thrmaln
Apr 14, 2003, 01:00 AM
Hello again! In my previous column, I mentioned the upcoming AMA Convention 2003 that would be held in Pasadena, California in January 2003. I made the trek as usual, but since it is always so close to Christmas, I was somewhat limited on funds for some new toys. Anyway, there were quite a few vendors with Soaring and DLG related items worth noting.
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<big><strong>Dymond Modelsports USA</strong></big>
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For those of you who read my last column, you know that I am quite happy with my D60 servos I purchased from Dymond Modelsports USA. Dymond Modelsports was there with quite a few sailplanes from HLG to Scale as well as a ton of support electronics and various electric flight items. To my amazement, Dymond was offering a show special combo of two D60's paired with a 4 channel micro receiver with crystal for just $69.00. The receiver is a 4 channel, single conversion that is roughly the size of a quarter (See Photo). Unfortunately, the receiver is only available in negative shift and its range is limited to 600 ft. While this receiver would not be the best choice for any sailplanes due to its reduced range, it's still worth consideration and would make a great fit in any Parkflyer. The combo is not currently shown on Dymond's website, but the $69.00 offer is still available if you call them direct.
<a href="http://www.rc-dymond.com/">http://www.rc-dymond.com/</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/d60_combo.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/d60_combo_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Just add battery!
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Good selection of sailplanes!
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/sailplane2.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/sailplane2_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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More sailplanes and electrics
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<big><strong>Wild R/C</strong></big>
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Dan Kreigh has been a regular at the show since 1998 marketing his IFO indoor and outdoor Parkflyers. If you have not flown an IFO you're missing out. With a two cell Li-poly battery, you can fly for over 35 minutes of nonstop aerobatics. The IFO evolved from the desire to fly R/C at Dan's place of employment, Scaled Composites. For those of you who are not familiar with Scaled Composites, it is run by Burt Rutan of Voyager and Long-EZ fame. Dan is both an aeronautical and mechanical engineer for Scaled Composites. The problem with the location of Scaled Composites is that it is located in Mojave, California which is flat as a pancake and always blowing a good 25 knots so conventional R/C is out of the question. The IFO was designed to fly in the windless area of the hangars in which Dan worked. Even though Wild R/C and its IFO is not necessarily soaring related, the IFO is a great plane to have on hand when taking a break from staring up into the sun for long periods of time. Wild R/C also carries servos, carbon rods and various other items that can be used in DLG's. <a href="http://www.wildrc.com/">http://www.wildrc.com/</a>
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<big><strong>CST and Aerospace Composites</strong></big>
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Both CST and Aerospace Composites were in attendance and are both great sources for your vacuum bagging needs. Both companies carry a wide range of composite cloth, carbon rods and epoxy. If anyone is even considering building a DLG or Thermal duration glider from scratch than check these sources first. Chances are they have everything you need and both companies are eager to lend a hand if asked.
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Aerospace composite Products: <a href="http://www.acp-composites.com/ACP-CAT.HTM">http://www.acp-composites.com/ACP-CAT.HTM</a><br>
The Composites store: <a href="http://www.cstsales.com/">http://www.cstsales.com/</a>
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<big><strong>Leading Edge Gliders</strong></big>
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Leading Edge Gliders are a relatively new manufacturer to the EPP glider scene and they have a nice selection of EPP slope planes. They are not your average EPP foamies, but are quite detailed. Of particular interest is the F6F Hellcat, which has a very accurate fuselage outline. Upon inspection of the finished model and kit, I can tell a lot of thought went into the design and construction of this model. There is quite a bit of selection now with all of the various companies making well-designed EPP foamies and if the F6F Hellcat fly's as good as it looks than it would make a great addition to anyone's stable.
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<a href="http://www.leadingedgegliders.com">http://www.leadingedgegliders.com</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hellcat.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hellcat_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Nice looking Foamie.
