Grumman F-14D Tomcat G1R-S
"A New Level of Challenge, A New Level of Joy to Fly"
Forewords
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, twin-tail, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program after the collapse of the F-111B project. The F-14 was the first of the American teen-series fighters, which were designed incorporating air combat experience against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War.
The F-14 first flew in December 1970 and made its first deployment in 1974 with the U.S. Navy aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 served as the U.S. Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor, and tactical aerial reconnaissance platform into the 1990s. The Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod system were added in the 1990s and the Tomcat began performing precision ground-attack missions.
In the 1980s F-14s were used as land-based interceptors by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force during the Iran–Iraq War, where they saw combat against Iraqi warplanes. Iranian F-14s reportedly shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war, while only 12 to 16 Tomcats were lost; at least half of these losses were due to accidents.
The Tomcat was retired from the U.S. Navy's active fleet on 22 September 2006, having been supplanted by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The F-14 remains in service with the Iranian Air Force, having been exported to Iran in 1976.
The F-14 first flew in December 1970 and made its first deployment in 1974 with the U.S. Navy aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The F-14 served as the U.S. Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor, and tactical aerial reconnaissance platform into the 1990s. The Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod system were added in the 1990s and the Tomcat began performing precision ground-attack missions.
In the 1980s F-14s were used as land-based interceptors by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force during the Iran–Iraq War, where they saw combat against Iraqi warplanes. Iranian F-14s reportedly shot down at least 160 Iraqi aircraft during the war, while only 12 to 16 Tomcats were lost; at least half of these losses were due to accidents.
The Tomcat was retired from the U.S. Navy's active fleet on 22 September 2006, having been supplanted by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The F-14 remains in service with the Iranian Air Force, having been exported to Iran in 1976.
The Design Phase
The most challenging step and decision was to come up with the swinging/retractable wings mechanism, while it should be applicable for most builders to follow with just common materials they could find nearby their places. So, after some searching, we decided to implement direct-drive mechanism which require high-torque servos that should be small enough to fit. We're so glad that we found it. But, it's not done yet.
The next following step to go with is, to compensate the dynamic CG when the plane changes its wings position. After we did some math, then we decided to go with the 3mm carbon rods, installed in each wings that would function as reinforcement as well as CG weight balancer, when the wings are closed or collapsed.
Rhinoceros 6 and HP Zbook Studio did a tremendous job in making things easier for us to design this parkjet.
The next following step to go with is, to compensate the dynamic CG when the plane changes its wings position. After we did some math, then we decided to go with the 3mm carbon rods, installed in each wings that would function as reinforcement as well as CG weight balancer, when the wings are closed or collapsed.
Rhinoceros 6 and HP Zbook Studio did a tremendous job in making things easier for us to design this parkjet.
The Prototypes
1st prototype was built by PI member, Jeff Reimer, in Canada. Jim followed with the 2nd one. Both flew flawlessly awesome. Bimo got the last 3rd built before the plan is made public.
The Maiden Flights
The maiden flight event, was totally satisfying. It flew smoothly and nicely once tossed it in the air, as well as very agile. The speed was incredibly fearsome.
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Highlights
We could say that we managed to survive the most challenging design phase ever for us to come up with this F-14D parkjet design. :
- True scale lines yet very easy to build, adding up more excitements to our existing score-n-fold parkjet designs.
- Working retractable wings just like the real F-14
- Incredibly stable on maiden event, just like flying on rails.
- Incredibly agile even on elevons only.
Notes on Setup
Below are the recommendation setup for this parkjet to get the most joy and fun, in flying it.
Updates on Nov 10, 2018
The Turnigy 380MG Micro Servo 3.6kg can also be a substitute to earlier recommended servo. In fact, this would be highly recommended servo for this built.
- Turnigy 2826 2200KV as standard motor that will not break the budget and is still being able to fly fast. If you want to fly faster, a DYS BE2208-7 2600KV or Sunnysky X2208-7 2600KV II motor will give the most punch out of the power setup and still give exceptional flight time.
- ESC: 40A Brushless ESC for casual flying. If you love WOTS, then go for 50A ESC. This ensures the ESC will stay cool.
- 1,800mah 3S 30C or 35C battery. The weight of this battery match the stock CG. It will give around 10 mins flight time as well on mix punches of throttle. A lighter 1,500mah 3S 30C battery will do good also. However, when you feel the need to balance the CG, you could strap a AAA battery next to the 1,500mah battery. A 2,200mah battery is acceptable. However, you need to place the heavier battery rearward to balance the CG, compares to the recommended 1,800mah one.
- Please follow the retractable wing's servo recommendation on the plan for both sufficient torque and dimensions.
Updates on Nov 10, 2018
The Turnigy 380MG Micro Servo 3.6kg can also be a substitute to earlier recommended servo. In fact, this would be highly recommended servo for this built.
"A New Experience of Having 2 Different Planes
in One Parkjet"
in One Parkjet"
The F-14D G1R-S may be one of complex built series in our parkjets lineup. However, if constructed properly, it would bring bold "Wooohooo!" and "Yes!", when looking at the wings collapsing or closing when it's flying. It would immediately catch the attention of many people that already fly their planes in the field. A truly new experience of having 2 different planes in just one parkjet.
Additional Information The release of the Parkflyers International Grumman F-14D Tomcat G1R-S package contains:
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How to get the Plan The PDF plan is available for a small amount of donation (USD 11.99) which would be used to support underprivileged kids and help less fortunate families to learn how to build scratchbuilt rc planes and try to make a living from it by creating rc plane toys and repairing it. We encourage you not to share or distribute the plan, individually or publicly as it may not bring support to the teaching activities we conduct for those kids and families. Notes:
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Donate By clicking the DONATE button, you agree to donate USD 11.99 and receive the F-14D G1R-S scratchbuilt plan. Please provide a valid email address during donation confirmation process in Paypal page, so we could send you the plan. We all thank you for your kind support for the learning activities we conduct. |