Navy Carrier 

Navy Carrier 20th May 2012

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Adam assisting Peter Koch with the Thunder Tiger 40 powered Skyraider

Event:           Navy Carrier Competition
Date:             Sunday 20^th May
Weather:      Perfect

Light and variable winds set the scene for some great Navy Carrier flying with anticipation of fast high speed flights, good slow speed runs and the all important 3 point arrested carrier deck landing. Seven competitors lined up with a variety of model and engine combinations.

Graeme and Mark both flew a stock HP40 powered Brodak J Roberts Bearcat with aplomb, just another day at the office for these seasoned flyers. Peter Robert’s Merco 35 powered Wildcat equipped with flaps gained the early advantage in the light conditions blitzing the 7 lap slow speed time and Harry flew his Thunder Tiger 36 powered Brodak Bearcat with very impressive high speed times. Peter Koch in his second Navy Carrier competition presented with a nicely refreshed Brodak J Roberts Skyraider powered by a ‘big block’ Thunder Tiger 40. Adam took the opportunity to participate with a Brodak Guardian and Bearcat in his first Navy Carrier competition.

Anyone would think that 7 experienced C/L modellers blessed with perfect weather conditions would make for a great competition with close results, right? Wrong !

In the first round not one competitor managed to complete the three phases of flight which comprises of a deck departure, 7 laps of high speed flight, 7 laps slow speed and a successful ‘three point’ arrested landing. Fuel blockages, flame outs, hook failures, throttle malfunctions just a few of the ‘opportunities’ that would have competitors in and out of the pits for the entire event. Inconsistent engine runs encouraged what can only be described as some very innovative flying. Attempts at three point deck landings included kamikaze style approaches that resulted in the stern ramp taking some extreme punishment.

Mark at controls of the Guardian decided to attempt a ‘Sudden Death 2’ approach and subsequently missed the arrester wires instead leaving propeller impressions along the entire length of the deck. Harry’s attempt at a high speed  ‘Creeper’ approach ended in tears and Peter Roberts in a first made needle valve adjustments on his engine (untouched since 1976..) only to endure multiple flame-outs. Adam managed a 2 point landing with the black Bearcat 201 on his third pass, go Adam!

By days end and after some fiddling, most competitors managed to execute at least one successful arrested deck landing. Superb weather conditions, a great BBQ lunch with lots of laughs made for top day at the CLAMF Aerosports field.