Slipstream 50cc SBach 342
| Background | Trimming | Flight statistics |
| Specifications | Modifications | Flight experiences | Links |
Background
As the 2012 flying season and my aerobatic practice progressed I began to think of a scale aerobatic airplane for 2013. I figured I'd buy a 30cc sized Almost Ready to Fly airframe and equip it with the components that fit best. In October, however, a complete 50cc SBach came up for sale on an online forum at an excellent price. The seller was someone I knew - we talked it over, and I bought the plane. Hello, giant scale!
There was some cleaning up to do changes I wanted to make, so it was overhaul time. I realized after I got the plane into my workshop that the landing gear was badly twisted. The seller offered to fix it. He did a great job and when he brought it back to me I got to work. The to-do list was extensive (see the Modifications section below)... but I'm done and the plane is flying beautifully.
After not flying the plane for more than a year I came to the conclusion that I just did not have the time to commit to aerobatic practice. Rather than let it gather dust, I sold it to a fellow member of my flying club.
Trimming
This is a work in progress guided by Peter Goldsmith's excellent article. See the trimming page for details.
Flight statistics
| Flight time: | 3h 07m |
| Takeoffs: | 35 |
| Landings: | 33 (two minor crashes) |
Specifications
| Wingspan: | 2210 mm (87") |
| Length: | 2006 mm (79") |
| Weight: | 9.0 kg (19.8 lbs) |
| Powerplant: | Desert Aircraft DA-50R 50cc two-stroke gas |
| Receiver: | Futaba R6008HS |
| Receiver battery: | 6.6V 2500 mAH A123 |
| Ignition battery: | 6.6V 2200 mAH A123, regulated to 5.2V |
| Ignition kill: | Smart-Fly fibre optic |
| Aileron servos: | Savox SC0251MG x 2 |
| Elevator servos: | Hitec HS-5945MG x 2 |
| Throttle servo: | Hitec HS-625MG |
| Rudder servo: | Hitec HS-5945MG |
Modifications
Electronics
Firewall
Landing gear
Setup
Flight experiences
| 2014/05/21 | Working with the CG has resulted in much better behaviour. Was much too nose heavy before; landings are easier now. |
Links
1The Slipstream 50cc manual is lacking in detail and poorly written. It does list the recommended control throws and CG but in my experience the specified CG - 150 mm from the leading edge of the wing - is much too far forward. The copy I have was scanned by a friend who owns the same plane; repeated requests to Slipstream for a copy of the manual went unanswered.