Followers of this project may be interested to learn that the model was stalled yesterday as part of it's continuing test-flight schedule. As Rod Dean - who flies the fullsize XF515 - and other Hunter pilot's predicted, the stall was innocuous. It did, indeed, hold nose-high for a moment, then mushed and started to dive with no wingdrop. The AFT was utterly 'dead' (no propwash, of course) which was interesting to experience!

Rolls and high-speed flight have now all been tested and the model behaves impeccably, but it does have a lot of inertia so speed has to be built-up and, when it has, gives the aircraft a lot of momentum. 'Ballistic style' flying with well-prepared manoeuvres are therefore the order of the day. On the last full-power pass, I pulled up into a 45deg. climb with an upward roll and it could easily have done another.

The airbrake was tested, high-speed S&L - it is highly effective - like a barn door! No trim change a la fullsize.

Previous landings have been with 50% flap which is nice and allows a nice curving final approach, power off. However, yesterday, I went to nearly full-flap. This steepened the approach and power was needed, particularly to round-out. Reassuringly, the Merlins spool-up promptly and effectively.

So there we are, another 3 flights successfully chalked off. Thanks to Dave Bailey for the pic's.

Keith M.

Glad all is going well. What is next for flight testing?? Curious minds want to know!!!!!! :D

Glad all is going well. What is next for flight testing?? Curious minds want to know!!!!!! :D

Thanks, Mike. The model requires at least another 3 flights - which will be 10 in all - to complete it's stringent LMA/CAA testing requirements. This is to establish both the integrity of the airframe and my competence as the pilot for public display.

I intend to investigate barrel rolls and possibly a reverse half cuban next. Also the Derry turn - beloved of jet pilot's - as I work up to a thought-out display schedule. With 6-7 mins flight time and a high fuel burn of 8-10L (I have 14L on board for safety) one has to try and manage the flight efficiently.
Regards,
Keith

Kieth :

Holly &*%$##&* NOW THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT !!!!!!!

COOL !!!!

Thats one heck a great plane you have there !

Thanks for shareing !!

SEEYA, TIM

Thankyou, Tim, for your kind comments.

Hi :) Keith
Thats a lovely example of that particular plane
Love all the little details
And i am glad all is turning out well for you with her
Thanks for sharing this marvelous aircraft:cool:
Take care and have fun
Your's Hank
:D Clear skies and good flying.

Thanks, Hank - glad you like the details. 'Realism' is important to me as I want the aircraft to look like a miniature facsimile rather than a model. I prefer them to look worn and weathered rather than pristine.

In this I must confess that I have taken some license and finished the aircraft as it was when it was a frontline fighter not as it is today in its untainted, high-gloss finish.

Not to everybody's taste, but certainly mine.

Cheers,
Keith

As a result of a recent private enquiry - an update which maybe of general interest.
The Hunter has had 9 successful test flights. However, back in June and prior to the 10th - and last - test flight a fire broke out in the rear fuz' when a bracket supporting the jetpipe failed. Thankfully, we got it out but not before significant damage to that part of the structure was caused.

Repairs are now virtually complete - the aircraft has just been repainted - and the aircraft should fly again in the next month or so.

Sorry about that Kieth but I'm glad to here you just about got it fixed....

That is a truley beutiful plane and I agree with you that they look great weathered although they look great any way to me...lol lol lol...

Thanks for sharing Kieth, and I'm glad you are almost ready to fly again !!!


SEEYA, TIM

Hi Keith,

I somehow missed this thread earlier. What an incredible piece of machinery! Would you mind providing a few specs for us?

Dave

Dave !!!!

What a coencidence !!!

I was just fixing to give you this link before I go to bed lol lol lol

I dont think we knew each other when Kieth posted this at least not as well as we do now...lol lol lol ...


SEEYA BRO. TIM

Hi:prop: Guys
Keith
Sorry to hear about the fire so glad she was repairable
Dave,
Check out this
http://www.rchangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13681
Take care my friends
Your's Hank
:12145: Clear skies and good flying

Thanks for bringing me up to speed guys.

Keith, all I can do is repeat what others have already said. What an incredible accopmlishment. The Hunter just looks perfect, especially in flight.

Sadly, we are not likely to see anything similiar here in the US. I'm sure you are aware of the limitations imposed on large models in general and the even more severe restrictions on jets by our AMA. It is indeed our loss.

