Will Our 20 Foot B-17 FLY!!! ✈🤞

[@UpVoltageOverclocking]

I guarantee the reason why it’s pitching up, if because you have to much positive wing incidence, the original drawings of these planes has sooo much wing loading they Needed more angle of attack, but these super light models don’t need any help from angle of attack so it should be 0 incidence and about 2 degrees down thrust

[@ryanryessir]

Anything to deal with CG too maybe? Like having too far an aft CG with too great amount of thrust causing extreme pitching up tendencies?

[@UpVoltageOverclocking]

@@ryanryessir I don’t believe this instance to be a CG issue as the plane flew great otherwise, he didn’t say the elevator was touchy or anything. This wing incidence is a common thing to over look as when these planes were originally designed they were HEAVY and carried heavy payloads, so more angle of attack on the wing is needed, these models we build today are so light they simply don’t need the assistance from more positive angle on the wing. For example the 50cc Top Flight P51 Mustang the designers messed up the incidence on them for the same reason therefore the plane needs to be trimmed out with a lot of down elevator to fly level, but this creates drag and causes it to be slower than need be

[@maderaditya.1302]

Maybe add MCAS?

[@UpVoltageOverclocking]

@@maderaditya.1302 bandaid fixes are never good

[@jarekmace1536]

I imagine it will fly more true to design once all the weapon blisters, transmitters, pyro, and any ordnance racks get installed. Add about 10 lbs. of stuff to the frame and there will be a massive change.

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

Reminds me why I took up RC aircraft flying all those years ago. Beautiful. Well done to all.

[@lonelyme9914]

It’s amazing. Makes me want to fly my P-51 next to it.

[@huckabro8030]

@@lonelyme9914 because you have a p 51

[@lonelyme9914]

@@huckabro8030 not a flitetest P-51 but yeh

[@EdTheMole]

I can't wait to see the plane all done with a killer paint job and flying high and proud. Great job guys.

[@joevaagen6170]

I'm 48 years old and the ww2 planes are my favorite aircraft of all time minus a few newer planes (f22,f35 and A10) but the bombers of that area are the most beautiful and graceful aircraft while flying. You guys and the crew have done an incredible and amazing job with the build. Flitetest and the gentleman who builds Airbus's and gulfstream planes are the ONLY 2 channels I watch for rc plane builds.

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

That was absolutely beautiful to watch. The hope of flying a RC B-17 is the whole reason I got into the hobby. I've only got the 1875mm B-17 but she's a gentle giant for sure. Thank you for building this beauty.

[@captaincoyote1792]

I can’t help but believe, that somewhere “out there”, there’s a 85+ year old Boeing Aerospace Engineer, maybe even a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot, watching this video, with tears in their eyes. Absolutely beautiful watching that “warbird” climb, make her turns, and land on a grass field--right out of the English countryside! Bravo-Zulu, gentleman….very well done!

[@daniel_f4050]

There is nothing better than seeing a plane fly in a more scale way. A WWII four engine bomber making a 60° climb out just seems…..wrong? 😄

[@maxsdad538]

When Jason flew it, he took things to a whole new level. Under his control, the plane looked more realistic, more natural.

[@airhammer6203]

When flying this, I don't think that "nervousness" will ever go away!! at least not entirely... Great work to all of Flite Test!! AirHammer out!!

[@dwahnaslowdown8887]

Down thrust? Looks great, and I love how happy everyone seemed with the success. This is what a hobby should be about.

[@daviswall3319]

Right on! Grew up with my dad building 1/4 and then later 1/3 scale RCA models. His attention to detail and ability to fly them is pretty well known within his circle.

[@devingillis9661]

WOW JUST WOW!!! What a great build y'all. Can't wait to see that painted!!! Beautiful job..

[@WeAreTheTrueMedia]

3:58 The best example I've seen to show how big this plane really is through the medium of YT 😲 How small Josh looks compared to the size of the wing chord is insane.

[@spyhunter7056]

actually i think it's 7:57 it shows how big this plane is.

[@ndrewm]

@@spyhunter7056 yeah, seeing how tall it was when stood up straight, just looks gigantic compared to them

[@michael7324]

Props to the quad pilots who get these great videos.

[@fmgough]

Nothing more beautiful than the lines of a B-17 flying through the air. Well done!

