Hangar 9 ASW-20

[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

[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.

[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.

[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]

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!

[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.

[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

[lenb]

You're not going to like this.


I would not do it. No way, no how.
There are a few reasons, but lets cut to the chase........ The plane will not like the extra weight. PERIOD.
The plane is a FANTASTIC flying model if built stock and just enjoyed. When you add the SLS, Speed controller, ( YGE) Sequencer, Wires, and batteries, your going to be heavy.
I know guys put motors in the nose, but they also dont have to put in as much lead to balance the plane ( if any) . Since the SLS is near the CG, its just adding cargo to the plane.
The ASW20 can tip stall on you if you get it slow in a slight turn. I can imagine how it would be with excess weight.

Second,
The AFT systems are amazing, I have/had two of them. ( still have an AFT 25 if you want to buy it for a larger plane ) BUT... They're expensive and a bit of a maintenance hog.

I'm not knocking the system, but its not the right plane for that combo...
Honestly I would not even consider putting a retracing SLS in anything under 6m now that I have made the mistake of doing it a few times. ... Live and learn I guess.

Good luck and I'm happy to help with setup questions if you proceed.

LEN

[French1]

I second most of what Len said,

I enjoyed building a SLS, but the extra weight is definitely a burden.

I would say that it depend also on why you want a SLS,

If it is for looking scale, you can paint spinner and prop so you can't see the difference.

If it is to be able to take off on you main landing gear, without the need of bugee or dolly, then you can upgrade the landing gear for a longer one in order to have prop clearance.

I have now sold my SLS, and not intending having another one unless it is on a big bird.


But, it is your call, depending what you are looking for you may like it

[Tom McP]

James, to answer one of your questions directly, my H9 ASW-20 weighs 18 lb 4 oz (8.3 kg) ready to fly. This is for the glider version, no motor. Included are dual 3000mah LiFe batteries powering a Jeti CB200 power distribution box. The airplane is assembled exactly per the instructions with the exception of the tow release servo, which was recently upgraded for better performance.

I don't have a pilot installed. if I added one that would increase the weight slightly.

Hope this helps a little,

Tom

[jamesn1960]

Thanks for the response guys.

I've since found that the smallest ATF system available will not fit this glider. There are several fold back SLS types available but they all shift the C of G too much. So I'm looking at EDF types that can be mounted on the C of G and hope that having one or two motor batteries mounted far forward it'll not require any additional ballast. If this is possible it'll mean an additional 0.6 kg (approx) for the EDF SLS. This is the reason I was asking others for glider weights with and without the manufactures recommended SLS setup.

I personally don't like the look of an RC glider with a folding nose prop. For me if it has an SLS it needs to retract out of mind, out of site and not to interfere with airflow. Once the glider is airborne to a satisfactory height the motor is retracted and it's never to reappear again throughout the remainder of the flight. It's a glider not a powered aircraft.

Yes I want to take off using the stock retract wheel system, though it may require a wheel bearing to reduce axle friction. I do have a suitable dolly but it's not my preference to be worried about where it's gone after launch.

Reason for wanting SLS... I live remote outback, no smooth grassed flying fields, no hills, no flying buddies, there's nobody in fact for many miles. I'm surrounded by rough flat desert ground and in one direction heavily treed country. I've only a couple of very remote limited sections of tared roads close by that's suitable for launch/landings and if conditions are right I have an abundance of booming thermals to get me high and to stay high all day long. I'm a pure thermal pilot, not interested in areo's, I only aim to get up and stay up for as long as possible through the use of mother nature, whether it be for seconds or for hours, then I'm as happy as a pig in #$^#.

Now days at 57 I mostly fly FPV sailplanes, fully loaded, way above the manufactures spec's. For me it as close as possible to being back in the seat of real gliders and if it's fully loaded with ballast, able to climb out when thermals are at their best, covering a lot of ground fast and able to penetrate a good head wind on a return to base flight than I'm happy. Carrying extra weight just means you fly faster and you need to accommodate for it when in thermals or during normal flight...but how nice would it be to eject all that unwanted rubbish late afternoons as the air mellows and or when having to land back home in the thin still desert air. Has anybody ever installed a drag chute on this glider for landings LOL.

Is there anybody here who has any experience with EDF systems and what is the weight of the ASW20 4.7m Glider when setup as per the manufactures recommended SLS system.

PS: Thanks Tom your information was very helpful.

[French1]

Just checked the weight of mine,

8.9kg with a 5000 6S battery and two A123 2S battery and a pilot in a cockpit

i think I have seen on the German forum a person that put an EDF in the ASW-20 have a look over there.

best luck with your endeavour

stephane

[jamesn1960]

Thanks heaps Stephane. I've gained a lot of helpfully hints since your first post and looking forward to starting my build over the net couple of weeks.

[TomTerrific?]

Hi James- Gerd Holzner from Heimsheim has successfully installed an EDF in the H9 ASW20.
He's very active in the Flying Circus.
If i was you, i'd simply go on Facebook - where he is very active, and search him out directly. On YouTube, you'll also see a video of him taking off with the ducted fan.
Good Luck!
Tom
ps- here's a picture from facebook

[TomTerrific?]

Hi James- here's the video link:

https://youtu.be/iFlXJCTUZPg

[jamesn1960]

Thank you Tom. I managed to track down Gerd last week and he's since forwarded me all he's build details. I needed to translate it but it's a very interesting in-depth article with detailed images of all steps required to install the EDF. He used a Jetec E90 EDF system, glider total weight 10.5 kg. He claims it's the best thing he every did going EDF and say's he's never had an issue with the glider weighing more than the OEM spec's...he actually loves flying it being heavier. He has the same opinion as myself, i.e. carrying extra weight just means you fly faster and you need to accommodate for it when in thermals or during normal flight and landing. It also means you're able to comfortably penetrate a good head wind to return to home after drifting out in thermals. Although it would be nice to be able to eject (dump) the additional weight in preparation for landing like I use to do in my full size glider competition days.

PS: here's another one of his videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtMg39A3tm4&t=27s