Photos by Jeff Troy


the Grumman F7F Tigercat has always been one of


my favorite twin- engine aircraft, AND modifying the


Brodak CL model for electric power posed an interesting


challenge—as well as big potential for fun.


>>


The previous nine installments of this series saw my


Tigercat go from initial construction through its fi nal fi nishing with Brodak fabric (brodak.com), and clear and colored Brodak butyrate dope. The most recent installment (fall 2015) showed how the battery packs were positioned and secured to achieve the correct CG (center of gravity). I also prepared the Brodak control lines and handle (brodak.com), and assembled the line ends in accordance with AMA regulations. Now it’s time to join


my Tigercat’s independent power systems—right and left. These are connected at the Flight Manager/Timer (FMT) unit. Each motor hooks up to its own ESC and LiPo battery. Each of these two independent groupings was tested individually through the FMT. After


48 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2016]


Cut or disconnect the red wire from one of the two ESC receiver leads to prevent excessive voltage from the two independent power systems going into the FMT unit.


The Brodak F7F Tigercat is on the flightline and ready to be hooked up for its maiden flight. Yes, the Master Airscrew 8 x 6 three-blade propellers are counter-rotating.


Phillip Adams prepares to guide the Tigercat in its maiden flight. The pull test was performed, the batteries were connected, the start button was pressed, the motors screamed, and then the fun began.


After a short takeoff roll, the Tigercat broke ground and Phillip guided the airplane to approximately 25 feet off of the deck. Elevator response proved effective, but not overly sensitive.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60