T33 Shooting-Star
by
Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) Jet
It looks promising
to be sure.
Not
too many bits to put together.
Requires 2 mini servos, 30+amp Electronic Speed Controller,
3 channel radio and 1700 - 2400mAh 8.4v NiCad battery.
(9.6v Nimh & 10.2v Li-Ion to be tested and reported on)
Looking
good in just white. Finally assembled.
Intake ducts sanded to match each other and angles
smoothed for improved airflow.
How it should look
with 'standard' stickers supplied.
US Air Force ~ I don't think so :o)
Choose
Freedom!
Top
& side view
Bottom
view, intake & thrust ducts
And
it flys as good as it looks.
| I
have now completed 10 powered flights with the T33 and
each has been better than the last. 3 flights in one
afternoon at BumpyGreen recently proved most enjoyable.
Using 8.4v 3000mAh pack and 2 9.6v 2400mAh packs. One
flight lasted almost 10 minutes as Gary the Bumpy Guest
was searching out thermals and lift pockets with his
Twinstar and I was able to use them to gain much height
and reduce throttle to mimimum. Inverted flight proved
fun but borderline with full forward stick just to hold
it level. A couple of lazy loops, a number of ever improving rolls and some high speed low fly bys all graced the day. No pics or video from that days flying of the T33. Battery pack must be placed quite far forward and the T33 does fly much better slightly nose heavy. It struggles against strong wind and the lack of power to get out of an awkward situation especially straight after launch could prove it's demise. But one such launch was almost verticle and the T33 was able to just gather itself in time to avoid the hard stuff. This gave me more confidence and I am now happy to launch the T33 from a flat field. Next I am going to increase the aileron throws to try and increase the roll rate. |
Flying pics
Checking
Wind direction
Some hearty launches
Flying nicely
The T33 makes a great sound for an electric.
Final approach
