Cruising Along - Flying the Raptor Prototype

[@nssherlock4547]

Radio free = a thumbs up.Nice to hear the aircraft.

[@mikecygk]

It's going to be interesting to see how the Raptor flies at MTOW, eg. four people on board etc..

[@urmommawasfun]

@@geraldmartsy2165 why not with the prototype?

[@DiverJames]

@@urmommawasfun From what Peter has said previously, this prototype is already pretty heavy and carrying ballast to simulate extra bums on board etc. Having watched the manufacturing process for this first airframe, there’s probably a lot of weight they can remove and still maintain the structural requirements. Prototypes are rarely “light”.

[@urmommawasfun]

@@DiverJames I had no idea, thanks for catching me up. Aside from the extra weight from the build, has he always been carrying that extra ballast? I would have assume he would have tried to do the first bunch of flights as light as possible, and then add them later for further testing. Sorry, I’m a bit of a noob when it comes to these things.

[@DiverJames]

@@urmommawasfun Not entirely sure other than getting centre of gravity in a safe range and providing lateral balance etc. Then there’s all the extra bits that were added/modified leading up to the first flight (including a complete re-rigging of the flight control system etc) and the engine/reduction-drive changes. Retrofitting things is rarely the most weight or material-efficient method, but necessary in order to achieve the initial test fight goals. No doubt the learning from serial # 1, will be rolled into S/N#2 and we’ll start seeing the Raptor getting the expected performance they’re shooting for 👍🏻 Based on Peter’s dogged determination to solve problems, and finding solutions, he will nut this out with the help of the silent partners he has behind the scenes. Onward and upward!

[@urmommawasfun]

@@DiverJames thanks!

[@chrisc161]

Please have someone take video of the aircraft during takeoff and landing so we can see it and hear it.

[@QuentinCarter1975]

An ND4 filter will get rid of the jellow effect caused by the prop. you can get them for $2.

[@MarkT]

For the cross-wind issue all you need is a 10g fibre link intersected with an Nvidia AI to adjust the corresponding wing area to deform appropriately. This is how birds do it.

[@jaybee3165]

your flying gets smoother every day peter. nice job. stuck the landing- as usual.

[@silasmarner7586]

Suuuuper nice landing Peter!

[@bradsnider6095]

FWIW, I'm diggin' the consistent engine note and your voice-over. I know VOs require more time, but it's nice to hear your narration on these flights. The build has evolved... you get that, you started editing flights. Besides, I just happen to hate radio static. ;-)

[@formulaben]

Comments at 3:41 I can assure you that's exactly what's happening...the Cessna Citation X is an excellent example of gusts inducing strong rolling moments due to wing sweep, even with a large vertical stabilizer and robust yaw damper.

[@abba01]

The flights are coming along nicely, every flight shows improvement, congratulations! You keep mentioning getting to 40 hours and then getting the aircraft to the West Coast to the guys you're working with out there. What is the plan when you get to the West Coast? Can you give us an idea of how you see the program unfolding from that point on? I thought there was going to be a meeting, including shareholders as to what the course would be at that point. It's nice to get frequent videos every week but I'd really like to hear what your long-range plan is at this point for further development and production. I'm not looking for a precise timetable (although a rough one would be nice) but just a general plan going forward over the next few months. It's been a long road to get to this point and we have been with you all the way. We've been patient through this long process but would like to have a little more vision as to what the next year will bring. I feel like we're on a Cross Country flight but I'm only getting the route one waypoint at a time. Thanks for any info you have regarding the next steps and keep up the good work!

[@billmeldrum2509]

Greased the landing! Great watching the progress! 🇨🇦

[@formulaben]

"...I have to apologize I didn't get any audio from the radio..." Actually, it's a huge improvement IMHO. We can hear you and hear the engine, wind, etc without all the harsh ATC radio noise that's constantly interrupting your commentary.

[@tiverton]

I also hate hearing the radio. Get enough of that at work.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Yeah ,, I find the comms distracting!

[@GunganWorks]

To my engineering eyes, the roll stability issue looks like Dutch roll. And if I recall from one of your first videos, the scale model Raptor had a Dutch roll issue as well. I think this effect has been mirrored in the full scale Raptor prototype. But that does not detract from the fact that the Raptor is finally flying!