[@altaylor3988]

Sorry to rain on your parade Mate ... But the so called Beauty is irrelevant .. The B17 was a grossly inefficient Bomber because it carried a crew of 11, 4 engines, a very small Bomb load of only 4,000lbs and over not a long range, it carried tons of 50cal ammo and despite looking like a Porcupine with so many 50 cannons it was easily picked off by the Me 109's with a high attrition rate. However the R.A.F.'s Lancaster was built as a Bomber from War Time experience to carry heavy bomb loads and NOT look Pretty, also had 4 Engines (RR Merlins), a crew of 7, Longer legs and eventually could carry up to 21,000lbs bomb load with an average of 12,000lbs, farther , Faster and Higher than the B17, it had .303 Guns with minimal ammo. Even the Wooden Wonder the Mosquito with 2x RR Merlins and a Crew of 2 could carry 4,000lbs Further, Faster and Higher and without any defensive armament (due to it's SPEED) eventually the Mosquito was adapted into some 25 Mks... It was also a Beautiful Aircraft. Please remember the R.A.F. had some THREE years experience of WW2 before the Americans entered the War in late 1942, the R.A.F. trialed some B17's but found them sadly lacking in Performance in many areas. IF only the Americans had listened to the Experienced R.A.F. They could have achieved much more., but regrettably they thought they knew best.

[@roberthouston9657]

@@altaylor3988 and in the end the did.

[@MrBigDaddyDonDon]

This was awesome. Wife and I have been waiting for this day. We just wish we could of heard the plane as you made a few passes. We bet it sounded awesome!!

[@TheAdkFlyer10]

Very nice! Just need a few “Red Tails” for bomber escort!👍👍👍

[@Brendanportie]

That’s a cool plane guys hope y’all a good day

[@ZiggityPow]

My grandfather was a B-17 mechanic with the 95th bomb group. Love seeing there is still interest in the beautiful B-17.

[@briansmobile1]

Great job on the scale flight Jason! You made that look SMOOOOTH! The narration and tips on your inputs were cool too. Helped me feel like I was on the sticks with you.

[@shiftnsix]

Didn’t know you were an R/C fan, cool! Love the content you put out Brian, it’s nice to see you here.

[@DKTek07]

@ 22:09, great idea! He is a very scale rc pilot. Smoothness gives a crowd of spectators confidence with what is about to happen.

[@that-1-guywith-a-name411]

You should make drone like Missiles for this. Once you drop them someone else can guide them

[@devivoman]

You guys make these things any bigger and they will just be flyable ultralights!

[@propabilityfpv]

Awesome work FT crew! You should get Peter to bring his ultralight out there and fly formation with it, I bet they're pretty close in size!

[@Jim.Hummel]

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone!!!! So much love, sweat, and passion put into this glorious beast of the skies!

[@Glicksman1]

As soon as I saw the motors you were intending to use, I knew that this model would be overpowered and nose up under power. You need downthrust with so much power and such large propellors. You probably also need more wing incidence since it mellowed right out with some flaps which increase Alpha as well as adding some drag. Also, your decalage is probably wrong and I'd check on the C.G. Moving it slightly forward would likely improve pitch handling. It's not enough to make a nice looking airframe, which you did, aircraft design aerodynamics really matter. I'll be looking for this model when you have sorted out it out and finished it. Great job, great project.

[@2vcrew782]

Every time I see that field I can still remember where my son and I had our tent setup for FliteFest. It’s been a few years since the last one we attended but I sure do miss it. Thank You FliteTest for all the memories with my son.

[@davidjester5085]

so happy that we could help make those memories

[@terrywells3955]

Man that is so awesome and beautiful . Can't wait to see it painted

[@BABALOOEY46]

Dave, that excellent copilot call was very sincere and you should take that as a pretty big compliment…. That fear you have of flight will be conquered sooner than you think… fly/ride/life

[@gryfandjane]

Well, it flew just like I knew it would. Beautifully! Man, that thing has a presence in the air. I’m really looking forward to seeing it at Flite Fest!

[@KC-sb2sm]

The most beautiful machine in the world is a wheels up B17 in flight to me. Just my opinion

[@WilliamRWarrenJr]

7:29 ... this image is so (what's the word?) *nostalgic!* "Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. If you can use the airplane again, it's a *GREAT* landing!" -- Maxwell Tener 🖖👍

[@IDoStuffOccasionally16]

That flight was so beautiful. Great job guys

[@Cutie22704]

I had the song no bullets fly by sabaton playing in my head the whole time while watching this, truly an awesome creation, I can’t wait to see it with all the turrets and paint and stuff in it

[@tusharsingh92]

Good to see this beauty finally hit the skies. 🛩️ As always, great work by the whole team. 👏🏻 Much love, from India. ❤️

[@ravendarkcloud]

Some scale p51's with this and you could have an amazing flight show.