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<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6" align="center" colspan="2"><b>Hellcat Specs</b>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Airfoil:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">Modified RTZ2-10</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing Span:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">48 inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing Area:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">453 square inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Length:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">28 inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Height:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">8 1/2 inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Weight:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">30-36 ounces</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing Loading:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10.5 oz. /sq. ft. at a flying weight of 33 oz.</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Radio:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">2 channels</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Price:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">$69.95</td>
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<big><strong>MM Glidertech</strong></big>
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Merrill Brady of MM Glidertech debuted his much awaited Marauder RES (Rudder, Elevator & Spoiler) class sailplane. Here is what Merrill has to say about the Marauder on his website. The Marauder is the newest in sailplanes from MM Glider Tech. This new "RES Class" sport and competition sailplane offers top notch handing and contest winning performance without the high price tag of composites. The all-wood Marauder was designed with several intelligent features for a competitive edge over other designs. The high-aspect tail, lots of wing area and the proven E-195 airfoil maximize both performance and handling. The non-cambered fuselage line provides racy looks and lower drag at high speed. A massive 80 square inches of (split) spoiler area lands the Marauder on target easily. Inexpensive standard size radio gear is used. The polyhedral break and removable tip panels are at different locations, making the Marauder both strong enough for high power launches and easier to build. Prototypes have already won key competitions, besting the carbon/glass ships and causing loud cheers from wood sailplane enthusiasts. The Marauder spans 115" and features accurately die-cut parts, hardware and complete two full size CAD drawn plan sheets.
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I have a good deal of familiarity with the Marauder, since I drew the CAD plans and can attest to its sound design and flying ability. I am consistently amazed at how well designed and well thought out MM Glidertech's kits are. It's nice to see a competition class RES ship that is made entirely out of wood at an affordable price. IF anyone were considering a RES class sailplane, than this would be a great choice. Not that I'm biased or anything! OK I am but it's still an amazing plane. <a href="http://www.mmglidertech.com/">http://www.mmglidertech.com</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder1.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder1_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder2.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder2_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Looks as good as it flys
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<big><strong>Taboo XL update</strong></big>
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Well I have been flying my Taboo XL for about two months now and I have to say I am very impressed with its flying abilities. Unfortunately, my launch technique is evolving slower than I would like but I am having fun anyway. The Taboo XL came in at 9.6 oz ready to fly which is just amazing to me since my last few HLG's were less advanced and weighed in the 14 to 16 ounce range. Oleg has some great information on his website on refining launch techniques and contest strategy worth looking at. For those of who, who launch in the 50-meter range, Oleg has a nice page dedicated to construction tips, which show how to face the flaperon gaps with fiberglass to avoid flutter. It will be a long time before I need to face my flaperons. :o(
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HLG seminar link: <a href="http://olgol.com/TabooXL/hlg-clinic.html">http://olgol.com/TabooXL/hlg-clinic.html</a>
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HLG building tips: <a href="http://olgol.com/TabooXL/tips.html">http://olgol.com/TabooXL/tips.html</a>
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<big><strong>DLG on a budget</strong></big>
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I received a few requests for future article content and by far the most requested was about getting into DLG at a lower cost. Unfortunately, DLG is fairly new and most models are fairly expensive due to the fact that they are highly specialized and essentially handmade in small quantities by cottage industries. As James Ford mentioned in a reply, "most beginners cringe at the thought of a 6-servo, $300 plane to start". This is more than understandable and slowly larger manufacturers are beginning to fill the lower cost niche of DLG models. Now let me be clear, Lower cost does not necessarily mean lower performance.