[@marulixy]

In answer to your question about the gusty wind roll is that I don't have that at all in my Velocity - but the rule is not to use rudders during flight as the aircraft will weathercock into the wind which prevents the fuselage wind shadow from happening - even when landing in a strong cross wind you must crab-fly (not side slip) on final approach and set her straight using rudders only then shortly before touch down. Side slipping can cause a serious wing drop at lower speeds in those conditions. Not sure if you are ready as yet, but it would be interesting to see how she performs at higher speeds say around 150 to 160 knots?🤔 Also, nice to see you flying along and solving the problems one by one! 👍😊

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

If there's excessive roll yaw coupling, there's not much one can do about that with a swept wing other than perhaps less dihedral or even anhedral. Could possibly give the canard some anhedral too. Gaining some additional vertical stabilizer surface may help yaw oscillations, which in turn would functionally lower the rolling component. Something like strakes on the underside of the fuselage or adding vertical stabilizers halfway down the wing to gain some traction there. Of course when you increase vertical surface area you also reduce rudder effectiveness...that stuff starts snowballing pretty quick.

[@adrianusslootjes7248]

Using the rudder pedals for control instead of a footrest is very effective. Loosen up with the ankles Peter and get into the rhythm.

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

@@adrianusslootjes7248 Eh, I've flown planes that you just can't stay on top of. My B model Agcat was particularly bad about it, the raised tail and extra rudder still couldn't stabilize excessively long wings. Basically, you hit any kind of wind gust and it started wagging its tail, correcting with rudder input often turned it into a PIO because the tail wagging was a fairly fast oscillation, and if you did that all day long you'd wear yourself completely out. Couple that with a mushy feel to the rudder and it just doesn't work. About the only thing that does work is to hold rudder and get some aerodynamic tension on the airframe to stop the oscillation, then slowly let it go back to center. It doesn't hurt anything to let it wiggle some, the plane stabilizes itself well enough.

[@jacksonkirka]

Keep in mind oil changes will be mission critical. Probably every 30 to 40 hours of flight the oil and filters should changed.

[@SwiftRIBSAust]

Dutch Roll ! The latest discussion point du jour for the armchair Chuck Yeagers - can’t wait for all that genius to spill onto the page !

[@zmanmd1641]

Maybe you could go to a forward hinged panel that is scored in the middle to cover the parachute rocket compartment. The scoring should allow the panel to break apart when struck by the rocket while the hinge will prevent it from working loose from the vibrations and low pressure of the intake.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

What about some fairings on the scissor forks on the stab?? Also,, are you under restrictions on staying around the airport? Oh you answered!! Still doing the 40 hr fly off!

[@rickpellicciotti]

Ive flow two veri-eze, 5 different long-ez and a velocity. None of them exhibit this rolling problem in turbulence. Not sure what is causing it. I will say that the longs I have flown, that didn't have lower winglets, were less stable in roll than the ones with the plans lower winglets.

[@pctrashtalk2069]

When I first flew my Long-Ez I noticed a slight dutch roll but after a while I didn't even notice it. I did have the lower winglets.

[@GregoryBrown-fe5js]

Judging from how the model of this aircraft flies with the Dutch rolling problem may be the same thing you are experiencing with your full scale version. As a model aircraft hobbyist the way I would correct a roll instability problem would be to increase stabilizer to main wing moment and increase rudder cord, bigger rudder control surface. You may have to lengthen your fuse on production.

[@bruceelliott9883]

Hi Peter try using Sikaflex construction adhesive Bruce

[@sharpx777]

or maybe 3m 5200, although I would think making something out of aluminum and secure it with pop-rivets would be quicker.

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

Some of the truck and cars have theoretical oil temp readings . Yes, not actual, based on throttle position and coolant temps . Is this oil temp circuit 100 percent independent ?

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

@Cynthia Jendlebee ,,, annoying, but typical corporate bean counters, over ruling the engineers .

[@cal7875]

Any thoughts on adding a Yaw Damper ? Seems like a case of Dutch roll maybe?

[@sharpx777]

something's not right with the cooling in the main radiator, 6F drop or whatever it was is insufficient, that to be honest is equivalent to having no airflow through it or the air is so hot it can't remove any heat. I think that needs a bit more investigation.

