Need sidethrust in Litestik

[Dave Robelen]

Hi All,
In my flailing about with a Litestick powered with 6 ni-cds and swinging a 10-4.7 prop, I have run across a tricky area of flight. Whenever the nose is high and airspeed slow with modrate to high power, almost all of the right rudder control is needed to fly straight, with very little remaining for a right turn.
Given that the thrustline is straight ahead, my question is how many of you LS flyers have noticed this? It seems like it would be a desireable mod to remount the drive with some right thrust as in the Tiger Moth and Fuselge Stik.
Cheers, Dave Robelen

[Blackhawk]

Dave

I noted the same thing with two different stiks. I think right thrust would work better.

Pat Daily

[Dave Robelen]

Hi Pat,
My LS has temporarily stepped aside to lend the gear to another project. I will "bend" the nose and report back if you don't get to it first.
Regards, Dave Robelen

[Sr71fan]

Dave,

The same thing happens in full-scale aircraft. It's known as Prop Factor, or "P" Factor.

It's a combination of torque, more pitch on the decending prop blade, and the affects of the rotating prop wash hitting the vertical stab. It is most pronounced at high angles of attack.

That's why full-scale pilots have to stand on the right rudder pedal during take-off and climb (if the aircraft does not have rudder trim).

Believe it or not, a lot of full-scale aircraft have right-thust built into the firewall or motor mount to counter this problem.

Right thrust will certainly help the LiteStik (or any OTHER model, as well) at high power and high angles of attack, but you may then find yourself holding LEFT rudder during cruise.

Happy landings.

Gary

[Dave Robelen]

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the reminder about the causes of the yawing. I chose to mention the Litestik because it seems to have a higher than normal stall angle, allowing the pilot to fly into a touchy situation, especially indoors. This is one of the few models that I can fly through the stall and continue to pitch the nose up until it is nearly hanging on the prop. (yes I increased the elevator throw)
Regards, Dave Robelen