Well as many of you know I received a Pitts Python from Comp-Arf last May. The time finally arrived to put it together! I tried alot of different techniques than what I've used in the past. The goal was to build a plane that was light, precise, and low maintenence. After consulting with Frank Knoll and Jason Danhakl it was decided to eliminate 8 servos. Both for a reduction in weight, cost, and complexity. I also had a long talk with Kurt from Fromeco about power needs for the plane. We installed a Power Expander along with special batteries, regulator, and switches. Here is a list of the componets we used in the build:

1. 8 Futaba 9152 servos for ail, rudder, elev
2. 1 Futaba 9402 throttle servo
3. 1 Futaba R5114DPS Receiver
4. 1 Smartfly Power expander
5. 2 Fromeco 5200's with 16 gauge wiring and deans connectors
6. 1 Fromeco 2600
7. 2 Fromeco regulators with 16 gauge wiring and deans connectors
8. 1 Fromeco wolverine switch with 16 gauge wiring and deans connectors
9. 1 Fromeco Badger switch
10. 3W 170CS from Cactus Aviation
11. KS flex Headers
12. Greeves Pipes And DA Mount system
13. Mejlik 32X10 Prop

First I got it sitting on the gear. I also installed an R/C Blimp tailwheel assy. Next I mapped out the location of the motor. I installed the motor and then installed the Headers and Greeves pipes. I used the mounts that Desert Aircraft supplies. They let the pipes expand and grow in length as they heat up. I made the mounts so they could easily be removed at a later date if needed.

'bout time Mark, I was wondering when you would get to it. I love the Python,Jason ribs me all the time sayin its a yak w/2 wings.......blah,blah,blah
I'vve always liked the Compies, but Bob's got me hooked on this "LIGHT" trip. Cant wait to see how it turns out. Also, think @ the soda bottle trick for the tank, it will save you half a lb.

The next thing was to install the 9152's in the ailerons. I decided to run a single 9152 on the inboard location. The brackets that came with the kit were for a smaller standard servo. I made my own brackets and glued them on with Dp100 adhesive. The pics show a standard arm but I replaced them with the aluminum ones from airwild. I might also add I use the gromet tool from SWB. It makes a tedious job quick and easy.

I also decided I would make a push-pull rudder setup with 2 9152's instead of the 4 servo pull-pull setup. This seems to give a more positive feel and lack of complication. I measured out where the holes needed to be with a 4.5 inch turnbuckle. I then cut the 2 holes and fabricated some backing plates out of scrap 1/8 inch aircraft plywood. I glued them in place again using Dp100. Make sure to scuff the inside of the plane with 60 grit and then clean it with alcohol. I used the stock futaba arms that are 1.75 inches long. It turned out so well that there was no mix to match the servos. They are perfectly matched.

Kiwi had a great idea on the stabs. The kit calls for 2 servos mounted midship with long carbon pushrods. Kiwi had mounted 2 in each stab. I went for a single 9152 on each stab. I also came up with a pretty robust mount. It is made from 3/8 plywood. It's very strong and distributes the load over a large area. After gluing in the mounts I boxed in the servos with 1/8 balsa. The linkage is short and very direct. I started with 1.5 inch arms, but 70 degrees may be too much throw? I will try some 1.25 or 1 inch to get around 50 degrees.

Looks good Mark, When is the anticipated maiden for this beast?

Just as a teaser here is the scheme Bryan from Aerographix came up with. I just received the go ahead today from 180 Energy Drink.

Originally Posted by Greyhoundman

Looks good Mark, When is the anticipated maiden for this beast?

Actually it was maidened just before the DOGS flyin. I flew it there but I had a few issues. I performed the nec mods and recently flew it again at the orchard farm field. I lost the base gaskets on the motor at the 5 gallon mark. Bobby at Cactus overnighted new gaskets which I installed tonight. We will be flying it tomorrow at Buder for the Extravaganza. I have been so busy I didn't have time to do the build thread while I was thrashing till 2am every morning and going to work too. More details are coming and a video as well. Yes it is BADASS.

Scheme looks cool will it be a full wrap or vinyl over the red base?

You already flew it? and I missed it.....I just might have to abduct milo and lola. LOL

Originally Posted by Greyhoundman

Scheme looks cool will it be a full wrap or vinyl over the red base?

You already flew it? and I missed it.....I just might have to abduct milo and lola. LOL

Yes it will be a full wrap over the red. Bryan is a true artist! He really out did himself again. I can't wait for him to do the wrap. Flying it while it is all red can get a little tricky. It should really "POP". The plane weighs 44lbs. and is an absolute rocket on the uplines.

hI , ANYONE FLYING THIS PLANE ON DA150 STANDARD MUFFLERS??

Originally Posted by skymaster68

hI , ANYONE FLYING THIS PLANE ON DA150 STANDARD MUFFLERS??

it will fly fine on mufflers but the uplines may be a little sluggish

Originally Posted by JagerBomb

it will fly fine on mufflers but the uplines may be a little sluggish

thanks Jager, I have a DA 150 on my 3M Cop 260 that I'm planing to sell it is 8 month old, and get both planes on DA170's but if I don't sell it at good price I'll throw it into the Pitts.

Mark, do you still have the Python,?