[@Bugdriver49]

Your loose panel in the intake brings up questions.....have you used tuffs to examine flow on top of the fuselage...especially in front of the intake???.....If boundary layer is lost, try using small vortex generators to control the boundary layer.

[@MoraFermi]

You might need to split that detaching panel into two. Small front section that can be attached with just tape and the main section with a reinforcing rib underneath. Otherwise, it's great to see things getting better and more stable!

[@johngarry5063]

Hi Peter, you are doing a fnatastic job. If your schedule permits could you build in a slow speed gear down flight at a safe altitude? I would like to see the nose attittude and handling characteristics. I am wondering if landing speed could safely be reduced. By the way, could you remind me please of the pitch attitude at which prop/ground contact would occur? Many thanks. John

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Always good to have a look around. How many 360 cameras do you use?

[@danminges9523]

A bit Debbie Downer here, but 140- odd kts indicated at 14 gallons per hour? About the same performance as a fully certificated, much more stable, Piper Turbo Arrow? It's a cool project, but the performance is not impressive.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

I think it will be improved at the altitudes above 8000' .

[@FreeSpeechWarrior]

I'm glad this project has a very stable-minded, level-headed, patient person like you at the helm Peter. I'm in love with the aircraft and I know that eventually you'll get it dialed in perfectly. Someday I'd love to own my own Raptor, and I know because you designed it, and perfected it, that it will be very stable, airworthy, and safe.

[@feprs]

Always bumpy takeoff

[@richardbjelland2467]

great stability in take offs and landings!!! love to see your piloting skills at work!!!, keep up the good work!! fix that flap!!! looking marvelous!!!!! 1,000,000 attabits!!! happy to see next video!!!

[@milolouis]

Hi, So no-one including me understands why you went with compound turbos but... is it because it is configured for higher, thinner, cooler altitudes. Either way you want more exhaust area than input.

[@milolouis]

@@rv6ejguy Ok understood thanks. But we do agree the evidence points to the first turbo needing to be larger than the second right?

[@Auntcankles]

The extra turbo will not only just be needed for additional oxygen for the engine, but also for the pressurization in the cockpit

[@Auntcankles]

@@rv6ejguy one wouldn't be enough wouldn't be enough to do both. I have a twin turbo setup on my C15 Acert. When tuned properly, it's better than a single big turbo.

[@jaybee3165]

emphasis on the higher, thinner. without the setup EXACTLY as he has it here- he would lose A LOT of power at 25k feet. that's what this plane is designed to fly at. it has a pressurized cabin- which has a minor leak problem- but I'm sure peter will fix that later- on the production model for sure. aircraft simply won't perform at all at 25k feet without considerable boost. not piston engines, anyway.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

A simple hinged servo driven cowl flap would take care of that!

[@TheXJ12]

Someone here compared your airplane to a Piper Turbo Arrow in terms of performance. What's your opinion and how does it compare to the calculus you made at the very beginning of the project ?

[@ronboe6325]

Random thought - I wonder if one or two vertical fins in that top scope to act as braces for that floor that wants to unbond.

[@bobstienke178]

Are you flying IFR at 4000 AGL? That’s an IFR altitude where 3500, 4500, 5500, etc are VFR altitudes. Just curious.

[@fkend1]

It might be me but your large winglets seem to be flexing quite a lot with the gusts could their large area be causing the roll effect?

[@garywhitman2540]

I would suggest small winglets on the canard. That will assist in stability.

[@hpaircraft2187]

No, a vertical surface forward of the CG would be destabilizing in yaw.

[@jacksonkirka]

I found out that VW TDI normal operating temperature is about 190F. It looks like your there.

[@rodgerhecht3623]

As i posted in the last vid bond that floor in the scoop with silicone. Great flight at almost an hour. Progress for sure.

[@Mrewink5]

Hi Raptorman!

[@stevemiller2210]

Why is this so much slower than An a volosity

[@kid8668]

Have you tried to talk to Velocity aircraft see what they say? Just a thought. I would like to think that they would like to help, whatever helps aviation helps us all.

[@greenalan12]

How close to the 40 hour fly off are you?

[@willasproth]

Dope

[@gerardtelot5190]

Just to be the first to say hi Peter.

[@gerardtelot5190]

Hi from The island of Mauritius. West of Australia.

[@sbeard4]

Nice

[@sirnewton6874]

1st HAHAHA

[@sirnewton6874]

Still 1st