Blade 2
Building instructions - Blade 2
Page 7
The safest method of launching is to use a catapult. A simple, proven catapult can be made from a
length of rubber cord as sold by model shops for bungee systems. This gives the Blade 2 the essential
initial acceleration. All you need is 7 to 10 metres of rubber cord of at least 8 mm
2
cross-section. If the
rubber is thinner, use multiple strands. The rubber should then be extended by attaching about 10 to
15 metres of nylon cord (e.g. thin washing line) to it. Tie the tow-ring to the end of the nylon line.
Anchor the rubber cord to the ground by means of a stout tent peg. Connect the tow-ring to the launch
hook on the model.
Check all functions carefully before flying the model. Set slight up-elevator trim for the first flight. To
launch the model the rubber should be stretched to 2.5 - 3 times its slack length. Hold the Blade 2 by
the tail end of the fuselage using one finger.
After release the Blade 2 should be airborne after just a few metres, and will make the transition into a
straight climb, the climb angle dependent primarily on the thrust of the power system. This all assumes
that the Centre of Gravity is set correctly - it is no bad idea to move it forward by a few millimetres for
the first flight - and the trims are also correct. We strongly advise you to keep the model’s climb angle
quite shallow at first so that adequate speed can build up, as it is a characteristic of ducted fans that
they are only capable of working efficiently when the model is flying fast. If trim corrections are
required, wait until the model is flying straight and level, or flying a broad turn at a safe height, before
you make any changes.
Ducted fan powered jets generally only reach their full top speed when flown straight and level, or
when first dived after a climb to height. Once the model is flying fast, the high speed can and should
be maintained quite easily. The secret of smooth, scale-like jet flying is a fluid, wide-ranging piloting
style, i.e. avoid slowing the machine unnecessarily. This makes for efficient flying, and therefore
extended flight times.
Naturally the Blade 2 is also capable of simple aerobatics such as rolls and loops. If the model’s fan
system is not particularly powerful you should ensure that the model has plenty of airspeed at the start
of manoeuvres.
For landing we recommend approaching at a fairly high speed. For the first flight it can do no harm to
keep sufficient capacity in the flight packs for an overshoot and second approach. But please bear in
mind that a ducted fan power system’s ability to accelerate is not exactly exhilarating at low airspeed
(i.e. just before touch-down).
And do take care: after touch-down it is important to check that there are no foreign bodies in the air
intakes before you switch the motors on again!
All of us at “aero-naut” Modellbau hope you have loads of fun with this very beautiful model.