[@PaperPilotGamer]

Hmm... an interesting idea they might be able to work into some of their bigger things is some sort of carry handle that either pulls flat or sinks into the plane itself. Sort of like the extendable handles (pin locks optional) or the anchored 'stretchy' ones on a lot of suitcases. Might be an easier carry method than grabbing around the fuselage. On the other hand, I'm not too sure how much it will mess with the weight and it might mess with the scale detailing a bit. Alternatively, they could add bars under removable panels to keep the smooth outer appearance, but that might add more issues. That said, I would *love* to see this flying with a same-scale fighter escort.

[@skynyrdd1]

OMG....that silhouette, amazing video of a stunning bird, love the B17.

[@therc4784]

I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for this video and to see this thing fly😅

[@tonygibson8809]

Best of the best just needs paint shop thx 🙏 for this guys just home from the hospital 🏥 can’t walk lifted my spirits up 🆙

[@FliteTest]

Thanks brother! Praying for healing and quick recovery! JB

[@Species5008]

What an amazing job you guys did here! She is beautiful!! I can't wait to see her all painted up, and looking perfect. Congratulations on your build. Great video and piloting skills!

[@davidjester5085]

Thank you so much for watching. The paint is done keeps an eye out for the next video she looks amazing

[@jimcDelta]

I used to fly R/C in the 80's. Small stuff. When I got out of the Navy and came back home, I volunteered to help restore a B-17. I had about 2,000 hours doing sheet metal work on one that had gone off a runway. Sadly it was the same B-17 that crashed in Connecticut a few years ago.

[@graham_explores]

ITS FINALLY HERE!!! Great job guys!

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I'd like to see a giant Mitchel 1D. My grampa was a VMB-413 Shamrock. He was a tail gunner, in the 1D, and was stationed on Emirau Island.

[@quantumrandomness5114]

FINALY THEY FLIGHT TEST THIS THING

[@CullenRick]

I'm imagining her painted up and touring the old 8th Air Force stations over here. A worthy tribute to the originals.

[@3lhm4ch]

Now you should get like 5 of those and fly formation

[@timinamen1217]

Do you have $5 000???

[@CarlosRodriguez-qr3yq]

That was totally fun to watch!!!!!!!! Wish video was longer.

[@traveler7137]

Great work fellas! Followed you as you were building this bird. And it met and exceeded all expectations. It looks so beautiful in the air and coming down for landing it looks so scale it was incredible. Congrats from John in Canada

[@davidjester5085]

Thank you for watching John stay tuned it gets better just wait till you see her with paint!

[@bjw4859]

I never got into RC, but one of my uncles was a trophy winner in aircraft & yachts and used to design & build his own. Some of the footage he showed us from one of his powered gliders was serious birds eye view. I was a serious model aircraft maker back at high school & favoured mainly WW2 era propeller driven war birds, I can still remember when I built my B-17, it was jaw dropping, so well done with yours, aircraft are meant to fly.

[@dhroovsimpi9535]

bro it is just so smooth and stable congrats bro its like a achievement

[@dhroovsimpi9535]

that was quick bro

[@prillewitz]

The dronevids look absolutely fantastic when the plane makes a turn!

[@malnic5189]

Great Job Dave, Looks fantastic. I wish I was back in Ohio, I would definitely make it over to Flite Fest this year. I had an Uncle that was a side gunner in one during WW2. He was the first one in Airforce in family. I joined Army as well as Dad did. Out of thirteen Brothers and Sisters, Had one in Airforce, two in Marines, One in Navy and Three in Army. Lot of Grandkids in Military as well on Dads side. On my Mothers side, I am only grand child in service, having lost two uncles in service.

[@roberthouston9657]

Thank you for your service. Many in this world sleep in peace at night because of vigilant men like you who take their shift upon the wall.

[@davidjester5085]

Sorry for your losses and thank you for your service. Flite Fest was incredible sorry you could not make it. Keep your eyes out for the next video the B-17 gets all dolled up looks awesome

[@Badge1122]

Use to watch a B-29 with a 30ft wing span at Ankey Iowa and it had four 100CC gas 2-stroke engines. Have video of it somewhere. Still good job.

