Mig-17
Page 10 Copyright © 2014 Jim Young and T& J Models
option, but keep in mind the 30 oz. target
weight.
Install the radio gear, we used HS-45’s
all around. The ESC and Rx fit under
the hatch. A pair of 2Sx2200mAhr
packs are wired in series and positioned
to balance the model as shown on the
plans.
Flying
To keep the Mig-17 light, the landing
gear was omitted in favor of bungee
launching. The Great Planes Bungee
Launch Set (GPMA2885) is
recommended. The F13’s provide an
area to safely grip the Mig behind the
wing. With about 20 paces of tension on
the bungee, throttle up and release the
Mig from shoulder height. It will
accelerate quickly with very little drop
while on the bungee.
I strongly recommend that for the first
few flights you climb to altitude and do
some tests at half throttle and apply full
up elevator. The high tail position of the
Mig can cause the stabilizer to be
blanketed by the wing with too much up
elevator. If you have too much elevator
the Mig will start to tumble. If this
happens, apply half power, neutralize the
controls, and wait for the nose to drop
(hence the need to do this at altitude) and
then gently pull out. Reduce the elevator
throw as necessary.
With the light wing loading, full power
is not needed for mild aerobatics. The
stall is gentle and straightforward.
Loops, rolls, and point rolls are all
within the capabilities. With the C.G.
set as shown, inverted flight requires just
a bit of down to maintain level flight.
When the throttle is pushed the Mig
accelerates quickly and the vertical
performance is simply awesome. The
recommended power system will easily
push the Mig at over 100mph. You
better make sure your eyeglass
prescription is up to date, because it gets
small fast.
The Mig can be slowed down for
landings. Keep the wings level on final
and use the rudder for course
corrections. With the anhedral wing it is
easy to catch a wing tip, but the airframe
has proven to be quite durable.
I hope you enjoy your vintage jet.
Many thanks to Keith Shaw for letting
me bounce ideas off him and for his
gifted thumbs on the first few flights.
