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Spada - GoFast 3M
- Thread starter Doc J
- Start date
Hill Hobbit
Very Strong User
So Red, how’d the Spada go at Banos?
Red
Very Strong User
Didn’t unfortunately. No wind. Soon I hope!
Red
Very Strong User
Finally got a maiden on the Spada today. She's a sweetheart for sure, I can't wait to get more time on it to get it dialed in. First impressions are really good though.
Only two 20ish minute flights. Wind was 8-10 and quartering the slope, making it very turbulent in close. It was also a bit cool which made the slermal activity a bit lighter than normal. Not ideal conditions by far, but I couldn't wait to toss it.
I started with the CG at 100mm, little nose heavy there. Second flight I pulled 1/2 oz. out, much better, still has a slight pull to the nose in a 45 degree dive. Flies inverted nice with just a touch of forward pressure. I'm guessing its 102-103mm now, but haven't measured. I will pull it back a little further until it gets unhappy then measure. It makes a very nice whistle
I'm mixing flaps to ailerons at about 50%, rolls are very axial. Diff is about 60/40, I think it still needs a bit more. It likes a bit of rudder to smooth it out, so a diff adjustment is warranted I think. With about 2-3mm full span reflex, there is a noticeable reduction in whistle. I can't tell if its much faster (again turbulent) but I think it may like it when loaded up. Speed retention is excellent, it wants to groove really well. You can roll at will and motor around wherever.
It responds nicely to 2-3mm of snap flap at full pull. Nice and solid with no tendency to flick. That of course needs to be explored more, but so far very good. Slowing down it climbs nice and is sufficiently docile. I did not try any camber as I did not have it set up. Landing manners are impeccable. I'm getting about 85-90 degrees of flap, they are VERY effective. No need for crow at all.
It feels to me like it will respond well to ballast. I need to make some up so I can get it loaded.
Only two 20ish minute flights. Wind was 8-10 and quartering the slope, making it very turbulent in close. It was also a bit cool which made the slermal activity a bit lighter than normal. Not ideal conditions by far, but I couldn't wait to toss it.
I started with the CG at 100mm, little nose heavy there. Second flight I pulled 1/2 oz. out, much better, still has a slight pull to the nose in a 45 degree dive. Flies inverted nice with just a touch of forward pressure. I'm guessing its 102-103mm now, but haven't measured. I will pull it back a little further until it gets unhappy then measure. It makes a very nice whistle
I'm mixing flaps to ailerons at about 50%, rolls are very axial. Diff is about 60/40, I think it still needs a bit more. It likes a bit of rudder to smooth it out, so a diff adjustment is warranted I think. With about 2-3mm full span reflex, there is a noticeable reduction in whistle. I can't tell if its much faster (again turbulent) but I think it may like it when loaded up. Speed retention is excellent, it wants to groove really well. You can roll at will and motor around wherever.
It responds nicely to 2-3mm of snap flap at full pull. Nice and solid with no tendency to flick. That of course needs to be explored more, but so far very good. Slowing down it climbs nice and is sufficiently docile. I did not try any camber as I did not have it set up. Landing manners are impeccable. I'm getting about 85-90 degrees of flap, they are VERY effective. No need for crow at all.
It feels to me like it will respond well to ballast. I need to make some up so I can get it loaded.
Red
Very Strong User
Thank you. Can’t wait til I get it dialed in and more comfortable with it. Grass Mountain in SoCal, it’s my local slope.
Hard to make out on the video due to the less than ideal conditions, but looks like she wants to carve a good turn with energy at the end. I always want to see that! Fingers crossed for some better conditions for you. Should be a good ripper!
Great feedback on your setup, keep it coming.
Great feedback on your setup, keep it coming.
thenated0g
Moderator
@Shoelace Grass Mountain is marked on that google map list i gave you. Here is the streetview of it:
www.google.com
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
www.google.com
Red
Very Strong User
So far my guessed set up has worked decent. For me it takes seat time to figure out what I like, what the plane likes and just becoming comfortable. The biggest take away is no nasty habits, no hint of flick and it carrying the energy very well. It's too early for anything concrete, but so far I like it very, very much.
