Product Evaluation and
Pilot Proficiency Training
by: Bob Violett
photos: B.V. and Chris Keene
 click on images to enlarge |
| While we usually
sport fly our jets on Sunday, there are occasions during the work week that
we break away for an afternoon of "Product Evaluation and Pilot Proficiency
Training". We are fortunate in Central Florida to have 4 jet-friendly model club fields to accomplish our mission. Since many eastern USA model fields are grass, we chose the I.R.K.S. field near Cocoa to test the Skymaster L-39 and F-15 operations from a grassfield. Both of these jets and their landing gear systems proved worthy. |
L-39 Albatros
| Since the full size L-39 Albatros was designed to be able to operate from turf runways, it is fitting that the model is similarly capable. | |||||
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| The internal landing gear mounts are rugged and the knee action struts (all 3) absorb the torture of the turf. The gear doors cycle open then close for each operation keeping them clear of the grass during take-off and landing. The Pro Go-Fly series Skymaster jets come with the landing gear, doors, and air tubing installed. | |||||
| The Smart Multi Function valve handles the control of the retracts, doors, and wheel brakes, eliminating multiple servos and valves. This unit is available from BVM when you purchase a Skymaster kit. |
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| The take-off roll was approximately 250 ft for this 34 pound (dry) jet. It is powered by the latest JetCat P-120SX featuring internal Kero Start. This is a perfect engine/airframe match. | |||||
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| The L-39 with flaps deployed is properly set up for a perfect landing on the grass strip. |
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Test pilot Dustin Buescher
with the Albatros and Carolina who is the latest addition to the BVM factory team.
To Learn More About The L-39 |
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F-15 Eagle |
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| The Skymaster F-15 is
available in multiple paint schemes but we thought that this "Camo" is
particularly appealing. It was professionally assembled and geared-up
by Henry Nugyen and is one of the BVM/Skymaster USA demonstration models.
You will see it at several upcoming eastern jet rallies. At a dry weight of 27 lbs. it is ideally powered by the new and very attractively priced ($2,195.00) JetCat P-80. |
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| The landing gear proved capable of the grass field operation and the gear doors, while they remain open in the down position, do have sufficient ground clearance. | |||||
 Aileron and Flap controls |
 Stab Servo access and Exhaust Nozzle detail |
 Rudder control |
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| The control rigging is simple and effective on this Eagle and worthy of its 150 mph top end speed. | |||||
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| Another nice scale feature of the F-15 is the speed brake that is fully enclosed (in the top hatch) with operating cylinders, servo, and valve. Because the speed brake is so effective, plan on keeping the power up while it is deployed. | |||||
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Chris Keene gets some stick time on this scale jet trainer while Dustin and Carolina observe. | ||||
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| The Eagle's approach and landing speed is slow when compared to most scale jets. | |||||
| Chris Keene performs a lot of duties at BVM in-between his college classes and he rates going flying as one of his favorite assignments. |
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