Latest project Alouette III

[antsis]

Hi All

Finally finished my latest project, an Alouette III, Rhodesian AirForce circa 1970. I actually ordered the fus and head back in 2011, but with moving to Aus and me being lazy, I have only just got it finished.There are a few more things I want to do such as the steps. The mechanics have been flown in P&B and I spooled then up in the fus without the head. Now waiting for some decent weather to test the completed model.

Currently the AUW with 6S 5000mA lipo is 3.7kg. The model is also tail heavy. I extended the boom by about 1.25" and, as it is shaft drive, the tail gearbox is a big lump. Honestly think it would have still worked out unbalanced if I had stuck with belt drive. There is 130g of nose weight as well as the radio lipo under the cockpit floor. The only way to balance it level would be to add another 6S lipo in the nose thus negating the cockpit. Felt the extra weight was just too much. I flew the mechanics tail heavy without too much trouble, so hope there will be not many dramas when I fly the complete model.

[Sheldrake]

Very nice:-) hope the maiden goes well:-). Look forward to the video?

Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

[trillian]

Looks good! One thing you could do to improve the balance without adding so much weight is to have a detachable antenna that extends in front with a small weight on the end. Moving the weight further outboard could possibly get it balanced with only a relatively small weight, it just depends how tail-heavy it is.

[antsis]

The Alouette had two aerial on the nose, but they were vertical. Too really balance it would require a second 6S lipo in the nose. However, I maidened it today and it was silky smooth. The tail heaviness was not an issue except when approaching to land and you just had to keep the nose forward.

Did get some video, but it was not very good.

[acidla]

Nice mate!

Can't you put a pilot in the cockpit? It will look more realistic

[Sheldrake]

That is fabulous! You must be very happy?

Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

[antsis]

Nice mate!

Can't you put a pilot in the cockpit? It will look more realistic

It's one of the things I still need to do. The model had been in the building stage for so long, I wanted to get it in the air. Now I know how it flies, I can concentrate on adding bits to it. I am finding it a bit of a mission to get a pilot the correct size.

[heliboys]

I am finding it a bit of a mission to get a pilot the correct size.

What size is the Alouette?.

[antsis]

What size is the Alouette?.

It's 600 size. Sportsmoto Ltd Alouette-3 Fuselage for 600 size mechanics (Painted Version). They usually come painted either red or blue, but I have always wanted one in this scheme.

[vrhc]

You will have to be quick if you want one as I bought Sportsmoto's last RED fuselage.

Joe

[jimmyhorns]

If you are going to put a pilot in the cockpit, could you not have him or her made out of lead?..

That would solve your weight distribution issues

[antsis]

If you are going to put a pilot in the cockpit, could you not have him or her made out of lead?..

That would solve your weight distribution issues

Sure would, but the AUW would be a factor.

Added aerials to the nose and steps.

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