Jessie The Jeep Posted May 26, 2009 Posted May 26, 2009 (edited) It's a hard job but somebody's got to do it............. Since June last year, I've been working 4 days a week with a colleague to produce this 1/4 scale Spitfire Mk1a for a customer. The model spanning about 9 feet, weighs in at 70 pounds, and has taken 1800 hours to produce. It is more of a miniture Spitfire than a model. Even the leather finished seat raises and lowers by operating the lever on the side, the control column moves, door latch works to open the door etc. Door Latch Video Unlike most models of this size, this one is electric powered, running on about 50 volts and pulling about 250AH's flat out with the prop pitch at its present setting. It also features a Merlin sound system. Merlin Sound System Video Electric Motor Test Its first test flight was cut short when the speed controller shut down after four circuits, and Friday just gone was the second try with a new 300AH controller. Everything went perfectly, and the late evening sun was spot on for some great photos. There is a pilot being made, so the cockpit will be occupied eventually, and even the 'Sutton Harness' works to hold him in! http://www.sacarr.co.uk/models/commercial/spit1.jpg http://www.sacarr.co.uk/models/commercial/spit2.jpg http://www.sacarr.co.uk/models/commercial/spit4.jpg Edited September 5, 2020 by Jessie The Jeep Quote
N.O.S. Posted May 27, 2009 Posted May 27, 2009 Wow! Am I right in thinking R/C models above a certain size have to be inspected for airworthiness by some official body like the CAA and also licenced? Wow again! Wow! Quote
Jessie The Jeep Posted May 27, 2009 Author Posted May 27, 2009 Yes, any model over 20Kg is classed by the CAA as a UAV ( Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ) and must be inspected during construction to ensure its design is safe. Upon completion, the pilot and model must fly a test flight program of a minimum of 6 flights and one hours flight time, or until the examiner is satisfied that the pilot and model are safe to fly in front of the public. Even if the model is not to be used for show flying, the inspection and test flight program must be completed. The regulations are even tighter for over 80Kg models. Steve Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.