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AH-64A Apache 50
AP100
This fuselage was designed for a compact 30 size glow or electric mechanics or a 30 size glow model that should be fitted
with a 46~50 size engine. In most cases with scale helicopters, installing a larger engine will make the model very
comfortable in flight rather than flyable but typically underpowered. In the hands of an expert scale pilot, it is
certainly graceful with a 30 size engine but for the rest of us, use the larger engine.
AP100 AH-64A Apache Scale 50 Fuselage Assembly Kit $324.96  |
When you first open this fuselage, it is well organized into assembly sections. All wood
parts are identified using a key number that is shown in the manual and is referenced in the accompanying text. Approach
Engineering has used modern CAD (computer aided design) to model the entire fuselage virtually before any wood was cut
and as your start building this fuselage, you will start to see why this design approach is so effective. Major fuselage
sections are constructed from an interlocking plywood box frame design that integrates the elevated tail and main mechanics
sub-frame together in a very lightweight structure. Aesthetic details are then built on top of this base frame that form
the rounded surfaces of the fuselage. As the basic frame is plywood, installing the tail drive system is straight forward
for models with wire drive tail systems.
The sport scale AH-64A Apache includes carbon reinforced landing with metal operating Oleo struts and
wheels in the front and the wire mount with wheel in the rear. Although the tail wheel is supported on a wire, the rear
of the tail boom has been modeled to look scale as it extends out from the end of the tail boom. Hardware is included to
actuate the rear elevator and space has been designed into the frame to install both the tail rotor and optional elevator
servo. If the optional elevator servo is installed, then you will need to purchase another flexible tail pushrod from
your favorite hobby shop to complete the elevator control system. Common to scale models, the elevator is commonly setup
to simply trim the model in forward flight and is usually operated as a slave to the flight mode switch on the transmitter
which makes small trim adjustments easy. This is not always the case and can alternately installed on a multiple position
toggle switch or proportional rotary dial.
Another option is to actuate the rotation of the 30mm chain gun. This can be mechanically slaved to tail
servo or operated similarly on a separate proportional channel. The parts to assemble the chain gun include the actuator
arm and are installed anyway, all that is left then is to make the servo connection. The Approach Engineering models are
just packed full of great scale accessories that normally are not included with many fiberglass fuselages. It is clear
that the fuselage designer has a passion for scale helicopters and creative design that you will see during the building
of this fuselage.
Wood Components:
Key coded plywood and balsa laser-cut components with balsa sheeting and balsa stock for the fuselage.
Clear Components:
Clear sheet material provided for the cockpit windows.
Metal Components:
Scale Oleo strut, tail wheel mount, tail bellcrank, and wheels.
Documentation:
Step by step, photograph construction manual.
The following photos show a selection of photos from the instruction manual to give you a better idea of
exactly what you will be involved with as you build this fuselage. Construction photos are clear and include numbered
keys to help you find the correct pre-cut part on the sheets.
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Left & right Apache plywood fuselage sides bonded to balsa sheeting. | |
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Left & right balsa tail boom sections with reinforcement triangle stock. |
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Plywood elevated tail frame started, note rear elevator pivot mounts. | |
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Rudder bellcrank uses two linear pushrods for rudder control. |
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Elevated tail attached to the fuselage tail boom, notice short section of tail tube. | |
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Closeup of rudder bellcrank with pushrods and clevis keepers installed. |
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Forward mounting bay for rudder servo (left) and optional elevator servo. | |
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Right side access panel for switch, remote glow connector and fueling valves. |
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Interlocked balsa engine exhausts started and rough sanded for burrs. | |
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Cockpit windshield structure framed up before sheeting with balsa. |
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Wing pilon and mounting system for Hellfire missile launcher, ready for painting. | |
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Wing pilon and mount with rocket pod installed, ready for painting. |
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Primed chain gun with barrel assembly, recoil adapter and gun back. | |
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Detail of main landing gear with Oleo strut with open access panel. |
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