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hyperdlcmp.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hyperdlcmp_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Hyper DL kit
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Art Hobby has a new DLG that looks incredible, especially when you see the list price. The Art Hobby Hyper DL is priced at $131.00 and can be ordered from their website. Now I have not actually seen this plane myself yet but I am quite familiar with other Art Hobby models and their quality and flying abilities are incredible at any price. I plan to order one soon and wring it out and see how much performance can be had for 1/3rd the cost of a hand made composite DLG. The Hyper DL looks like a winner and would make an excellent choice to give DLG a try. <a href="http://www.arthobby.com/index.html">http://www.arthobby.com/index.html</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/koleos-dlg.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/koleos-dlg_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Koleos KC DLG
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Icare Saliplanes also has a nice DLG that retails for 199.00. It's called the Koleos KC (DLG) which is an evolution of their Carbon D light HLG. The Koleos features a fiberglass pod with carbon tailboom and a very nice built up Carbon D box wing, which is quite strong. <a href="http://www.icare-rc.com/">http://www.icare-rc.com/</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/apache-a.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/apache-a_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Apache DLG
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Northeast Sailplane Products has quite a selection of HLG and DLG models available. One that has peaked my interest into the lower cost DLG kits is the Apache. Here is a bit of what Sal has to say about the Apache, "We find the Apache to be a great introduction to Discus launching and a good ship for club competition. Considering both the price and prefabrication of the Apache, this is a great place to start learning Discus launch thermal flying." <a href="http://www.nesail.com/Valenta/Apache.htm">http://www.nesail.com/Valenta/Apache.htm</a>
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While there will always be a market for task oriented $300 composite DLG's, it is nice to see that larger manufacturers are addressing the needs of those who want to give DLG a try without the initial high cost. Hopefully, people will take the time to hone their skills on the lower cost models and then get involved in upper level competition as their skill progresses.
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<big><strong>Featured DLG for February 2003 - The Raven Mk2</strong></big>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_1.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_1_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_2.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_2_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Ready for another launch!
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Nice looking ship!
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This months featured DLG comes to us from New Zealand. It is being produced by impact airframes and as the name suggests is their second derivative of the Raven design. The Raven Mk2 features the AG455ct-02r series as used on the Supergee and XP-3, the wing construction is the same being blue foam cores with 100gsm uni carbon spars and 2 layers of 3/4oz cloth vacuum bagged. Tails are sanded balsa with one layer of 3/4oz. The fuse pod consists of layers of glass/Kevlar/Kevlar/glass with carbon reinforcements and still only weighs 28g. The canopy is a simple fairing retained with heat shrink. The boom on the Mk2 is a larger diameter than the previous Raven, which consists of prepreg carbon wound on a mandrel and baked in an autoclave, weighs 17g.
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The standard kit consists of the bagged wings, fuse pod with the boom already attached, tails and a bag of accessories such as bolts, aileron pushrods and control horns and costs NZ$495. For an extra NZ$100 Impact airframes will pre-finish the wing ready for servos and joining of the two panels. Shipping to the US or Europe is typically about NZ$60 and takes 5-6 days. One NZ$ is equal to about 0.52US$.
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<td align="center" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">Typical weight for the MK2 is 10oz with pull-pull cables or about 11oz if you use carbon pushrods instead.
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<td align="center" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2"><b>Component weights are as follows.</b></td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Fuse:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">28g</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Boom:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">17g</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wings:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">65g each</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Tails:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">15g</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Basic airframe</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">190g or 6.7oz</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing area 377 sq/in:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10-11oz, span 1.5m</td>
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<td align="center" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2"><b>Airfoils</b></td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Root:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">AG455ct-02r</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Mid:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">AG46ct-02r</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Tip:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">AG47ct-02r</td>
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Impact Airframes plans to attend this year's IHLGF contest in June and will be bringing 12 completed Ravens to use in the competition. I am told that the remaining Ravens will be sold after the event fully ready to fly but without the receiver. Should anyone be interested, I suggest contacting them directly.
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<a href="http://www.geocities.com/impact_airframes/ravenmk2.html">http://www.geocities.com/impact_airframes/ravenmk2.html</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_tail.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_tail_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_bank.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_bank_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Bagged balsa tail group
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Lots of aileron throw!
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Well that's it for this month. Please keep the feedback coming as to what you would like me to talk about. It helps a lot! I plan to scratch build a DLG in the next month and hope to have some photos and information on my progress by the next column.
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Until then,
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Good lift!
