BH Mig-29

[19000rpm]

I've had so much fun with the twin 50mm Su-34, I thought I'd give the twin 55mm Mig 29 a try.

They've recently added TV to this model. Not sure if it's only 180 degree TV, but even 180 degree TV allows the pilot to do some neat tricks.

The forums have been good to this plane. Pilots say it is very good out of the box, which isn't always the case with BH planes.

Attachments:

[akent]

A friend at the Austin field showed up with a BH A-10 last weekend.
One servo was bad and BOTH ESC's were bad right out of the box. He replaced those parts. The foam is CHEESY!! No carbon rods. If flexes like crazy. It did fly though. The elevator full up was just enough to fly it around! It turns out the horizontal stab is very crooked.
A true POS.

I sure hope yours is good! I guess you just never know with those guys.
Kent

[19000rpm]

Thanks, Kent. I trolled the forums and found good news about the Mig 29. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I've heard some not so good things about some of the BH A-10's. They have several versions of the A-10; some good, some not so good. Sounds like your buddy got one of the bad ones.

[19000rpm]

You gotta love BH. My Mig 29 showed up today and it had transformed into a Mig 35. Did they send me the wrong Model?

OK, in all fairness, BH did the right thing. They renamed the Mig 29 a Mig 35 because, in this varient of the model, TV had been added just like it is on the full sized Mig 35. BH didn't happen to mention this in their ad copy so it was a bit of a surprise.

First off; the model arrived in tact. Good start. Detail, paint and decals are good also. A little fogging of the paint on some edges.

Glue is used on only three areas: Nose cone and each main wing. The stabs are screwed in place.

The entire flight control system is operated by just 3 servos. The Delta Mix works the elevons and both the pitch and roll axis of the TV. The rudder servo operates the TV yaw axis and the steerable nose wheel. There are no actual rudders in use.

Power is supplied for the twin 55mm fans by a 2200 4S 25C running through dual 30A ESC's. I didn't order the battery, but it was in the package. I hope this is a good omen.

I'm going to do the electronics test later. Here are a few shots of the fuse and detail, in the meantime.


Control rod set up. Speed controls should stay cool.

Equipment hatch doesn't leave much room for the 6110, servos, control rods and wiring. But it all fits.

Vertical and horizontal stabs screw into this common bracket.

I'm not sure the cockpit is right. I think there are always two pilots in a Mig 35.

The battery compartment looks to be able to accomodate a 5S. Hmmmmm.

Air intake volume is enormous.

Come on. Give me some wings so I can Fly!!

The Mig 29 er, Mig 35.

[Gabe]

Great log 19k!

Looks like she came in really good shape. I hope the electronics are decent too. I'm curious to see the difference I thrust with two edf's instead of one. I'd imagine you're gaining more thrust and not necessarily speed since the fans only spin so fast.

Can't wait for the flight report!

[19000rpm]

Thanks Gabe. It's nice to report when things are turning out well.
And, luckily enough, the story is still good.

The electronics test worked out well. Servos (3), ESC's and motors hummed along like it's a $300 plane.
It looks good too.

I forgot to mention it came with a battery and charger, as well. Not part of my order. I'd send them back, but they'd just lose them...

It went together very easily. Some of the control rods were attached and when I plugged it in everything lined up almost perfectly.

The typical Delta configuration was given some thought. All of the stock control throws look like they are propotional, including the TV, for good "getting to know you" maidens.

Soon as I get a chance I'll take her up and give a report. I love these twin EDF's. This one screams.

[19000rpm]

I haven't flown it yet since my operating areas, the school parking lot and track, are busy except for Sundays. I hate the school year.

I did put a meter on it though and it's drawing 32A and making 536 Watts.

Some of the guys on RCGroups are getting their stock fans balanced by Don's RC. That's reported to be making a serious improvement in performance. My home balancing isn't that great so, I think I may opt for Don's service too.

[19000rpm]

It's really been windy the last few weeks so I decided to hold off on a maiden until yesterday; when the winds dropped to 10-15mph. Or, so it was predicted.

I had benched the stock, dual 55mm power setup, WOT at 32A and 536 Watts. Considering the AUW at a shade over 2lb.s it should fly. Right? It was time to find out.

I was lucky enough to have the HS running track clear, school was out for conferences and ACT's, and southerly winds blowing up the length of the track. Perfect.

I had done a taxi test earlier. I was confident the controls were set correctly and I'd get a shot at a good takeoff. Or, did I miss something?

I taxied it a around a bit to increase my confidence that all was well. Then I lined it up into the wind. I gradually applied throttle.

