Super Phoenix assembly day 1: introduction.
I recently received the brand new MK2 Super Phoenix from Aviation Design and wanted to share the buil and flight tests with you.
This plane is my baby and I worked on this new version for about 4 years through two prototypes.
The very specific feature about this plane is that the rear fuselage and boom area are CAD designed to create a venturi effect when the engine is at full power and the plane is standing still in the air. This venturi effect creates a flow of air around the rudders and elevator, enabling to control the plane during hovering without an vector thrust system or gyros.
The kit came in a fairly reasonably sized cardboard box that was quite easy to handle.
The manufacture quality is the same as the Scorpion Mk2. The plane is produced the Czech republic from drilled Airex and high quality fabrics and epoxy. The plane comes painted in the moulds.
- New moulds CNC cut with perfect moulding plans
- Aero grade plywood/ liteply formers CNC cut and precisely adjusted.
- Drilled Airex composite sandwich.
- Airframe painted in the moulds using aero grade gel coat.
- New Stabilizer and rudders improved for 3D flights
- New live hinging technique using specific hinging nylon ribbons
The plane was CAD designed from the previous paper drawings and optimized for 3D maneuver. All the formers were re-designed for optimum weight saving.
It is the only plane in the world to be able to hover and to perform basic 3D maneuvers WITHOUT THRUST VECTORING and WITHOUT GYROSCOPES. The speed range on this model is also unique since it can fly from 0 mph ( hovering in front of you ) to 300 mph in a full power pass with our B100F.
Bear in mind that due to these exceptional performances we require the customer to fly the plane with a GPS feedback enabled system to comply with the AMA/FAA regulations, including speed and height restrictions.
Here are a few pictures of the Swiss scheme model I received a few days ago.
The model assembled in my workshop:
A few details of the fuselage inner structure:
The front and rear main formers have been carefully CAD designed for optimum strength and weight saving.
The main former at the wing to gear plates junction. Note the carbon fiber reinforcement strips:
The drilled Airex is visible at the bottom.
The nose gear structure:
The main radio tray structure:
The weights are as followed:
Fuselage: 1750 grs
Right boom: 330 grs
Left boom: 310 grs
Left wing: 454 grs
Right wing: 478 grs
Stab: 250 grs
Kevlar tank: 163 grs
Wing tube and accessory pack: 400 grs
Servos and receiver: 360 grs
Batteries: 350 grs
Merlin VT80 all up and 5 min of fuel: 2400 grs
Or B100F with 5 min of fuel: 3000 grs
Behotec gear: 900 grs
This makes a total of 8145 grs for the VT-80 option ( 80 N of thrust ) and should be just enough to enable the plane to hover.
However that makes a total of 8745 grs for the B100F option ( 120 N thrust ) and will ensure a thrust margin of 37% above its own weight for stratospheric performances.
I have flown this configuration on my previous Super Phoenix that was about 1 kg heavier and the performance of the aircraft was outstanding.