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<big><strong>Dymond Modelsports USA</strong></big>
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<blockquote>
For those of you who read my last column, you know that I am quite happy with my D60 servos I purchased from Dymond Modelsports USA. Dymond Modelsports was there with quite a few sailplanes from HLG to Scale as well as a ton of support electronics and various electric flight items. To my amazement, Dymond was offering a show special combo of two D60's paired with a 4 channel micro receiver with crystal for just $69.00. The receiver is a 4 channel, single conversion that is roughly the size of a quarter (See Photo). Unfortunately, the receiver is only available in negative shift and its range is limited to 600 ft. While this receiver would not be the best choice for any sailplanes due to its reduced range, it's still worth consideration and would make a great fit in any Parkflyer. The combo is not currently shown on Dymond's website, but the $69.00 offer is still available if you call them direct.
<a href="http://www.rc-dymond.com/">http://www.rc-dymond.com/</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/d60_combo.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/d60_combo_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/sailplane1.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/sailplane1_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Just add battery!
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Good selection of sailplanes!
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/sailplane2.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/sailplane2_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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More sailplanes and electrics
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<big><strong>Wild R/C</strong></big>
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Dan Kreigh has been a regular at the show since 1998 marketing his IFO indoor and outdoor Parkflyers. If you have not flown an IFO you're missing out. With a two cell Li-poly battery, you can fly for over 35 minutes of nonstop aerobatics. The IFO evolved from the desire to fly R/C at Dan's place of employment, Scaled Composites. For those of you who are not familiar with Scaled Composites, it is run by Burt Rutan of Voyager and Long-EZ fame. Dan is both an aeronautical and mechanical engineer for Scaled Composites. The problem with the location of Scaled Composites is that it is located in Mojave, California which is flat as a pancake and always blowing a good 25 knots so conventional R/C is out of the question. The IFO was designed to fly in the windless area of the hangars in which Dan worked. Even though Wild R/C and its IFO is not necessarily soaring related, the IFO is a great plane to have on hand when taking a break from staring up into the sun for long periods of time. Wild R/C also carries servos, carbon rods and various other items that can be used in DLG's. <a href="http://www.wildrc.com/">http://www.wildrc.com/</a>
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<big><strong>CST and Aerospace Composites</strong></big>
<blockquote>
Both CST and Aerospace Composites were in attendance and are both great sources for your vacuum bagging needs. Both companies carry a wide range of composite cloth, carbon rods and epoxy. If anyone is even considering building a DLG or Thermal duration glider from scratch than check these sources first. Chances are they have everything you need and both companies are eager to lend a hand if asked.
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<br>
Aerospace composite Products: <a href="http://www.acp-composites.com/ACP-CAT.HTM">http://www.acp-composites.com/ACP-CAT.HTM</a><br>
The Composites store: <a href="http://www.cstsales.com/">http://www.cstsales.com/</a>
</blockquote>
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<big><strong>Leading Edge Gliders</strong></big>
<blockquote>
Leading Edge Gliders are a relatively new manufacturer to the EPP glider scene and they have a nice selection of EPP slope planes. They are not your average EPP foamies, but are quite detailed. Of particular interest is the F6F Hellcat, which has a very accurate fuselage outline. Upon inspection of the finished model and kit, I can tell a lot of thought went into the design and construction of this model. There is quite a bit of selection now with all of the various companies making well-designed EPP foamies and if the F6F Hellcat fly's as good as it looks than it would make a great addition to anyone's stable.
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<a href="http://www.leadingedgegliders.com">http://www.leadingedgegliders.com</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hellcat.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hellcat_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Nice looking Foamie.