Next up, smoother air, more ballast and a bit more CG work. From there it will be finding the limits and fine tuning the flight modes.
Agreed. I think most of us do the same fine tuning process.
I'd bet that she will drop a tip when flown slowly in light lift hunting for thermals. Seems to be the one little gotcha on this planform with these airfoils, but not an issue as her mission is not hunting down thermals. And recovery should be instant. If she flies anything like Hammond's similar models she should simply put a smile on your face as she asks for more and MORE. More speed and more turns.
I do find myself wanting to use rudder on Hammonds models. The key word here is WANTING, not needing. I'm not sure what it is but I like to lead with some rudder when sport flying. Maybe it is just that his rudders tend to be functional. (Some planes have really dead rudders.) For example if doing something like a stall turn I really like to add rudder prior to the top to set my arc and have a cleaner recovery.
Looking forward to your next flights.
I'd bet that she will drop a tip when flown slowly in light lift hunting for thermals. Seems to be the one little gotcha on this planform with these airfoils, but not an issue as her mission is not hunting down thermals. And recovery should be instant. If she flies anything like Hammond's similar models she should simply put a smile on your face as she asks for more and MORE. More speed and more turns.
I do find myself wanting to use rudder on Hammonds models. The key word here is WANTING, not needing. I'm not sure what it is but I like to lead with some rudder when sport flying. Maybe it is just that his rudders tend to be functional. (Some planes have really dead rudders.) For example if doing something like a stall turn I really like to add rudder prior to the top to set my arc and have a cleaner recovery.
Looking forward to your next flights.
Red
Very Strong User
I got it slow a little while climbing, but not it a tight thermal type turn. I'll be sure to try next time out, need to find the limits.Agreed. I think most of us do the same fine tuning process.
I'd bet that she will drop a tip when flown slowly in light lift hunting for thermals. Seems to be the one little gotcha on this planform with these airfoils, but not an issue as her mission is not hunting down thermals. And recovery should be instant. If she flies anything like Hammond's similar models she should simply put a smile on your face as she asks for more and MORE. More speed and more turns.
I do find myself wanting to use rudder on Hammonds models. The key word here is WANTING, not needing. I'm not sure what it is but I like to lead with some rudder when sport flying. Maybe it is just that his rudders tend to be functional. (Some planes have really dead rudders.) For example if doing something like a stall turn I really like to add rudder prior to the top to set my arc and have a cleaner recovery.
Looking forward to your next flights.
Shoelace
Very Strong User
Thanks buddy. Looks like an amazing site with an awesome LZ.@Shoelace Grass Mountain is marked on that google map list i gave you. Here is the streetview of it:
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
jure
Very Strong User
Co
Concrete! Did he say Concrete?
Seriously though, Great job Red.
Doc
the Philosopher said : Πάντα ῥεῖ , Omnia fluit , Everything flows ...
Doc J
Very Strong User
First its concrete...then latin, now its greek!
Oooohhh my head...Ars longa, vita brevis
Dayum we're a well read lot!
Thanks Jure...
Doc
Hill Hobbit
Very Strong User
Ah yes, when I found my dad’s stash of Playboy mags many years ago, I did a lot of ‘reading’. Didn’t do much for my eyesight though…
Doc J
Very Strong User
They say it turns you blind...
Hill Hobbit
Very Strong User
Lol!
Doc J
Very Strong User
Hi Guys, a lot of the time, my hard-working Distrbutors - such as Aloft don't have the web space to put a lot of information about the planes they carry, so here is a bit more about the new Spada Gofast 3M racer:
Spada basic information:
I designed the Spada to be the follow on to the Redshift F3f, which was modestly successful especially in Europe, but with experience I thought still needed some development. So, taking the useful feedback from the top pilots who flew the original plane, I designed the Spada racer. This is a slimmer, lighter, stronger, bottom-loading version of the Redshift F3f - but it’s so much more than just another solo FAI legal racing airframe.
