Update: Video and pictures added!

Col Buckley has gifted us the words covering the beautfiul Neptune's maiden. Click [read more] on the right for the full story!

Ed

The following images from a couple of weeks before the maiden!

After nearly 3 years of build it was time for its first flight. Now this was no ordinary model. It was scratch built by Grant Furzer and weighed in at 23kg. Over 100cc of engines powered this huge 127” monster and with Fowler flaps and retractable undercarriage, it was an aircraft to turn heads.

 After numerous days of taxiing and engine adjustments as well as a few alterations and electrical modifications, there were no more excuses.

 Grant was at the field early on Friday 27^th August 2010 setting up the Neptune. There was a fairly strong wind from the WSW, coming in gusts. Both engines were started and run up. Tom Sparkes' musical ear tuned them both to sing out as one. After some more taxiing, Grant took the aircraft down to the end of the strip on the eastern side. Spectators leaned against the fence in the pits. There was a nervous hush as Grant took a deep breath and opened the throttles.

The Neptune leapt forward and, when abeam the flight line, with a touch of up elevator she rose into the air. A fair bit of right aileron was needed to keep her level. She completed the first circuit and then Grant brought her down for a low level pass. The big bird looked magnificent in the air and when flown low & close, you realised what a big aeroplane she is.

When testing the Fowler flaps it was found the Neptune pitched skywards so it was noted in the future a touch of down elevator would be needed in the flap mix. Because of this, it was decided to land her without flap.

On the first attempt she came in from the East - fast and too high - so Grant pushed up the throttle stick for a go-round. After another circuit, she again was lined up on finals...a bit lower this time but still fast.

As she flew over the threshold, Grant eased off the power and she settled into a flared position with the help of elevator. Unfortunately, the wind forced her down with a jolt on the “wet patch”. The right U/C broke off and she slewed to the right, bending the nose wheel. The force of the oleo’s impact cracked the top of the wing. Grant took the applause from the appreciative crowd and even cracked a nervous smile.

On closer examination it was found that the spinner on the starboard engine had sheared off in flight, after badly scoring the propeller hub. Luckily the prop did not let go, otherwise it would have been disaster. Both engine nacelles were loose from vibration.

However, it was only superficial damage and I believe Grant has already fixed the aircraft and will fly it again when he receives new propeller hubs instead of spinners. 

A beautiful aircraft and a magnificent build. Grant's reward is seeing this project from first idea through to completion without a kit or commercial plan in sight!

Keep your eyes out here, because there will be some video coming very soon.

Ed

Click for video and pictures