are commercial units available for balancing but be sure they are
large enough to support the weight and size of the CAP.
For initial test-flying and familiarization purposes, we suggest a
starting balance point of 4" behind the inboard leading edge of the
wing.
4" equals 27% of MAC (Mean Average Chord).
For
reference, a balance point of 4-1/2" behind the wing's inboard L.E.
equals 30% of MAC and 4-15/16" behind the L.E. equals 33.3%
of MAC.
As we all know, as the CG is moved aft, the airplane will become
more proactive in pitch.
We have flown the CAP at the 30%
location and found it to be manageable, with excellent aerobatic
capabilities.
However, we did notice an increase in pitch
sensitivity and decreased the elevator throw to compensate (from
3/4" each way on low rates to 5/8" each way).
"Softening"
elevator response with a reasonable expotential percentage also
works. As stated, the CAP has very powerful flying surfaces and
the elevators are no exception. We therefore suggest that you
begin with the 27% CG location.
The best means of shifting the CG fore or aft is to locate the
battery pack where it is needed to achieve balance. If doing this
does not work and more weight is needed, consider using a
larger (and therefore heavier) battery pack. Try to avoid adding
useless weight.
If you need more weight in the nose, try a
heavier spinner or replace the light wheels with heavier after-
market wheels. If your model is nose heavy and battery shifting
does not work, you can make significant changes in balance with
lead stick-on weights.
These are unsightly but should be
considered until such time as you have flown the model and are
happy with the CG. Once that's done, the weights can be placed
inside the fuselage by simply removing the elevator servos and
placing the weights inside and securing them. With the elevator
servos back in place, the weights are hidden. For reference, our
CAPs, using either the Irvine 1.20 or 1.50 and also, the Saito 1.50
4-strokes, required no additional weight to achieve balance.
Finally, the flight performance of your CAP will benefit greatly by
dynamically balancing it.
Dynamic balancing requires that the
model be suspended upside down, using substantial chord or
fishing line. Loop the line over the engine propeller shaft and the
other end over the tailwheel bracket. Hang the model from the ceil-
ing or a rafter, leveling it in side view. With the model secured in
this way, observe the wings.
Ideally they should be level,
without one wing lower than the other. If one panel is lower, it
means that it is somewhat heavier than the other.
When
flying the model, this uncorrected imbalance may cause the model
to "pull" to the heavy side, especially in up line maneuvers. To
make the airplane track true, the light panel needs weight to
balance it level with the other panel. Again, this can be done with
stick on weights, which could later be hidden.
Always secure
weights firmly in place.
FLYING
If you have carefully followed this assembly manual, you should
have no real problems in test flying your CAP 231EX.
Make
yourself a simple checklist to assure your attention to the following
important pre-flight issues:
Try to choose a calm day for the first flight. Good conditions will
help in correctly evaluating the flight performance of this model.
Begin your test flight by making sure the engine needle valves are
properly set, providing a reliable idle, a strong top end and smooth
transition performance. We always set our engines to run a little
on the rich side and suggest you do the same.
22
¥ Radio system is fully charged - both transmitter and
airborne pack
¥ Each link on all flying surfaces has been checked and has
jam nuts and safety tubes in place
¥ All metal bolts have had an application of Loctite¤ to
secure them
¥ Nylon bolts holding cowl and canopy hatch are securely in
place
¥ All three wheels roll freely and the airplane rolls straight
when in neutral
¥ All servos checked for output arm screws
¥ All servos securely in place - no loose mounting screws,
bolts, etc.
¥ All servo extension connectors securely taped
¥ All controls work smoothly with no binding, rubbing, etc.
¥ Battery pack secured in fuselage
¥ Receiver wrapped in foam and secured in fuselage
¥ Switch securely in place
¥ Fuel system checked and working
¥ Engine well broken in and reliable
¥ Spinner and propeller are securely in place
¥ Propeller in good condition and properly balanced with no
nicks, cracks, etc.
¥ CG is at location recommend in these instructions
¥ Flying surfaces set at prescribed movements per the
information provided in this manual
¥ Per AMA, your name, address and telephone number is
taped to inside of model
¥ Radio range check to be performed at the flying field
Содержание CAP 231EX
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