During the Christmas holidays, while on a break from work, I managed to complete conversions from F3J to F5J on two planes that have been in the workshop for a month or so.
The first plane to be completed was a Xplorer. I specifically wanted this Xplorer to be my windy weather plane. It is the double carbon version, not exactly light but very strong and it really flies well when it gets windy. I am sure I won't need any ballast to at least 20 kts wind!
The conversion was not that easy. Other that chopping off the nose, installing a firewall and motor, I had to remove servos and install them as far back as possible, changing push-rod lengths after they have been installed is not fun! This way I managed to make space for the ESC and battery and also ensure that the CoG is not too far forward, something that is often a problem with a F3J to F5J conversion.
The power comes from a 3S 1300mah 45-90C battery, the motor is a PowerLine 1025 swinging a RFM 16x8.5 prop.
Here she is before conversion.
I
managed to get out early one morning to the GEMS flying field to test
her. She needed no ballast to balance at my preferred (at least starting
point) CoG. I am happy to report that she flew perfectly from the first
flight needing no trim and it seems the CoG is perfect, or at least the
way I prefer it.
Ready for the first flight!
Back on the ground after a perfect test flight!
I am really happy with the conversion, now my fleet contains a decent windy weather plane!
This success has encouraged me to do more F3J to F5J conversions. Next project is a Vladimir Supra conversion!
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