Originally Posted by walkerk122

Well guys, today was a big day here in Iowa. My wife and son ran over to the laser cutter for me and picked up the pre-production prototype for the DA 200 version. I spent the evening punching out parts, sanding laser burn, checking fit and finish, and eventually even did some gluing. Aside from a two very minior tweeks to a couple tabs (which will be fixed!!) this dude went together really well. Anyway, here are a few pics from tonight.

Oh yeah, My DA 200 arived today as well. THANKS Dave and the DA Crew!! What an amazing piece of art!

BTW - when you are looking at the photos note that the F2 and truss side gussets are just press fit onto the motor box that's why you see a couple gaps here and there....

Kevin,

When the production model Sensei Extra hits the streets can you make sure there is photo of the almighty Sensei on the box?

Originally Posted by a10hog

Bob,

Congratulations my friend!

Its awesome to see you put yours together but to see a productions model of your hard work is really breath taking. For all the years we (the SA crew) have know you this is a defining moment, a testament to your dedication and love of the hobby, and aviation.

You are the Sensei!

Thanks buddy,

Bob

Originally Posted by a10hog

Kevin,

When the production model Sensei Extra hits the streets can you make sure there is photo of the almighty Sensei on the box?

THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, EVER!!!

Bob

Originally Posted by a10hog

Bob,

Congratulations my friend!

Its awesome to see you put yours together but to see a productions model of your hard work is really breath taking. For all the years we (the SA crew) have know you this is a defining moment, a testament to your dedication and love of the hobby, and aviation.

You are the Sensei!

Very well put George. I am super excited for Bob on this achievement and that this baby is coming out of TEXAS!!!!! I am already starting to save my pennies, or should I say quarters......

Originally Posted by sensei

THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, EVER!!!

Bob

I've got the photo's Kevin just say when you want them...

Originally Posted by gapple12

Very well put George. I am super excited for Bob on this achievement and that this baby is coming out of TEXAS!!!!! I am already starting to save my pennies, or should I say quarters......

We had better make them Dollars..... the change is not going to work this time...

Originally Posted by a10hog

We had better make them Dollars..... the change is not going to work this time...

Very true.........$$$$$$$$$$$$$

What's the goal as far as optimal flying style/performance with this plane? More IMAC/sport or are you trying to make it a killer 3d performer? Perhaps somewhere in between?

I wonder when putting such a "small" engine on such a large plane if you'll be able to swing a big enough prop to get enough airflow around the cowl and onto the ailerons for good control when the wing is stalled. Any thoughts on this or how you've addressed this potential problem in the design stage?

I'm not sure what a DA-200 swings vs a 170, but that might be the biggest difference between the two power plants - not just "more power" but a bigger prop and therefore larger thrust cone over the surfaces in 3D flight.

Kevin you and Matt are rockin........I cant wait untill December........

Originally Posted by AllBread

What's the goal as far as optimal flying style/performance with this plane? More IMAC/sport or are you trying to make it a killer 3d performer? Perhaps somewhere in between?

I wonder when putting such a "small" engine on such a large plane if you'll be able to swing a big enough prop to get enough airflow around the cowl and onto the ailerons for good control when the wing is stalled. Any thoughts on this or how you've addressed this potential problem in the design stage?

I'm not sure what a DA-200 swings vs a 170, but that might be the biggest difference between the two power plants - not just "more power" but a bigger prop and therefore larger thrust cone over the surfaces in 3D flight.

Well, they said the same thing about his 40% with a DA100. I can tell you that 40% flies better then any other 40% Ive seen yet. 3D MONSTER, and will IMAC straight as an arrow.

Originally Posted by Tex

Kevin you and Matt are rockin........I cant wait untill December........

Oh yea........Bob....... your doing OK also.......... Just kidding

YOU-DA-MAN

Crazy, Prototype in the bones and the preproduction rapidly coming along right behind it.. That is what I call "FAST TRACKING" a project. I guess having a laser cutter bust out the parts helps out? Imagine sitting down and cutting every piece by hand. AHHHHHHHH the saw dust! Which seems to be missing from this masters shop. You guys ever notice it looks like a crew of 10 midgets runs through his shop and spot cleans right before every pic taken of this masterpiece?

G$

Originally Posted by GMoney

Crazy, Prototype in the bones and the preproduction rapidly coming along right behind it.. That is what I call "FAST TRACKING" a project. I guess having a laser cutter bust out the parts helps out? Imagine sitting down and cutting every piece by hand. AHHHHHHHH the saw dust! Which seems to be missing from this masters shop. You guys ever notice it looks like a crew of 10 midgets runs through his shop and spot cleans right before every pic taken of this masterpiece?

G$

Well, what you dont see is his other shop. THE FRONT YARD!!!!!

This project keeps looking better and better. Must buy DA200 for xmas.......

Originally Posted by a10hog

Kevin,

When the production model Sensei Extra hits the streets can you make sure there is photo of the almighty Sensei on the box?

We have already ordered boxes with Bob's face on them. The picture will be 4x life size!!

Originally Posted by GMoney

Crazy, Prototype in the bones and the preproduction rapidly coming along right behind it.. That is what I call "FAST TRACKING" a project. I guess having a laser cutter bust out the parts helps out?
G$

Almost as much as having a designer whom you trust enough that you start busting out the production prototypes before the hand built design unit has flown..... !

Jason