GW Sport

[MINIRCPLANES]

Hello Folks,

I'm currently building another model designed by Dave and enjoying every minute of it. As usual I could not resist the temptation add some additional features of my own.

To make it easier to operate in the field. I added a hatch in the bottom of the fuselage to avoid taking off the wing every time to change the battery. In addition the tail wheel has functional steering. Other cosmetic additions include a painted cockpit which will have two small pilots added later. The side windows are framed by 1/16" balsa to firmly secure them to the fuselage.

Thanks to Gary's (sr71fan) previous post, LED nav lights will be installed for "night" (more like late evening) flying. The wiring in the wing can be seen in the photo. Since all these features add weight I cut out a second window and the aft portion of the fuselage to save a few grams.

For now here are some pics. Enjoy...

Regards,
Felix

www.geocities.com/minircplanes

[MINIRCPLANES]

Here she is...

[MINIRCPLANES]

Please note the framing around the window openings...

[MINIRCPLANES]

Here is another shot before assembly...

[Dave Robelen]

Hi MINIRCPLANES,
Lookin' good. I see a wingtip mod as well. On my original model, the battery and ESC plug stick out the bottom from small holes so that I can recharge, and also disconnect the battery between flight. I hope you have a great time with it.
Regards, Dave

[FLB]

Hi Felix,

Always so clean... Nice work.
Another nightflyer? I've just seen Gary' new pictures of his "stick". Seems to be a lot of fun.

Regards

FLB

[Micro Pilot]

Love the GW Sport. Such a good looking airplane. And great craftmanship on your part Felix.

:D Matt

[MINIRCPLANES]

Folks,

I've just finished my GW Sport. Here are some photos before her maiden flight.

Enjoy,
Felix
MINIRCPLANES

[MINIRCPLANES]

Another shot...

[MINIRCPLANES]

And the radio gear....

[MINIRCPLANES]

Specifications

Wing Span 35 in
Length 27 in
Weight 10 3/4 oz
Wing Area 210 sq in
Wing Loading 7.371 oz/sq ft
Motor GWS DXA Electric Motor
ESC Great Planes C-5 Nano
Battery 8 cell 720 mAh NiMh Pack
Transmitter Hitec Laser 4
Receiver Hitec Feather
Servos Hitec HS-55

Many more photos can be seen here:
www.geocities.com/minircplanes/gwsport.html

[flyinhigh]

Hey MINIRCPLANES
Very nice!what did you wrap it with?very nice colors I have the same colors going for my cesnna but different patterns.So how did she fly?good I hope.You guys always seem to bring a smile to my face with your beatiful planes:D Keep up the good work mini.What will your next project be?
Take Care
MIKE

[Dave Robelen]

Hi Felix,
Very nice, very nice. That detailing on the interior really is an eye catcher. Want to trade?
Cdeers, Dave

[MINIRCPLANES]

flyinhigh,

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you liked the color scheme. I covered the plane with Econokote. I've found that although the covering is heavy, it works well for park flyers. I don't fly my models indoor and the little extra weight helps me to fly when there is some wind. Econokote will warp any delicate frame without mercy. Its shrinking power must be respected. The built up horizontal stabilizer warped like a propeller the first time I covered. I removed the covering and added 1/32 in sheeting to the bottom of it. The second time the tail maintained its shape after covering.

The finished model weighs 10 3/4 oz. It was still tail heavy after I installed an 300 mAh 8 cell NiMH battery. Instead of adding lead I decided to use a larger battery. With the 720 mAh 8 cell NiMH battery she balanced right on the money. I must admit that the 10 3/4 oz. figure had me a little worried. These doubts vanished after she got in the air.

She zoomed almost straight up when I launched her for the first time. After dialing in a little down trim she settled down and proved to be an excellent gentle flyer. I built her for my friend as a second trainer. Her flying characteristics are very forgiving, although he was trying to man handle her like he used to fly his Lite Stick. I reminded him to use his fingertips instead of his thumb with this one. Afterwards he flew her very well.

The first flight was cut a little short though. I usually fly with 300 mAh 8-cell NiMH batteries. With these batteries the motors have never overheated. I did not think that the 720 mAh battery was going to cause any damage to the motor. Boy I was wrong! It fried it after a four minute run! I replaced the motor and later this week I'll remove a cell from the pack and try again. I also installed a heat sink and cut out the bottom of the cowl for cooling.

Next on my list is to finish my Chubby Lady 2, which I put on hold for a long time. There will be many more to come... Stay tuned.

Cheers,
Felix
MINIRCPLANES

[MINIRCPLANES]

Dave,

I'm very happy that you liked her. I've been trying out several techniques to make the interiors more scale like while trying to keep the weigh down. Still working on it.

I'm also honored by the offer but this one has already been given away. I'll keep it in mind in the future... :D

Happy winter modeling,
Felix
MINIRCPLANES

[MINIRCPLANES]

Folks,

We flew the GW Sport for the second time today. There was no significant change in performance with the 7 cell battery. She flew beautifully for about 20 minutes. Larger wheels were fitted for better tall grass landings. She is a real pleasure to fly. :D

I'll post better flying photos next time. For now enjoy this one...

Happy winter modeling,
Felix
MINIRCPLANES

[MINIRCPLANES]

Folks,

Here she is after her first night flight. She is a blast to fly in the dark.

Enjoy,
Felix
MINIRCPLANES