Hi all:
Just thought you might like a sneak preview of my newest Crossfire variant. I call this one the Crossfire Extreme XLTC. The XLTC stands for Extra Long, Tricycle Landing Gear. As the name suggests, this one is longer than the previous variants in both nose and tail moment. The wing and tail are also increased in span. Overall this is a more stretched look and I think it is much sleeker. Yes, those are simulated gear doors and they will hide the arming switch, the timer start button and the timer pin access. I wanted to be able to get quickly to the timer pins just in case I needed to change the program just before I have to fly in competition. Not having to open the hatch to do this makes life easier.
The projected weight is 61 ounces with the battery on board, so it is on track to be about an once and a half lighter than last year's ship. The motor will be a Power 25 from E-Flite and I plan on being able to use a 3300 mAh pack.
I have wanted a another tricycle landing gear ship for years. I have had a few of them in the past. The first of my competition trike gear ships was my Avanti design. Those of you who might think that is a Bob Baron design, well, you are half right. Bob did have an Avanti, but it came years after I had mine!
I also had a semi-scale F-105 Thunderchief that had trike gear. I just love the way they ground handle and I also like the aggressive look of the trike gear. I'll throw in a couple of shots of those planes here as well.
I have to detail fit the hatch, make "real" main gear spats and then I'm ready for finish on the XLTC.
Later - Bob Hunt