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<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6" align="center" colspan="2"><b>Hellcat Specs</b>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Airfoil:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">Modified RTZ2-10</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing Span:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">48 inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing Area:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">453 square inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Length:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">28 inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Height:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">8 1/2 inches</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Weight:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">30-36 ounces</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing Loading:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10.5 oz. /sq. ft. at a flying weight of 33 oz.</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Radio:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">2 channels</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Price:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">$69.95</td>
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<big><strong>MM Glidertech</strong></big>
<blockquote>
Merrill Brady of MM Glidertech debuted his much awaited Marauder RES (Rudder, Elevator & Spoiler) class sailplane. Here is what Merrill has to say about the Marauder on his website. The Marauder is the newest in sailplanes from MM Glider Tech. This new "RES Class" sport and competition sailplane offers top notch handing and contest winning performance without the high price tag of composites. The all-wood Marauder was designed with several intelligent features for a competitive edge over other designs. The high-aspect tail, lots of wing area and the proven E-195 airfoil maximize both performance and handling. The non-cambered fuselage line provides racy looks and lower drag at high speed. A massive 80 square inches of (split) spoiler area lands the Marauder on target easily. Inexpensive standard size radio gear is used. The polyhedral break and removable tip panels are at different locations, making the Marauder both strong enough for high power launches and easier to build. Prototypes have already won key competitions, besting the carbon/glass ships and causing loud cheers from wood sailplane enthusiasts. The Marauder spans 115" and features accurately die-cut parts, hardware and complete two full size CAD drawn plan sheets.
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<br>
I have a good deal of familiarity with the Marauder, since I drew the CAD plans and can attest to its sound design and flying ability. I am consistently amazed at how well designed and well thought out MM Glidertech's kits are. It's nice to see a competition class RES ship that is made entirely out of wood at an affordable price. IF anyone were considering a RES class sailplane, than this would be a great choice. Not that I'm biased or anything! OK I am but it's still an amazing plane. <a href="http://www.mmglidertech.com/">http://www.mmglidertech.com</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder1.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder1_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder2.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/marauder2_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Looks as good as it flys
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<big><strong>Taboo XL update</strong></big>
<blockquote>
Well I have been flying my Taboo XL for about two months now and I have to say I am very impressed with its flying abilities. Unfortunately, my launch technique is evolving slower than I would like but I am having fun anyway. The Taboo XL came in at 9.6 oz ready to fly which is just amazing to me since my last few HLG's were less advanced and weighed in the 14 to 16 ounce range. Oleg has some great information on his website on refining launch techniques and contest strategy worth looking at. For those of who, who launch in the 50-meter range, Oleg has a nice page dedicated to construction tips, which show how to face the flaperon gaps with fiberglass to avoid flutter. It will be a long time before I need to face my flaperons. :o(
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<br>
HLG seminar link: <a href="http://olgol.com/TabooXL/hlg-clinic.html">http://olgol.com/TabooXL/hlg-clinic.html</a>
<br>
<br>
HLG building tips: <a href="http://olgol.com/TabooXL/tips.html">http://olgol.com/TabooXL/tips.html</a>
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<br>
<big><strong>DLG on a budget</strong></big>
<blockquote>
I received a few requests for future article content and by far the most requested was about getting into DLG at a lower cost. Unfortunately, DLG is fairly new and most models are fairly expensive due to the fact that they are highly specialized and essentially handmade in small quantities by cottage industries. As James Ford mentioned in a reply, "most beginners cringe at the thought of a 6-servo, $300 plane to start". This is more than understandable and slowly larger manufacturers are beginning to fill the lower cost niche of DLG models. Now let me be clear, Lower cost does not necessarily mean lower performance.