Dave

Thanks, Tim, Dave and All - your comments are most appreciated.
Herewith some pic's to fill you in on repair progress.

As I said the model is now repainted and I was reinstalling the engines and new (and redesigned) jetpipe yesterday.

There have also been some 'silver linings' which I can fill you in on sometime if I'm not boring you ----------------!

Cheers,
Keith
PS - the saga unfolds in RC Jets International, Oct-Nov Issue for those interested.

Sorry, Hank - forgot to include you, too!
K.

Can't believe thats a r/c model plane. It looks so real like the fullsize. What engine has it got inside? A turbine jet? What does it weigh, it sure looks very heavy!

The model has 2 x 38lb thrust Merlin model jet engines. It weighs 149lb dry; take-off weight 172lb.
More details at :
http://www.largemodelassociation.com/keith_mitchell_hunter.htm
and flying at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtzD6Yykd9g

Hi:prop: Keith
How have you been?
I hope things are going very well for you and your's:10635:
The Hawker looks fantastic:10806:
Thanks so much for the updates and links
The video was awesome, such a glorious treat for the sense's:9027:
Take care my friend
Your's Hank
:12145: Clear skies and good flying

Thanks, Hank - your kind wishes are always appreciated.

All the Best to You and Yours,
Keith

Thanks, Hank - your kind wishes are always appreciated.

All the Best to You and Yours,
Keith
Hi:prop: Keith
Thanks so much:cheers:
And your most welcome:10635: Its well deserved
Please keep us updated on your fine bird:10806:
Take care my friend
Your's Hank
:12145: Clear skies and good flying

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! That is some project!! Glad the repairs went well. You have a true "Masterpiece" on your hands now. :10806:

Keith, I didn't realize the damage was as extensive as it is. Very sorry to see! The repairs seem to be coming along quite nicely though.

There have also been some 'silver linings' which I can fill you in on sometime if I'm not boring you ----------------!

Boreing us? Um, you are joking aren't you? I don't see how any aspect of such a magnificent project could be boring. Please do continue at your leisure.

Dave

Gents,
The Hunter successfully completed it's 6 post-repair check-flights at Rolls Royce Hucknall today. Once the paperwork from the CAA is sorted it will be ready for the 2008 season.

Cheers - and a Merry Christmas to all,
Keith

Fantastic news Keith, will you be 'doing' the UK circuits next year??

That's the plan! It's taken 7 long, hard years to get there.
Keith

Great, I will look out for you then :D

Gents,
The Hunter successfully completed it's 6 post-repair check-flights at Rolls Royce Hucknall today. Once the paperwork from the CAA is sorted it will be ready for the 2008 season.

Cheers - and a Merry Christmas to all,
Keith
Hi:prop: Keith
Outstanding!!! im so happy for you:whee:
Wish i could come over to your side of the pond and see her in person
Heres wishing you and yours a safe and merry christmas:10635:
Take care my friend
Your's Hank
:12145: Clear skies and good flying

A couple of pic's from yesterday, courtesy the trusty camera of Reg Lowe, Rolls Royce Hucknall member.

Cheers,
Keith

Thanks, Hank - a Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Keith

Great job on the repairs! Glad to see it flying again. I'd sure like to see it too, But that's a little far for me. Any chance of coming to the " International Jet Rally" here in the states?

Sorry, that's a little to far for me, too - and I have to include a 150lb model!!

That second photo looks like a real 1:1 Hunter. You have done an outstanding job on the scale details Keith, I am looking forward to Woodvale and Weston Park now :D :10806:

It is a cracking shot, that. A photographer's dream; low sun, high colour contrast and a model in the flair! Well done, Reg., it's now firmly ensconced in my photo' archive.
K.

Wow. Just caught this thread and WOW! Very nice plane.

Congrats on getting approved, I cant wait to see more videos!

Later
RK

Congrats on the repair. She does look absolutely real in flight! I had to look close at that second pic just to make sure it was, in fact, the model and not the real thing.

Dave

Dave - don't know whether you've caught up with Rob Rowbotham's video of the second flight on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtzD6Yykd9g

Cheers,
Keith

No, I hadn't seen that vid Keith. I had to watch it more than once, and the landing several times. Incredible machine and equally incredible skills on the sticks. I don't think I've ever seen a more realistic model in flight.

Thanks much for posting it here!

Dave

Thanks, Dave. Got to say, though, that was one of the better landings - don't get 'em all like that!

Christmas Wishes,
Keith