This is a small (650mm WS/200g) affordable P40 warbird that comes completely assembled with motor, spinner, prop and control link hardware. You only need to add the electronics (servo’s, esc, receiver and battery) and you’re ready to go. It even comes with a stand to show off on your desk :).
P40 history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss_P-40_Warhawk
RCgroups thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1086648
Electronics
You could go with the e-flite recommended electronics. This is what I used directly from hobbyking:
It’s important to check the specs of the recommended battery. The motor will handle a 3s setup so if you find a battery that fits with 3s that’s great. The amp draw will be just below 10A so you might want to use an ESC rated for higher draw. A 3s would probably be a bit heavier than the recommended 30g also so you would have to give up some slow speed capabilities. These are the specs of the recommended battery:
| Weight: | 1.1 oz (31.2g) |
| Configuration: | 2S |
| Length: | 2.15 in (54.6mm) |
| Width: | 1.20 in (30.5mm) |
| Height: | 0.35 in (8.9mm) |
| Maximum Continuous Discharge : | 20C |
| Maximum Continuous Current : | 8.6A |
For 2s a 10A esc (channel 3) is more than enough. This plush is a good programmable esc, if you realy want it cheaper you can go for the fixed wing 10A esc. The connectors on the motor wires are already soldered. The connectors for the esc are provided but you need to solder them on. Same for battery connector.
Another close fit are the servo’s. You need 2 of them. One for aileron (channel 1) and one for elevator (channel 2). I tried the HXT500 servo’s but these were just too big. You might be able to force them in and they will stay in without glue. For the HXT900 servo’s you definitely need to cut out some foam. These are a bit too heavy also compared to the recommended servo’s. But it would work giving up some slow speed capabilities due to the higher weight (same with a 3s battery). The HXT500 are closest to the specs of the recommended servo’s. I used even smaller servo’s that fitted without any modification. They are also lighter than the recommended setup. You really don’t need a lot of throw or power on this small fighter so they do just fine. Secure them with a drop of glue on the servo’s mounting tabs. Some specs of the recommended servo’s:
| Torque: | 12.5 oz-in (0.9 kg-cm) @ 4.8V |
| Speed: | .10 sec/60 deg @ 4.8V |
| Length: | 0.93 in (23mm) |
| Width: | 0.39 in (10mm) |
| Height: | 0.74 in (19mm) |
| Weight: | 0.21 oz (6.0g) |
And finally you’ll need a receiver. I have a Turnigy 9X 9 Channel transmitter but the receiver that came with it is way too big. So I used this smaller compatible 3 channel receiver from hobbyking. You only need 3 channels anyway and the space for these electronics is very limited.
Final Assembly
On this last picture of the mini P40 warhawk warbird from e-flite you can see all my electronics installed in the fuselage. I don’t have a proper battery yet so I just moved it where it fitted without influencing the CG location. The actual battery compartiment is on top of where you see this battery now. It can be accessed by removing the canopy.
The rubber ring you can see on the aft of the wing is pulled through the fuselage to hook it up on top, underneath the canopy. For this a small tool is included in the package. You also get a spare prop and spinner.
The only adjustments I had to make before flight was adjusting the black aileron control horns and rods you see on this picture. By turning the clevises around you can extend or retract the length. This is needed to level the ailerons with the wings trailing edge.
Maiden flight
Has yet to come. This is a small lightweight flyer so it can ‘t handle that much wind. Especially for the maiden I’ll just wait for better flying conditions. Video and experience will follow…