Post by bearcat on Sept 12, 2011 16:45:06 GMT -5
Hey guys. Haven't tuned in for awhile. Kim saw these pics and suggested I post this on the forum so that you guys can see my latest build.
It's a P-55, or rather, an XP-55. Only 3 prototypes were ever built and only one survives today, owned by the Smithsonian. It was designed around an expected 24 cylinder, 2000 hp Pratt and Whitney engine, but when the PW motor was cancelled, they stuck an Allison engine (same kind as the P-40 Warhawk had) just to fly it. With the underpowered Allison, it still managed 390 mph, but was designed for 500 mph. Even a Merlin would have given this more potential. But it was cancelled due to the dawning jet age and also because we had fighters faster than 390 mph.
Here's a pic of the real P-55, full size, 41.7 ft wingspan:
And here is my ship. The specifics will be provided after the pictures:
Specifics:
Channels: 4
Wingspan: 32"
Length: 24"
Weight: 24 ounces with landing gear, 22 ounces without.
Power: 166 Watt Cermark 1420 kv brushless inrunner
Battery: 11.1 V 3S 1250 maH
Stall Speed: 18 to 19 mph
Top Speed: 60 mph expected
Lifting Area: 200 sq inches
Controls: Full flying Canard, two Rudders, two Ailerons.
Build-up: From scratch, on my own plans, based off of a 15" rubber plan I found.
Wing: D-boxed leading edge using a hardwood dowel and a spruce main spar. 12% Clark-Y Airfoil
Canard: balsa sheeted, hardwood dowel leading edge, 10% Clark-Y airfoil.
Skin: Silkspan tissue with 3 coats of clear dope and 2 coats of Krylon enamel spray paint. Decals from Callie Graphics.
Prop: Master Airscrew 7x4 3-blade pusher
Spinner: Custom Ultimate spun aluminum, by Tru-Turn.
The engine vents and 24 exhaust stacks are fully functional. That's how the ESC and motor get their cooling.
I am practicing like crazy to get good enough for this one. I think it'll fly well, and I plan to test it out before winter. In the meantime, I want to get as good as possible first.
Mitch, I'd bet you could really rock with this airplane. But it would almost need a bungie to launch.
It's a P-55, or rather, an XP-55. Only 3 prototypes were ever built and only one survives today, owned by the Smithsonian. It was designed around an expected 24 cylinder, 2000 hp Pratt and Whitney engine, but when the PW motor was cancelled, they stuck an Allison engine (same kind as the P-40 Warhawk had) just to fly it. With the underpowered Allison, it still managed 390 mph, but was designed for 500 mph. Even a Merlin would have given this more potential. But it was cancelled due to the dawning jet age and also because we had fighters faster than 390 mph.
Here's a pic of the real P-55, full size, 41.7 ft wingspan:
And here is my ship. The specifics will be provided after the pictures:
Specifics:
Channels: 4
Wingspan: 32"
Length: 24"
Weight: 24 ounces with landing gear, 22 ounces without.
Power: 166 Watt Cermark 1420 kv brushless inrunner
Battery: 11.1 V 3S 1250 maH
Stall Speed: 18 to 19 mph
Top Speed: 60 mph expected
Lifting Area: 200 sq inches
Controls: Full flying Canard, two Rudders, two Ailerons.
Build-up: From scratch, on my own plans, based off of a 15" rubber plan I found.
Wing: D-boxed leading edge using a hardwood dowel and a spruce main spar. 12% Clark-Y Airfoil
Canard: balsa sheeted, hardwood dowel leading edge, 10% Clark-Y airfoil.
Skin: Silkspan tissue with 3 coats of clear dope and 2 coats of Krylon enamel spray paint. Decals from Callie Graphics.
Prop: Master Airscrew 7x4 3-blade pusher
Spinner: Custom Ultimate spun aluminum, by Tru-Turn.
The engine vents and 24 exhaust stacks are fully functional. That's how the ESC and motor get their cooling.
I am practicing like crazy to get good enough for this one. I think it'll fly well, and I plan to test it out before winter. In the meantime, I want to get as good as possible first.
Mitch, I'd bet you could really rock with this airplane. But it would almost need a bungie to launch.