The wind started gusting mid takeoff run. Quite a bit higher than predicted. It was 20+. Oh, well. No guts, no glory. She gathered speed quickly, tracked straight and rotated off the track aggressively at WOT.

The climb out was good. I kept it climbing out at about 30 degrees to mitigate the possibility of a stall if power wasn't what I anticipated. She headed towards the first turn. Should I have selected high rates for the maiden? I need to be careful not to over control her.

The banks crosswind and then downwind, and the turn back upwind, proved the plane was stable. Not that I had expected less. And, the high rates proved to be good for normal flight. Whew!

Not too sure whether it actually needed trim. Because of the gusting wind I was constantly alert for corrections. The trim "felt" good though. A calmer day will answer that question.

After a few quick circuits I made the upwind turn and dropped the throttle to see how easy it might be to slow it under control close to stall speed. The wind continued gusting. She bobbed up and down. I kept the nose up a bit and she slowed nicely and showed no tendency to stall as it approached almost a hover. OK, no worries there.

It was difficult to estimate actual speed because of conditions. My guesstimate is 65-70. Not real fast. About what I expected in stock form. For more speed I'll need better, balanced fans from Don's RC.

Landing was not much of a challenge. With the VT acting for rudder control it was just a matter of slowing, keeping some throttle on, a slight nose up attitude, ignoring the bobbing up and down from the gusts, and letting it settle in.

I didn't try any aerobatics. I know. I was chicken. The gusting wind intimidated me.

So, all in all, a great maiden. No unexpected events, outside of the wind conditions, and no plastic bag of foam pieces for the return home. Yeeeha!

BH did a good with this plane. It flies great stock. And, I think it has some real potential for even better performance: More speed with better fans and more aggressive control throws for TV. Because, in retrospect, I'm thinking the current high rates won't be enough for true TV aerobatics. That will need to be changed. I'll keep you posted on the upgrades and set up changes. But, first, I'm going to enjoy a flight or two stock.

[19000rpm]

I've had a couple more flights. The first proved I did need a bit of trim. The second flight I explored some flat spins, cobra (kinda) & backflips. Before I fly it again I'm going to explore increasing the control throws a bit for better 3D performance. After a few more flights I'm going to send the fans and motors to Don so he can work his magic.

[Gabe]

So surprised about the positive reviews for BH. I'm really leaning towards that 12-ch F-22 with these good reviews.

Glad to hear its working out for ya.

[19000rpm]

That F-22 is a beauty.

No one is surprised more than me that the last few planes have worked flawlessly. My only negative comment is; that if I do have problems they aren't going to be much help. So, I'm prepared to ultimately address any problems on my own.

I'm looking at the larger of their TV F-16's. It's has the servo retracts. I think I'd ditch those and use either the HK or eFlite servo-less units.

[Gabe]

I almost bought that too, but it doesn't have flaps. I really want a plane that has all the functions if I'm going to be spending money. Fully functional flaps are a must for me right now. That F-22 actually has front slats as well.

[19000rpm]

I noticed that about the lack of flaps on the F-16. But, you can program it for spoilerons or flaperons. I'd probably up it to 6S too. I don't get why they made it a 5S unless the motor or ESC can't handle it. Unlikely.

Those slats on the F22 are really cool. Twin 70mm. I'm really a twin EDF fan of late. Lots of power. And those sloooooow retracts. The only thing it lacks is yaw axis TV for flat spins and J turns. In spite of that, the whole thing is a great pkg. I'd sure be proud to have one...

One thing that also impresses me about the upscale BH models is that they are including UBEC's. It makes sense with all the servos, yet it's not what you'd readily expect from a dealer with a cut price reputation.

[19000rpm]

The Mig continues to fly well. I added a bit more throw to the servos and that has added to the 3D agility and response.

Yesterday, I landed it in a strong, gusting, crosswind on the running track. It was a beauty to behold. Swooping down over the trees, modulating the throttle, controlling the altitude, crabbing it to cross the centerline and then touching the rear wheels first, rolling a good 10 ft, and then letting the nose wheel settle. The TV rudder function makes these kind of landings a piece of cake. In my opinion, better than a conventional rudder.

So far I haven't done any mods. I know adding don's fans and motors would make this plane a lot faster. But, since I'm mainly doing 3D suff with it; the only real advantage, beyond speed, would be vertical performance, hovering etc., with the more powerful motors and fans.

I'm still considering the motor and fan upgrade along with 5S. It's hard to make the leap though; with the stock set up working so well. Maybe something will break and give me the excuse to mod it.

[akent]

This is amazing to me!

IT'S SIX months old!

I just might have to order one!
Kent