Feature Suggestions.

#4
Assuming you are considering an F-105D, the most produced version, scale length at 1/6th would be almost !30". I doubt a 140N/32 lb thrust engine would come anywhere near that needed to power that large and heavy an airframe through a normal flight regime. I'd speculate the 220N/50 lbs would be a reasonable starting point. Also, 18 KG/39.6 lbs is likely an underestimate for that size airframe. My estimate with any external stores and an adequate fuel load for the large engine will make the gross weight in excess of 25 kg/55 lbs. That's why I mentioned 1/7 th scale. Just my thoughts. A THUD 1/6 th size however, would be an awesome sight! The F-105F version (2 seats), used for aircrew training and Wild Wiesel, I think, was even several feet longer.
 
#5
Hi, Thanks for posting.

I agree and a traditionally built composite model would be heavier, however, we are doing things very differently in both the design and construction of this model. We are using the latest in composite techniques and materials coupled with a design team made up of chartered engineers specialising in mechanical, structural and composite engineering gives us a very different perspective on what's possible. In actual fact we could make the model even lighter but believe it would be to the detriment of the model. I'll start posting about our development very soon so you can see why our approach is different. I suspect even at the lower weights a 140 will be pushing it but we will fly the prototype in all configurations (140, 180, 220 and 240N turbines) This model will be thoroughly tested before its release.

Cheers,
 
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#6
Some of the features we are looking at integrating into the design...

- Spoilers
- Prototypical flaps
- Leading edge flaps
- Working speed brake system
- retractable refuelling probe (can be refuelled through this)
- Scale cockpit
- Opening Canopy
- Drag Chute

By integrating many of these features into our design from the start we can save weight by creating simple solutions to relatively complex areas like the scale flaps and spoilers. We are around halfway through the development process so we will soon be able to start showing our progress.
 
#8
Interesting perspective regarding your use of special materials for the large model airframes. Just curious, but are your plans for the listed model aircraft a "one of a kind venture", or are you planning on fabricating these in numbers to sell as kits? If for kits, when do you forcast an F-105 kit to be available?
 
#9
Hi Alberto,

During our research we did consider the B, however we decided the D was a better around aircraft to model with a really interesting history.

We will look at doing the doors but this effects the structure substantially so may go without unless access in this area is vital.
 
#10
Hi Grchud,

Yes this is a commercial product and will be manufactured with volume in mind. We believe 18 months from this point will see a product available to purchase.

Thanks
 
#11
If I recall correctly, the B models saw little or no combat. They had so many problems and so far behind on TCTO's (time compliance tech orders), that the few produced were turned over to the Air Guard. Further, the cockpit instrumentation was the older round type gauges. The early production Thud's had a bomb bay to carry a special weapon, but was later modified with a fuel tank and carried conventional weapons externally for the Vietnam War. Not what one could call a dog fighting fighter, but had the best looking lines of all the Century Series fighters. With it's high wing loading, corner velocity was the highest of all fighters of the day. However, I believe it was fastest on the deck of any with it's low frontal area.
 
#12
Alex

Could I suggest that the leading edge slats be an option and are fixed as standard ?
What about a light kit ? Oh and full ordinance pack ?

Toby
 
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#13
Toby hi

We have had much discussion on the topic of leading edge flaps. The 45 degree wing is really the hardest nut to crack and the leading edge flap of the Thud offers a few clues to how they managed to create a stable platform at approach speeds. The outer part of the leading edge flap is considerably wider than at the wing root. The main flaps are also big. When we get to the aerofoil we will investigate the various possibilities and report on it. Your thinking on a lighter variant is interesting, and I can tell you that we are working on two kit options. We have given them the working names THUNDERBIRD and ROLLING THUNDER. The ordinance pack for ROLLING THUNDER will be terrific and will take into account a typical mission in South east Asia involving wing tanks, ECM pod, Sidewinders and the MER (Multiple Ejector Rack) slung under the belly with 6 750 pounders.

Ben
 
#14
Toby hi

We have had much discussion on the topic of leading edge flaps. The 45 degree wing is really the hardest nut to crack and the leading edge flap of the Thud offers a few clues to how they managed to create a stable platform at approach speeds. The outer part of the leading edge flap is considerably wider than at the wing root. The main flaps are also big. When we get to the aerofoil we will investigate the various possibilities and report on it. Your thinking on a lighter variant is interesting, and I can tell you that we are working on two kit options. We have given them the working names THUNDERBIRD and ROLLING THUNDER. The ordinance pack for ROLLING THUNDER will be terrific and will take into account a typical mission in South east Asia involving wing tanks, ECM pod, Sidewinders and the MER (Multiple Ejector Rack) slung under the belly with 6 750 pounders.

Ben
Thanks for your reply Ben, I will keep an eye on your developments , it will be a great aircraft .
In terms on light kit, I had meant that in terms of nav / landing lights etc. Please keep us posted on updates

Regards

Toby
 
#15
Toby..The answer on lights will be yes i'm sure. I think lights are such a great effect to see on a scale aircraft.

I am just finishing an excellent book called "When Thunder Rolled" by 105 pilot Ed Rasimus. It left me with the impression that Pilots loved the aircraft, which was one of the most powerful and advanced integrated weapons systems of the era.
 
#17
Hi Dave,

Not that I remember but I could be wrong... The only larger 105 that we are aware of is the 5 or so airframes produced by B1Bob. This was at 1/6th but semi scale in many respects.
 
#19
It's a good representation of a 105 and wasn't designed to be anything else. Our Hyper Scale F105 will be very detailed... to a WJM level if the customer wants to purchase all the scale options.
 
#20
I think B1Bob made ten copies, or at least initially advertised that number! He had problems with his retractable landing gear also.
 
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