110" Extreme Flight Yak for IMAC

[xtra330]

I thought i would post some pics of my progress with my new Yak54 from Extreme Flight. I had actually picked the kit up sometime ago from Chris, but I have been slowly plucking away on it. By doing this thread, I hope it will motivate me to get done faster than what I am doing now.

As some may know - I have recently gone (going through a divorce). I had sold just about everything I had to help offset the expenses that would be endured. Talking with close friends I had been convinced and come to terms with myelf that I need to continue on with my hobby, if anything to help give me something to do to keep my mind off things.

So - Chris had hooked me up with the Yak and I started to scrounge for some left over items that didnt sell. I had opted to leave the 40% alone for now and go with the 100cc airframe, just for the simple fact for transportaion purposes. The Yak was also chosen for the size...it is big and presents well in the air. I have high expectations with this plane and I am really excited about getting it in its first contest. This is what will be installed;

DA100 - KS tuned pipes - 28x10 Mejzlik
Duralite 3000mah Li-Managanese (2ea),
Futaba 9155 (ailerons), 9156 (elevators), 9157 - 8611 (Rudder), Hi-tech 5955 (throttle)
SWB tray with 4.5" arm
JR 2000 scan select receiver - 10x radio

Here is where I am at so far;

[xtra330]

Some more pics...you'll notice on one of the pics of the aileron servo bay (IB) it was necasarry to add to washers to raise the servo up just a tad - this was in order for the servo linkage bolt to clear the surface of the wing - would not be needed if you used an SWB arm or similar. Other shots show the matchbox installed in the wing root.

[xtra330]

here are some weights of the wing panels, stabs, carbon wing tube and cowling...

wings were even with eachother RTF
Stabs were .4 oz of each other

[xtra330]

Here are some quick rough dimensions to give you an idea of how big this plane is - if you havent already seen one at the field -

wing root - 24.25
wing tip - 12.25
aileon root - 6.75
aileron tip - 3.75
wing length - 5.75

I do have the pipes installed, etc... i will post more pics as time allows.

[WangoTango]

Looking good, JC!!!
WT

[tjklise]

Hey Joe,

Progress is a wonderful thing especially when you are going through challenging times - been there and done that, done that, done that...

I'm just putting the finishing touches on my EF 100" Yak 54 as we speak. I've gone with the MTW cans on the DA 100 - it should be whisper quiet - looking forward to hearing the prop on this one. I'm finishing up the cowl and canopy today, then checking the balance for placement of batteries, etc.

Test flight later in the week. (Provided last nights snow melts soon...)

Who are you using for graphics on your Yak?

It seems that I've got plenty of time to fly coming up as I joined the league of recently unemployed having been laid off from Cat, Inc. So either my IMAC flying gets better or my golf game one or the other! I know what it's like to deal with challenges too!

Keep the pictures coming!
Take care and good luck!

TJ

[wmat7039]

Hey Joe.... It's REALLY looking good. After watching you fly 2 weeks ago at the Lexington contest, we already know that you are going to be very competitive with your new Yak when she takes to the air.

You NEED to remember our warning!!! If you beat all the guys who are flying their 150-170cc planes with your 100cc Yak.... the border patrol will confiscate your plane!!
Later
Wayne

[xtra330]

Thanks guys for the cudos. Yep - divorce is no fun, long and short story of that topic.

I will try and post more pics tonight, I have all the little tedious things to do it in order to complete the plane. The only problem I found was that the back to mounting holes the fuse does not match the locations on the canopy tabs. I will more thn likely remove the blind nuts, redrill the holes and reattach the blindnuts. Other than that, the build (completion) was straight forward and no problems encountered. I am going to replace the 2.5" titanium links with 3" on the stabs, though.

I do not plan on checking the CG before I fly. I usually do this at the field, since 9 out of 10 times you are going to change this anyways.

The instructions call for 20 deg aileron throw - then adjust. I have set mine at 27 deg up and down. I like faster roll rate than most, so we'll see if this is a good place to start. Elevators are at about 15 deg for starters and will adjust at the field, as well as the rudder throw.

The reason I dont get too hung up on this at the house is that I like to set my throws at the field, set them up for each flight mode - pattern, roller, spin, and hammer.

My pattern rate is determined by my snap rolls. Aileron speed is checked both directions by performing aileron rolls in each direction, sometimes you will have different numbers on the radio so that the plane rolls the same speed each way.

Roller mode is basically pattern airlerons cut in half, same elevator, slightly more rudder. Expo is increased on all surfaces.

Spin mode is set up to give proper spin entries from upright and inverted.

Hammer mode is the same as pattern, expcept the rudder throw is greatly increased.

I will be sure to report all my findings after the first day out and there after.

[xtra330]

Okay, messed around a bit tonight on the plane - sealed aileron hinges with clear ultracote as well as the rudder. Hooked up the tail wheel steering, and then covered the two open bays on the belly which was removed to install the cannister mounts.

One thing i failed to mention was that I used Mark McClellans (McFueler) - new engine standoffs. Several people already have them on theri planes and these worked just like a charm...you can order them in different thickness to suit your application...on this plane, it is necasarry to use a 1" standoff. Mark had also included 1/8 and 1/4 thick shims as well if I choose to move the engine out further. I also plan on using his McFueler for the fuel dot.

I also got the cowl mounted, rather straight forward with no problems in locating and installing.

Also wanted to point out that I had closed off the tunnel just aft of the stingers on the exaust.

[xtra330]

some more pics...

[hovermaster]

Looks good Joe, this plane def. tracks well and performs just as good as a 40%, its a little more effected by the wind but its pretty awesome, you'll love it.

Chris

[xtra330]

thanks Chris, watching you fly this at Clover Creek proved how straight this plane tracks and the 3D capability is second to none! - your opinion, are the batteries pretty close to where they will end up...or you think i will have to move them back a bit?