Shuttle-4

 

   

Introduction

I was considering whether a Shuttle could do Aerobatics / 3D and thought this was a challenge. What was needed was more pitch and more power, and symmetrical non-wooden main blades. At this point I was offered a Shuttle which had been upgraded with main and rear blades, Quick UK longer pitch slider, and tail gearbox. With some work, it could be used as a basis for experiments.

(pictures to follow)

 

 

 Specifications           

Start Mechanism : Top start hex.

IC size : .36 

IC Used : Irvine MK2 and Zimmerman muffler.

Blades :  SAB 320 Carbon 55cm.

Rear Blades : SAB

Radio : Tx - Hitec Eclipse,  Rx - Hitec HFD08RO DC 

Gyro : Futaba GY401 / Align DS650 servo.

CG Balance : Just behind main drive spindle.

AUW :  6 lbs 3 oz

Fuel : MoGlo 5% (20% Castor)

Plug : OS No8

 

Test Bench Setup 1

After a lot of experimentation, ended up with +- 11 on pitch. Whether a .36 will pull this remains to be seen.

Test Flight 1

Flies  better than the woods and is very precise as regards controls. Tried feeding in pitch gently , then progressing to full pitch which it pulls quite comfortably. Tried stall turns in both directions and it goes exactly where you put it.

Its pull out elevator radius is very impressive for its power size. Need to test further.

 

Initial Impressions

Initial impressions were ;

1) An improvement in flying characteristics over the standard Shuttle.

2) 3D ?

3) Very stable but very responsive tail.

4)  Average flying time unknown as yet due to faster head speed in idle-1.

 

Construction

Usual Composite plastic kit.

 

Performance Characteristics

a) Take-off :  Predictable and steady. 

b) Hover : Very stable.

c) Speed  :  quick but not as fast as a .40 powered version.

d) Stability : High

e) Wind affected : No

f) Landing : Needs to be precise as rear fin is not long enough.

g) Rates : not used

h) Expo : Initially 20% on everything.

 

Flight Report

Bad Points : None so fat.

Good Points : Parts easily obtained, normal or Upgrade.

Tank :   Added 2ml Raptor header tank for better fuel head/level and longer flying time.

 

Flying Pictures

Soon.   

 

Modifications

1) Header tank.

2) Quick UK Autorotation Stabiliser and boom mounted Tail servo upgrade parts.

3) Cut hole in front Canopy to allow more airflow over engine.

 

Design Improvements

Aileron servo raised to avoid elevator servo arm. (See Shuttle-1 page for details)

Used custom servo positions and rods for pitch and throttle servos.

 

The Demise

Not yet.

 

Update

 

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