The two jet engines extend beyond the back end. The front of the intakes are a partial circle. The back of the tubes are full circle and notched to overlap the end of the main body.
Four tries (and 40" of scrapped BT-5) gave me a workable design. These tubes might also help stabilize the model.
On the next prototype the engine hook will be on the top side, away from the BT-5 tubes.
You might notice the underside of the BT-50H is rough. I've cut off four intake tries and had to sand off some glue.
The decal draws are turning out very well!
As unlikely as it is to make it work properly you know someone is going to try making this a three motor cluster. Thanks for the insight into designing a new kit.
ReplyDeleteHi Openroad,
DeleteThe builder wouldn't be able to fit two 13mm engines in the BT-5 tubes. There is a long notch cut out to about 1/2" from the back. That overhangs the 1" tube end below the engine mount. It would probably be very unstable with all that weight in the rear.
Just wondering Chris how much do you use Rocksim or Open Rocket to flesh out your initial designs. Some of the components of the F-18 seem like they would be difficult to plug into those programs. I have a feeling that some "eyeballing" and "trial and error" needs to be done to determine the stability of rockets like these.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
DeleteI have used Open Rocket in the past, but not on this jet series. I probably couldn't put this design into a simulation program. My friend Lonnie had three original Centuri Fighter Fleet models I used as a guide for length of body tubes and wing/fin positioning.
Trial and error will be more in play when I get to the C6-5 engine tests. The slightly heavier engine might pose problems. It's always exciting (and a bit nerve wracking) to count down and launch complex new designs.