[@captaintageplays312]

Finally it’s built!

[@free-birdrocker8809]

I had no doubt about it flying, I do have a doubt if it will ever get painted and shown again with the paint scheme. Congrats!

[@davidjester5085]

well you can put those doubts to sleep. Keep an eye out for the next video on this bird she turns out absolutely gorgeous 😍

[@mattknowsnothing]

This one's a really good series guys. Can't wait to see what you have in stall for us. Well done👍

[@Nomisdoowtsae]

Cool, this reminds me of the 1/3 scale B-25 and P-51 they built for Empire of the Sun. Yours will look amazing painted and decalled

[@amen_ra6926]

Some way to get some kind of sound effect to get that authentic motor sound would be cool. So many B-17s returned crippled flying with less than four engines, I wonder how this would fly on two or three motors? After you get some hours on it, that might be interesting to find out.

[@davidunderwood1907]

Boss idea bro

[@acecombatmerc]

I've unfortunately have not kept up with y'all in a while and your huge now. Congratulations I've followed you from the beginning. Awesome couldn't happen to nicer guy and friends. Been watching since it was just the three of you.

[@ricomon64]

You might want to try adding a bit of down thrust to the engines to alleviate the tendancy to pitch up under power.

[@Lozzie74]

Or alternatively take out the actual cause: wing-tail incidence. Down thrust is a 1960s approach to aircraft control. There is nothing about the way a propeller turns to justify down thrust. It’s useful in a high winger like a Cessna 172, where the thrust line is way below the centre of drag. A B17 is hardly a high winger.

[@Chevsilverado]

It would be better to fix the pitch issue by addressing the airframe. This model is much much lighter than the real thing so it doesn’t require the same design as the real thing, which carries bombs and is super heavy. Slightly tweaking the geometry would fix the issue entirely. Using down thrust to combat the airframe design can lead to weird flight characteristics depending on the severity.

[@christisking1316]

Fantastic! Now just need to add some Special "Livery" to this Ship!? 🥰

[@RamyRC]

Beautiful 😍

[@finnleithomczyk5292]

Agreed!

[@ShreySingh09]

Same

[@alden1132]

I would be SO COOL to build a little model cockpit into the fuselage, with a camera in the "pilot's seat." You could even have a little servo-controlled model yoke which moves in sync with your *actual* control inputs (moving with pitch, roll, yaw commands). You could even have little dummy arms that come out from the camera, with little hands attached to the stick. Then, you could fly PoV, and it would look like you're actually INSIDE the model. I think it would be cool, anyway, and I KNOW you guys could pull it off, if anybody can.

[@markbonwell209]

So amazing 👏 I wonder if there is some kind of sound kit made for something like this. Kinda like they make for fighters that are electric 🤔

[@FliteTest]

Brilliant idea!

[@charlietrask2477]

you is

[@charlietrask2477]

you is

[@charlietrask2477]

you is

[@rogerbrant7232]

It's about time you got the 17 back on the channel !! EXCELLENT

[@Benjaminjquayle]

What A Beast!!! keep up the awesome work guys!🤩

[@eulachonfish]

Magnificent! Jason's takeoff and landing had a great scale look, amazing how it leaps into the air if you don't intentionally keep it down. Can't wait to see it painted up. Great job guys!

[@ajwilliams3064]

That B-17 is amazing, can't wait to see more of it, have you guys ever thought of doing a homage to the Antonov An-225? I saw that it's been destroyed during the conflict in Ukraine and it's such a cool plane, would love to see you guys create something like it :)

[@waynefisher4327]

There is a fan video of the An-225 landing. Lord is my witness that plane moved the ground fog weather when it landed. Just a beast... Tower:: Caution Antonov we see heavy ground fog on your approach. An-225 pilot:: We confirm visual no worries we'll take care of that fog for you.

[@e3dave744]

👌🏻👍

[@GregoryHaynes]

Congratulations on the first flights of your B-17!! I've been watching the build the whole way so far. I'm looking forward to thefinal look of the paint scheme and the turrets installed. Hope you have a tail gunner's view in the final version.

[@bobcarter6143]

Please turn the background music down, struggling to listen in parts....

[@larryparker1092]

Ausom flight. I'd like to see the bottom turret as my late father was a BT gunner during WWII. What a tribute to all who served in WWII.

