Always had two problems with the Explorer:
Could not take Explorer off grass strip ( no hand launch - #3channel or 4 channel version).
Could not maintain level flight with four channel version. ( nose heavy - various changes )
I was finally able to over come these problems on the aileron version by:
1 - Moving the CG back 1/4 inch
2 - Configured wing type for "Elevon" operation ( aileron and flap combination)
2 - Added 1/2 ounce weigh to nose ( maybe not needed )
3 - 2200 Mah battery all the way forward
4 - Placed a 1/4 inch piece of Flite Test foam board ( scrape piece )
in front of the leading edge to keep rubber bands from
moving the wing forward.
5 - Added 3/16 piece of balsa under the leading edge
( added positive incidence for lift )
With these changes, I was able to maintain level flight
at mid throttle ( hands off ).
I was able to place the Explorer on grass strip with ailerons
extended down and take off for the first time !!!!! ( no hand launch ).
Also added 3/16 piece of balsa under the leading edge
of the rudder only version ( added positive incidence for lift )
and was able to take off for the first time !!!!!( no hand launch ).
These changes convinced me that the Explorer configuration
needs more lift capability ( wing air foil change, incidence change,
larger wing cord, etc. )
Could not take Explorer off grass strip ( no hand launch - #3channel or 4 channel version).
Could not maintain level flight with four channel version. ( nose heavy - various changes )
I was finally able to over come these problems on the aileron version by:
1 - Moving the CG back 1/4 inch
2 - Configured wing type for "Elevon" operation ( aileron and flap combination)
2 - Added 1/2 ounce weigh to nose ( maybe not needed )
3 - 2200 Mah battery all the way forward
4 - Placed a 1/4 inch piece of Flite Test foam board ( scrape piece )
in front of the leading edge to keep rubber bands from
moving the wing forward.
5 - Added 3/16 piece of balsa under the leading edge
( added positive incidence for lift )
With these changes, I was able to maintain level flight
at mid throttle ( hands off ).
I was able to place the Explorer on grass strip with ailerons
extended down and take off for the first time !!!!! ( no hand launch ).
Also added 3/16 piece of balsa under the leading edge
of the rudder only version ( added positive incidence for lift )
and was able to take off for the first time !!!!!( no hand launch ).
These changes convinced me that the Explorer configuration
needs more lift capability ( wing air foil change, incidence change,
larger wing cord, etc. )
