Posted by Sam M. on Friday, October 2, 2009 @ 02:03 AM:
Hello all,
has anyone done engine off aerobatics in there RF? other then rolls?
Posted by Collin on Saturday, October 3, 2009 @ 12:24 PM:
Hi Sam,
With my RF4 all the speeds that you would enter most maneuvers with is also the same speed the prop starts windmilling.
I think with a lightweight feathering propeller, the RF4 would do a nice quite air show routine.
Collin
Posted by Jorgen on Monday, September 6, 2010 @ 05:47 AM:
Hi Guys,
had a very agreeable soaring trip in the 4 yesterday with some altitude to loose before the engine off landing so I did some aeros. Just like Collin says many maneuvres require somewhere around 120 mph, which on XST too is enough to push the prop over the compression. I didn´t find that affected handling more than the distraction it caused on me- each time the prop moves I lost focus for a moment, but maybe that´s just habit. Also, I like it better when the prop stays horisontal when I'm gliding, but as soon as you increase speed the prop wants to go vertical. I agree Collin, wouldn´t a lightweight feathering prop be something? But then again- as René said this summer: : "-Fly four fun- mais pas pour vous ruiner!" (-but don´t go broke...)
Otherwise I think I like engine off aeros better, the wind noise sort of helps check the speed as an audio input so you don't have to glance at the ASI all the time. I tried some inverted gliding too, but with the original cap and in absence of Ray´s "signed, sealed, delivered" fuel cap I couldn´t keep that up (or down) for long with todays price on gas!
May the 4´s be with you/ Jörgen
Posted by Sam M. on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 @ 02:58 AM:
Hey guys, i was able to do prop stopped loops the other day, seems like 125 and mine doesn't move, just barely does a loop from that speed.
Posted by Jorgen on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 @ 05:05 AM:
Cool Sam,
you might be on to something there- with rigorous airspeed control it might be possible to avoid at least some of the prop moves during engine off Aeros.
May the 4´s be with you/ Jörgen
Posted by Bob Grimstead on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 @ 01:06 PM:
Hi Guys,
The propellers I use these days are much more coarse than the original Hoffmann.
An advantage is that the engine windmills back into life at a lower airspeed.
The disadvantage is that the engine windmills back into life at a lower airspeed.
So I've never been able to fly aerobatics with the prop stopped.
However, I can fly a (non-circular) loop at 80 knots.
It's worth experimenting, to see just how slowly you can fly a loop without falling out of it.
You have to tease the stick very gently -- like milking a mouse, and the stall warning light will be illuminated all the way around, but it is very satisfying when you can accomplish a full loop at very low airspeeds.
PS, I'm guessing that Sam has nice, high compressions on his engine, which is why his prop stays stopped?
Yours, Bob
Posted by Jorgen on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 @ 01:34 PM:
