AVA sailplane (RES)

[WimH]

Hi All,

Can anybody tell me more about the AVA RES sailplane featured in the May issue of Quiet flyer? They say manufacturer is tha same as for the Graphite etc, but I cannot find anything on that guy's website (vladimir's models) about this particular plane I fell in love with....

[schrederman]

I believe you will need to contact Barry Kennedy of Kennedy Composites in Grand Prairie, TX. I can't help you with a web address but you can reach him by phone at 972-602-3144.

Regards,

Jack Womack

Real men scratch build......

[WimH]

Originally posted by schrederman
... contact Barry Kennedy

Regards,

Jack Womack

Real men scratch build......

Yhanks, but that was in quiet flyer already. I'm in Europe, so I'd like another source. And find out more about flying behaviour etc. Guess I'll have to wait a bit longer. Maybe I'll mail Vlad...

[Kestrel]

Put up another post if you find out anything about it.

[ejett]

I know there is a significant amount of interest in this plane. I emailed Barry Kennedy about it. Below is his response as I received it along with his contact information. I hope this is helpful to everyone.

Quote
AVA is 127", 1100 sq. in. giving a wing loading < 5 oz/in sq. Using Dr. Drela's airfoils AVA can move out quite nicely in the wind. It is very winch friendly and built to the very best European standards.

The wing is Carbon/Kevlar D-box, Kevlar wrapped spar, carbon capped ribs, and carbon trailing edge all wrapped in Oracover The leading edge, carbon/Kevlar on a 45 bias, d-box is also made in a mold. The fuselage has a slide on nose cone and all are pre painted in mold, then post cured. . Did I mention the 36" spoiler is also of carbon composite, no flexing.

There is no construction manual because if is an ARF. Owners will get some tips on a few items left to do.

There is now provision for ballast with a 15/21 mm Kevlar tube for holding the ballast. This is a $ 10 option.

AVA serial production is underway and we are currently taking orders for late May delivery. $660 + $ 45 shipping. I take check or MO to reserve a delivery position. They are held until plane is shipped, then deposited.

Best Regards,

Barry Kennedy
Kennedy Composites
1935 Highvalley Trail
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
972.602.3144"
UNQUOTE

[charlie tasto]

Very interested in this model. Any pictures/drawings on the internet?

[bjaffee]

I found these in my email box...I forget who sent them, so hopefully I'm not stepping on any toes by posting them:

[bjaffee]

Another...

[kzimmerm]

The AVA sailplane is a great looking glider. But why BLUE? One of the things I've learned many years ago is not to cover a glider with blue covering. Other than that the AVA is a sharp looking bird.

Kurt

[bjaffee]

BTW, I think the new S&E Modeler (or whatever its called these days) has some good pictures of the AVA.

[Superman]

At the last SC2 contest (southern california sailplane contest) I was at, there was a guy flying one there. It was AMAZING.

He hand launched to maybe 20 ft, and caught a thermal going to about 300 ft. I was astounded with this aircraft.

He said the weight was under 40 oz. That is very good for a three meter airplane. Even with the light weight, we had a pretty good breeze that day and it seemed to penetrate fine. Oh, it also seemed to take a winch fine.

Happy landings,

-Superman

[Mr B....]

That was Mike Reagan. He is a good pilot. The plane is very nice, I saw one thing about it. Like all light planes it has a hard time in the wind.



Merrill

[Tuomo]

Hi! Does anybody know where AVA is made? Is it coming from the source as Graphite (Vladimirs models)?

[davidleitch]

I believe it does come from Vlad's models. Their web site, like some others such as aeromodel, is rarely, if ever, updated. Irritating as that may be, what can you do?

Wim: I bet you have emailed vlad by now. Here in Australia I have bought from him directly on two occasions and was successful on both. The sales office operates out of Switzerland last time I looked.

[peterkim2]

www.hobbyclub.com
topaz 3m

[kasra]

There is more info and pictures on Barry's Site (http://www.kennedycomposites.com/) . I saw the AVA at Visalia. It was awesome. I talked to Vladimir himself and the AVA comes in different colors. The workmanship was very good on the ones that I saw. There was one flying at 36 Ounces AUW.

Kasra

[Ray Lowinski]

I flew Paul's electric AVA at the Nat's during a practice round last year. Even as an electric it is so light and floaty, just amazing. It gave the impression that you would have to beat it down with a stick to land. :)

Ray

[CHARLIE BRITT 7]

if you want to see what it looks like on arrival go to "search" and type in "AVA", go to the "charlie britt" thread. i am doing one. you will find lots more info there.
Charlie

[Neil Stainton]

Wim, I am pretty sure that the manufacturer is http://www.airplane-model.com - but for some reason he doesn't show the Drela inspired models on his web site. If you manage to get one please let us know!

Neil.