[@nateharder2286]

She just floted of the ground.

[@camdrury677]

Oof the pucker factor on that last landing. lol Looking amazing great work to all involved! Can't wait to see it finished.

[@Krunalmore007]

love ❤ from India

[@av8or971]

when taking off, that is called the UPWIND, First turn after take off, is the CROSSWIND, when flying back down along the runway is the DOWNWIND, and then your turn to BASE (not turn 3, lol) just before your FINAL leg, which is when you are landing. That is an amazing model i wish i could build and fly one of those

[@EJ-74]

Oh yeah been waiting a while for this can't wait to see what happens 👍 edit WoW it flew absolutely beautifully just like I imagined. With a few adjustments I'm sure it will fly even better. Absolutely 🔥 EPIC 🔥 Build guys. Can't wait to see it painted and back in the sky. 🔥👍✌️

[@colinboneham7387]

If she had retractable gear it would be even better, the dirty config will slow her down a bit and a clean config would be faster

[@botherednickel5930]

Take flight young behemoth!!

[@scottdaniels3033]

Finnaly. Going along with the full series was very rewarding to watch

[@dell177]

When I was in Korea in the late 60's a guy at Camp Carol had a 12ft B17(?) model he used to fly on weekends. I never saw it in the air because I'd be there later in the day when things perked up in the village outside the gates.

[@jdjeep98]

18:40-18:50 That is one nice landing. I know some full-size tailwheel pilots who would envy that landing. :)

[@jamespeterson8507]

Once again FT is perhaps the best most fun channel on youtube. So much fun to watch as these friends share the excitement and joy of accomplishing a goal; showcasing the best aspects of humanity as was it was created to be.

[@ericpark2911]

Congratulations!! All that work blood sweat and tears have all paid off. It must be an awesome feeling for all those involved. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[@mrsmith4662]

That's one whopper of a model - amazed it took off so very easily. The first VTOL B17.

[@mikeeaton9822]

Wow the unison your team moves while lifting that monster is awesome. Now that's team work!!!

[@that-1-guywith-a-name411]

You should try to make a couple 10+ foot Blue Angels replicas and put on a show Or at least use the Blue Angels colors

[@realozark2349]

Two huge thumbs up, guys! Arguably the best maiden flights on KZbin so far in the 21st Century. Congratulations and it was well worth the wait, as I've been following this project since day one like a cat with OCD chasing a laser spot. It's absolutely beautiful. Now I'm just looking forward to seeing her in full dress at Flite Fest. What a showstopper she's gonna be!

[@robertcombs55]

You guys are awesome...My Dad was a Radioman in B-17s; keep them coming my friend!

[@RaraSVT]

Absolutely love it guys! Can't wait to see it all decked out @ Flite Fest this week!

[@fastrat37]

That was freakin' fun to watch it fly so easily and maneuver with ease! Well done!! The chase drones and cameras on the B-17 were very cool as well, made me feel like I was right there! Thanks for the ride!

[@MrPeyregne]

My heart drop when you guys hit that gopher hole and broke the landing gear. Great project and building skills to all involved. Thanks to War Thunder for the support.

[@BigAlFPV17]

That is absolutely awesome. Fantastic job to the FT crew for putting all the hard work in getting this built & put in the air. See you all at FF ✈✈

[@jamesdurham5295]

I love the enthusiasm and overall vibe these guys have

[@islandboy7822]

Finally got it off the ground great build guys

[@gunlokman]

I've never enjoyed a 'new-fly' so much. Great work all round guys. She's beautiful.

[@maxd1830]

I remember first flying rc when I was nine. I'm 12 now and still love it!

[@patrickjwhited6567]

I love everything B-17, just happened across this and what a nice piece of work! An uncle was co-pilot of a B-17 called Virgins Delight..

[@larshowen3319]

Idea that you can take with a grain of salt… it would be soooo cool if you were able to install tiny little speakers on the side to reproduce the sound of the old B17. Good work, guys! Your art is phenomenal!

[@jeremymatthies726]

AWWWEEEESOME!!!!! You guys are great. Loved all the energy you can feel coming off everyone involved. Glad you love doing this and looking forward to the video of it.

[@steveelkington1720]

"She's Alive" !!!!!! Awesome job guys Just awesome.👍

[@darrenoliverio7259]

I believe that you did a GREAT job, I am happy for you! I Scratch build large scale rc planes, I know there was an ass load of work, planning and execution. Hats off!