Soon to be available, with even more improvements from the original model design spec, like harder layups and a double sine wave spar as standard - the addition of the new super light Aeroic carbon tissue skinned tailplanes help to keep the model robust. The wings feature a very special wind tunnel tested Optimised Lift Distrbution (OLD) planform, and also feature the special high response/low drag aerofoils that worked so well with its predecessor. Test flying is ongoing, ably conducted by Aeroic Test Pilot, Red Jensen, and even with the limited feedback to-date, the model is really fulfilling its GoFast designation.
With its optimized Optimum Lift Distribution (ODR) planform and low drag/High response aerofoil set, the Spada really snaps round the corners, then accelerates away with amazing alacrity. Built to withstand the practical rigors of F3f or MOM racing, Spada is easy to fly and generally operate, with no bad habits, plus has the advantage of being really stable under flaps and very so easy to land. Totting up, Spada is faster overall than Redshift, accelerates instantly, turns tighter and has more energy retention potential in fact than any model I have ever designed. In short, it’s a pure-bred racing plane thats highly competitive in the 3M racing world; built to European standards of fit and finish - but at a price that is affordable..
Construction: GFK/CFK Hybrid (Aeroic)
Wings: Carbon with Aeroic Sine Wave Spar - SS version has a double carbon/double ASWS
Fuse: Carbon/Kevlar Reinforced Glass (2.4Ghz friendly)
Tailplanes – carbon tissue skinned.
Specifications:
Span: 3.0M (118”)With double ASWS and carbon skins as standard
Length: 1.495M (58.8”)
Wing area: 42.98Dm/2 (666.19” Sq)
Tail area: 5.8Dm/2 (99.9” Sq)
Total area: 53.8 Dm/2 (833.9” Sq)
Wing Loading at 4Kg (8,8 Lb) AUW 74.39g/Dm/2
Ballast in the wigs up to 1.2Kg of brass.
Aspect ratio: 19:1
Wing aerofoils: JH3580, JH3575, JH3570
Spada basic information:
I designed the Spada to be the follow on to the Redshift F3f, which was modestly successful especially in Europe, but with experience I thought still needed some development. So, taking the useful feedback from the top pilots who flew the original plane, I designed the Spada racer. This is a slimmer, lighter, stronger, bottom-loading version of the Redshift F3f - but it’s so much more than just another solo FAI legal racing airframe.
Soon to be available, with even more improvements from the original model design spec, like harder layups and a double sine wave spar as standard - the addition of the new super light Aeroic carbon tissue skinned tailplanes help to keep the model robust. The wings feature a very special wind tunnel tested Optimised Lift Distrbution (OLD) planform, and also feature the special high response/low drag aerofoils that worked so well with its predecessor. Test flying is ongoing, ably conducted by Aeroic Test Pilot, Red Jensen, and even with the limited feedback to-date, the model is really fulfilling its GoFast designation.
With its optimized Optimum Lift Distribution (ODR) planform and low drag/High response aerofoil set, the Spada really snaps round the corners, then accelerates away with amazing alacrity. Built to withstand the practical rigors of F3f or MOM racing, Spada is easy to fly and generally operate, with no bad habits, plus has the advantage of being really stable under flaps and very so easy to land. Totting up, Spada is faster overall than Redshift, accelerates instantly, turns tighter and has more energy retention potential in fact than any model I have ever designed. In short, it’s a pure-bred racing plane thats highly competitive in the 3M racing world; built to European standards of fit and finish - but at a price that is affordable..
Construction: GFK/CFK Hybrid (Aeroic)
Wings: Carbon with Aeroic Sine Wave Spar - SS version has a double carbon/double ASWS
Fuse: Carbon/Kevlar Reinforced Glass (2.4Ghz friendly)
Tailplanes – carbon tissue skinned.
Specifications:
Span: 3.0M (118”)With double ASWS and carbon skins as standard
Length: 1.495M (58.8”)
Wing area: 42.98Dm/2 (666.19” Sq)
Tail area: 5.8Dm/2 (99.9” Sq)
Total area: 53.8 Dm/2 (833.9” Sq)
Wing Loading at 4Kg (8,8 Lb) AUW 74.39g/Dm/2
Ballast in the wigs up to 1.2Kg of brass.
Aspect ratio: 19:1
Wing aerofoils: JH3580, JH3575, JH3570
- Radio: Ailerons, Flaps, Eelevator.
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