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hyperdlcmp.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/hyperdlcmp_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Hyper DL kit
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<blockquote>
Art Hobby has a new DLG that looks incredible, especially when you see the list price. The Art Hobby Hyper DL is priced at $131.00 and can be ordered from their website. Now I have not actually seen this plane myself yet but I am quite familiar with other Art Hobby models and their quality and flying abilities are incredible at any price. I plan to order one soon and wring it out and see how much performance can be had for 1/3rd the cost of a hand made composite DLG. The Hyper DL looks like a winner and would make an excellent choice to give DLG a try. <a href="http://www.arthobby.com/index.html">http://www.arthobby.com/index.html</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/koleos-dlg.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/koleos-dlg_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Koleos KC DLG
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<blockquote>
Icare Saliplanes also has a nice DLG that retails for 199.00. It's called the Koleos KC (DLG) which is an evolution of their Carbon D light HLG. The Koleos features a fiberglass pod with carbon tailboom and a very nice built up Carbon D box wing, which is quite strong. <a href="http://www.icare-rc.com/">http://www.icare-rc.com/</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/apache-a.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/apache-a_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Apache DLG
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<blockquote>
Northeast Sailplane Products has quite a selection of HLG and DLG models available. One that has peaked my interest into the lower cost DLG kits is the Apache. Here is a bit of what Sal has to say about the Apache, "We find the Apache to be a great introduction to Discus launching and a good ship for club competition. Considering both the price and prefabrication of the Apache, this is a great place to start learning Discus launch thermal flying." <a href="http://www.nesail.com/Valenta/Apache.htm">http://www.nesail.com/Valenta/Apache.htm</a>
<br>
<br>
While there will always be a market for task oriented $300 composite DLG's, it is nice to see that larger manufacturers are addressing the needs of those who want to give DLG a try without the initial high cost. Hopefully, people will take the time to hone their skills on the lower cost models and then get involved in upper level competition as their skill progresses.
</blockquote>
<big><strong>Featured DLG for February 2003 - The Raven Mk2</strong></big>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_1.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_1_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_2.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_2_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Ready for another launch!
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Nice looking ship!
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<blockquote>
This months featured DLG comes to us from New Zealand. It is being produced by impact airframes and as the name suggests is their second derivative of the Raven design. The Raven Mk2 features the AG455ct-02r series as used on the Supergee and XP-3, the wing construction is the same being blue foam cores with 100gsm uni carbon spars and 2 layers of 3/4oz cloth vacuum bagged. Tails are sanded balsa with one layer of 3/4oz. The fuse pod consists of layers of glass/Kevlar/Kevlar/glass with carbon reinforcements and still only weighs 28g. The canopy is a simple fairing retained with heat shrink. The boom on the Mk2 is a larger diameter than the previous Raven, which consists of prepreg carbon wound on a mandrel and baked in an autoclave, weighs 17g.
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<br>
The standard kit consists of the bagged wings, fuse pod with the boom already attached, tails and a bag of accessories such as bolts, aileron pushrods and control horns and costs NZ$495. For an extra NZ$100 Impact airframes will pre-finish the wing ready for servos and joining of the two panels. Shipping to the US or Europe is typically about NZ$60 and takes 5-6 days. One NZ$ is equal to about 0.52US$.
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<td align="center" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">Typical weight for the MK2 is 10oz with pull-pull cables or about 11oz if you use carbon pushrods instead.
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<td align="center" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2"><b>Component weights are as follows.</b></td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Fuse:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">28g</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Boom:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">17g</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wings:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">65g each</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Tails:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">15g</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Basic airframe</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">190g or 6.7oz</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Wing area 377 sq/in:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">10-11oz, span 1.5m</td>
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<td align="center" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2"><b>Airfoils</b></td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Root:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">AG455ct-02r</td>
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<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6"><b>Mid:</b></td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">AG46ct-02r</td>
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<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">AG47ct-02r</td>
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<blockquote>
Impact Airframes plans to attend this year's IHLGF contest in June and will be bringing 12 completed Ravens to use in the competition. I am told that the remaining Ravens will be sold after the event fully ready to fly but without the receiver. Should anyone be interested, I suggest contacting them directly.
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<a href="http://www.geocities.com/impact_airframes/ravenmk2.html">http://www.geocities.com/impact_airframes/ravenmk2.html</a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_tail.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_tail_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_bank.jpg"><img height="150" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/thermal/raven_bank_t.jpg" width="226"></a>
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Bagged balsa tail group
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Lots of aileron throw!
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Well that's it for this month. Please keep the feedback coming as to what you would like me to talk about. It helps a lot! I plan to scratch build a DLG in the next month and hope to have some photos and information on my progress by the next column.
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Until then,
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Good lift!