Hangar 9 ASW-20

[jamesn1960]

Hi all, hope you're all able to assist.

I've had my ASW-20 for a year now but due to work commitments I've not had a chance to start my build. I originally purchased all items as per the instruction manual for a powered self launch glider. However, I've since changed my mind on having a nose mounted motor and am seriously thinking of a retractable SLS, i.e. either a Florian Schambeck AFT retractable power unit or a LF-Technik retractable EDF unit.

Questions...

1. Has anybody had experience with either of the above systems or similar?
2. Does anybody have any of the above or similar installed in their ASW-20?

The Hangar 9 manual says the ASW-20 glider weighs 8.8kg...is this with or without the nose powered self launch system and 6S battery? so...

1. What is the total flight weight of a typical Hangar 9 ASW-20 4.7m without a nose powered system?
2. What is the total flight weight of a typical Hangar 9 ASW-20 4.7m with a nose powered system?

Thanks in advance

[mogman]

A better tire would be a good thing.
Horizon claim they've never heard of any issues with the tire.
I can crumble mine with my fingers.

Dave.

[ARUP]

I've vacuum formed over plaster casts but never glassed over one. I suppose it would work fine so long as the surface is sealed. Good idea! I might try it for grins!

[Tango Juliet]

Would making a plaster cast of the styrene tub be an option for longevity? I've never done mold making so I don't know, but it seems plausible.

[ARUP]

Here are a couple of pics of the cockpit tubs. The white thing is the styrene tub included with the kit. It has a glass tub 'curing' on it. Three done and now I need to make one for me! The one on the far left in threesome pic is how it looks when it comes off the 'mold' so I have to sand it a little to get rid of the barbs. These things get prickly! The styrene tub 'mold' is starting to get pitted from the reaction to the resin even after lots of wax on and wax off and PVA release. If worse comes to worse and folks want more tubs then I can always pull a mold off the inside of it and make parts that way but that is more work.


Now to start figuring how to make a better tire! Kevlar belts....hmmmmm.

[ARUP]

Three cockpit tubs (Kevin, Stew and Len) have been made using the kit styrene part as a mold. They'll get delivered to Winamac. I'm currently researching 'www.Smooth-On.com' compounds and techniques so as to make tires that are more robust than the item included with the retract. I keep hearing of folks having problems with that tire! I'll keep y'all posted.

[Tom McP]

I use a small MKS 2 amp regulator on each spoiler of my ASW and have had no problems. Voltage is regulated to 5.2 - 5.3V. Main power supply is two LiFe 2 cell (7.2V) batteries in parallel.

Tom

[mogman]

I had an issue with the spoilers at the last aerotow.
I am using all the Horizon recommended parts, spoilers, retract, voltage regulator etc.

When I first turn on the radio with a fully charged 6.6V Life, the spoilers (which run through the regulator) buzz and chatter then cease to operate.
After waiting about 5 or so minutes, the spoilers now will work, very jerkily and lots of chatter.
After about another 5 or so minutes the spoilers work correctly and for the rest of the day.

I contacted Horizon and they said to use the voltage regulator, which I'd already told them I was using. They also stated they do not know what voltage is compatable with the e-flite spoilers (6V max?)

The retract, which also runs through the regulator is unaffected as is the rest of the radio system

Anyone run into this issue? Perhaps I need to try an aftermarket (smart-fly) 5.2V regulator for the spoilers.

Cheers,
Dave.

[mogman]

Thank you, Stew.

Cheers,
Dave.

[Stew2]

The closest I found, and was able to make work, is the Sullivan Skylite wheel with a metal hub. I had to sand off the lettering on the sidewall of the wheel and add a thin washer to each end of the axle to spread the gear legs just a scootch to get it to work. It works great though and spins freely. I haven't found any others that work.

[mogman]

Has anyone found a replacement wheel and/or tire for the ASW-20.?
The tire on mine shattered into pieces on landing. Lots of 3-1/2" wheels available but all are too wide.

Dave.

[ARUP]

Nice winglets!

[jfrickie]

This ASW belongs to Cecil Davis one of our club members....first flights were last Saturday with the expected results.....flew GREAT !

[ARUP]

Done! It's a given... working in fiberglass makes you itchy!

[lenb]

Hi Michael.
If you're not tired of making parts, I'll take one also if you still feel itchy.


Thanks
Len