 25 ft 5 wingspan longer Formula Ones wing area about 70 sq ft slightly larger 66-sq-ft area 500-lb midget racer central pod 16 ft long overall length matches wingspan mid-August Las Vegas New Mexico Pond Racer will attempt overturn 528-mph World 3-km Speed Record piston-engined airplanes set Lyle Shelton 1989 succeed Dick Rutan will have fly least percent faster Shelton did over 5336 mph succeeds Pond will become first custom-built airplane hold classic record since 1937 prototype Messerschmitt 109 flew 380 mph break 352-mph mark Howard Hughes established Hughes Racer two years earlier After Pond will go Reno Race pilot Rick Brickert will attempt beat big airplanes huge engines true race plane hasnt happened since souped-up warbirds first came Unlimited class 1945 Pond Racer wins Unlimited championship will count no less achievement Doug Daviss whipped Army Navy custom-built Travelair Mystery launch Golden Age Air Racing 1929 crowd will go nuts watching one-of-a-kind little screamer whomp big bullies Individuality creativity will return big-plane racing first time since 1930s Racing fans everywhere will revel triumph new over old Sketch pads will fill up ideas experimental shapes engines imaginations loosed challenge trying yet speed Does nll point new Golden Age air racing Thats moot question Unlimited Class already facing depletion its ranks Modified warbirds being restored original configuration increase resale value few new ones works sudden emergence seemingly unbeatable new design could speed process leaving class far fewer competitive race planes Hopes circuit Unlimited races around country already serious jeopardy could suffer another blow Still no sport can survive experimentation stifled discourage development new racers would self-defeating Pond Racer works out hoped could stimulate enough new projects carry class greater heightsEl 68 Model Aviation