F/A-18C Modifications: Air Brake System. Phase 1A

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MiG29K
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F/A-18C Modifications: Air Brake System. Phase 1A

Post by MiG29K » Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:03 pm

The Airbrake on my plane is undergoing refit and mods. The progress made is going three times faster than expected. It's only been less than 2 days. As of this moment, the floor panel is being installed and the Hydraulic Arm is being designed. Here are some photos of the construction:

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Phase II TBA / NAVAIR 21-203

bbi bluebox toys 1:18 scale F/A-18C Air Brake (Speed Brake) Project
Last edited by MiG29K on Sun Apr 09, 2006 9:53 am, edited 2 times in total.
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CW4USARMY
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Post by CW4USARMY » Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:19 pm

Very nice!

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Post by Teamski » Sun Mar 12, 2006 6:02 pm

Wow!

Nice job!! I know I would of screwed it all up, hehehehe....

-Ski
[url=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2869983520050168193AYuxRR][img]http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/8785/2869983520050168193S600x600Q85.jpg[/img][/url]

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Post by HardenSteel » Sun Mar 12, 2006 7:48 pm

This is very inspirational work. Your doing a fantastic job. I always appreicate those individuals who do this kind of customization work. (Liked the other conversions, too!) It really adds interesting detail to the subject.

It's great the way you share the various stages of the conversion, so others can learn.

I was planning on doing that conversion, plus others, as well. Nice ground braking. This helps.

The main reason, I haven't started, I've not found a company to make the decals that I want in 1/18 scale. That and I'm working on other stuff.

Of course, free time is prerequiste, as well :^)

Good Job!

HD

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Post by stv9000 » Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:07 am

Great work! What did you use to make the cut?

MiG29K
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PHASE 3 Completed

Post by MiG29K » Wed Mar 15, 2006 12:38 am

The Airbrake System was completed today, in all about a 3 1/2 day project. I still cannot believe it went smoothly much less that I pulled it off. No blueprints...just pictured the entire thing in my head from start to finish. I thought this would have at least taken 3 weeks because of the perceived challenges - one being that I did not have the luxury of taking apart the top and bottom fuselage. I had to think backwards when designing the floor area. Here are the pictures...

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http://photobucket.com/albums/e22/HORNET_2006/
Last edited by MiG29K on Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Teamski
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Post by Teamski » Wed Mar 15, 2006 4:52 am

Perfect! That is one excellent looking Hornet!

-Ski
[url=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2869983520050168193AYuxRR][img]http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/8785/2869983520050168193S600x600Q85.jpg[/img][/url]

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wow

Post by digger » Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:25 am

Very Well Done. :shock:
I like the guest pilots too. :P

MiG29K
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I shouldn't try this but

Post by MiG29K » Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:29 am

Against my better judgement, I'm gonna try to make the collapsible ladder that is under the port side LEX, underneath the cockpit. Not sure if it is doable but I want to try. Armament is on the drawing board right now...

R
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MiG29K
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PS..

Post by MiG29K » Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:31 am

Thanks again y'all!
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Post by INTREPER » Wed Mar 15, 2006 3:00 pm

Incredible job!!!
Out of curiosity, does the air brake really open that wide?

scbvideoboy
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Post by scbvideoboy » Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:43 pm

hmm, only 1 comment on the guest pilots from a galaxy far far away so far...

I would like to see a 1/18 B wing

Dave

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Post by INTREPER » Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:27 pm

I keep looking at those photos and continue to be blown away at the craftsmanship. That brake looks stock!!!
And you gotta love the pics of the guest crew and pilots. Anyone seen darth?

MiG29K
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Didn't you hear about the New Pilot Exchange Program?

Post by MiG29K » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:42 pm

Yep...The U.S. NAVY is hosting one member from the Imperial Navy and the Rebel Alliance in a Cross-familiarization Program. As you can see, Luke is highly impressed with the F/A-18C, stating that he could have used these against the Womprats back home. You will also note that he is asking the Crew Chief how to TURN OFF the targeting computer. The Tie Fighter Pilot on the other hand is impressed with the LCD Multi-function Displays and the comfort of the Martin Baker Ejection Seat!
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Post by scbvideoboy » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:53 pm

My understanding is the Imperial Navy pilots have no need for ejection seats, as their fighters lack any sort of shielding or armor, so like the ole Japanese pilots losses will be tolerated, and clones are cheap.

DH

can you believe he took the F-18 out of the box? :D

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Gd

Post by eddie372 » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:53 pm

MiG, I'm very impressed with your craftmanship, the pictures, the explanations, and the way you presented the entire project to us.

You're an asset to this forum.
A+

Ed
The man that loves his job never works a day in his life.

MiG29K
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and in case you are wondering where ARTOO will fit...

Post by MiG29K » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:56 pm

Luke will have to fly the USMC'S "D" Model hornet so ARTOO can hop in the back as the Wizzo (Weapons Systems Officer)
Last edited by MiG29K on Thu Mar 16, 2006 10:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by JohnLumley » Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:11 am

MiG29K...... terrific custom work on the Hornet. Those modifications are fantastic. Perhaps bbi could bring you on board as a consultant for their next modern jet project. :D
One hundred and fifty three - 1:18 scale aircraft on the ceiling looks :shock: damn good!

MiG29K
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The Development Stuff...

Post by MiG29K » Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:44 am

Design - Pre Production and Testing

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