Sweet Flier.....
Yes, I do like taking tons of shots! Who wouldn't??
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Yes, I do like taking tons of shots! Who wouldn't??
(Click on any image for a larger version then use arrow keys to navigate)
Spectacularly prepared and packaged..............
My first Bushmaster - lovely machine. I have included it here because its "Under the Hood" video was completed in Aug 2024 and is fully representative of the red one...
No such thing as "enough pictures"
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Falcon 18x12E Wooden, Electric
Used wooden to minimise resonance during sharp turns and knife edge.
Dualsky GA2000R.8 405Kv
This motor's peak power is 2640w providing huge power to weight.
Dualsky Summit 120Amp
Maximum 6Cell allowed. Plenty!! Well suited to running the GA2000R.
The XT90
Spark Arrestor and Arming Switch with terminal covers. Better battery management.
Digiswitch
Regulator, Voltage Meter and Battery Type handler. Provides power for Rx and servos.
2S Lipo Auxiliary
This battery powers the receiver and servos via the Digiswitch which regulates the voltage to a steady 7volts
Gang Connectors
Used to combine aileron and flap servo leads into a single plug-in. See the cockpit image below....
Spektrum AR8360T + AS3x
This Rx handles 7 servos and the stabiliser with great ease. Aerials arranged in orthogonal layout.
KingMax CLS2875H
7 Of these used to operate this plane.
See below for a full spec on the performance of this servo...
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Introduction
I was introduced to this plane a few years ago by Peter Fowler. He wanted me to set his up (trim it out) ready for aerobatic flight. What a pleasant surprise it was to fly what appears to be a high wing trainer but then becomes an accomplished aerobatic machine!
The Blue and White Bushmaster
In June 2024 I built a blue and white version of this plane. It was absolutely fabulous to fly once fully trimmed and mixed. Flew it for about a year and then tragedy! It went to plane heaven. Very sad. Fortunately I recovered a good deal of the technical equipment for re-use.
The Red, White, Grey and Black Bushmaster
This was built around July 2025 and is proving, once again, how good these planes are! And not just for "trainer-like" flying.
Aerobatic Setup
As with the earlier, blue version, the current red one is fully rigged, trimmed and mixed to perform IMAC aerobatics.
The super light Dubro 125x25mm wheels weigh in at just 70grams each. This greatly reduces the rolling compensation required for knife edge/rolling manoeuvres. Most 125mm wheels weigh over 120grams each!
I omit to assemble the wing stays since they are quite weighty and would compromise rolling manoeuvres.
After level flight trim-out, I apply two mixes, one to eliminate coupling in knife edge - rudder to elevator - and one to eliminate the roll in/out tendency - rudder to aileron.
One is left with a plane possessing great aerobatic versatility.
All Mixes and their usage
I am using a Spektrum NX8 transmitter with an AR8360T receiver (which includes the AS3X stabiliser)
RUD→ELE Reduces coupling and so allows straight line rolls and knife edges
RUD→RAL Reduces roll out during rolling manoeuvres
AIL→LFL Switch selectable. Sets the flaps to assist the aileron function.
FLP→LAL Switch selectable. Adds "Crow" (ailerons up) when the flaps are deployed
RUD→AX3 Rudder channel masters the channel the tail wheel runs off.
Power Considerations
The Dualsky GA2000R.8 405Kv motor in combination with a 6S 5000mah 100C battery, 120amp ESC and 18x12 Falcon wooden prop provides 689watts/kg. This power availability certainly has this plane moving about with amazing authority.
Costs
This plane was purchased from Desert Aircraft in Brisbane, Australia.
The total cost as at Aug02025 was AUD2,260 including delivery, all equipment and fittings but NOT including the transmitter and batteries.