Aspire F3J [Archive]

Tuomo

Mar 26, 2007, 10:35 AM

Hi there! Anyone flying Aspire?

I got my Aspire about a month ago. Installing gear was not a big deal since the plane is so higly prefabricated with wiring, ballast tube, tow hook and all the usual stuff. I used mix of different servos: DS368 (flaps), Futaba 3150 (ailerons) and 3155 (v-tail). Rx JR SPCM and battery 4x Sanyo 1600 mAh 4/5 sub-c.

There have been rumours around about the weight. I can report that full carbon Aspire weights 1900g without radio equipment and nose weight (but with servo leads). Unfortunately my rather accurate digital scale is good only to 2kg. One can calculate that 90g of lead and rc equipment push total weight to around 2350g. Oh well... This is as promised but optimistically I was hoping for 2250g all up :o

Been out four times with Aspire. A couple of dozen flights. Done some lauch/landing practice and also longer flights. This plane flyes just fine. It feels robust and wing is large enough to keep it up (at least for a while) :)

Aspire has been very easy to fly right from the first launch. In towline it goes up strong and stable, wing does not flex much, glide is allround good and landings seem to be easy. Elevator response is smooth and rudder powerfull considering the span and v-tail. (Sharon feels definately less stable and has slower control response.) I guess the v-tail with large area and (looks like) thick airfoil does its job.

Still too early to say anything definitive about performance. My early feeling is that despite the 3.7m span and large area wing, Aspire does not float as naturally as Sharon, but zooms and penetration is better. If you like to follow thermals faraway downwind, Aspire is the plane to buy - glide is very flat and large size makes it easy to see.

To sum it up - promising start for a new plane. Things would look even better with 100-200g lighter AUW.

It would be very nice to hear first hand experiences. I cannot wait to fly it more!

Dbox

Mar 26, 2007, 12:02 PM

I guess Aspire did not reach USA or Canada yet.
All stuck in Europe :D
I keep calling to Etienne from Icare.And he keep saying :"Next month"
Tuomo,you are the first with report.
Nice plane and lotsa sky :)
Yuri.

Wing-span

Mar 26, 2007, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the info Tuomo.

Tuomo

Mar 27, 2007, 02:30 AM

Thanks for your interest :)

What I wanted to say is that Aspire is not the average HQ/W 3m+ moldie. There is a trend towards larger planes in F3J and Aspire seems to be leading that movement (which also explanes the weight, evet at 2350g wing loading is on a light side). This plane is big in the same as Pike Perfect, wide chord and large tail, but it has some extra span.

I was also interested to see how the new AH airfoils and large span work together. I wanted a plane that performs in wide variety of conditions. I cannot comment that yet, must fly it more, but I think there is great potential in Aspire. With some camber it can be flown real slow, yet penetration is quite good if so wanted.

Aspire is worth waiting I think.

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 01, 2007, 02:44 PM

Tuomo/fly friends,

Yes airfoils at Aspire work fine.Andreas make airfoil design very good.The agreement was for airfoil for model size 3,7m and fly weight 2,2-2,4kg.Andreas also make some small changes at wing design(oposit my original wing design).Aspire have 79,9 dm2 wing area so it is probably the largest F3J/TD model.
It easy to say fly should be 2200g.OK!Let's look at the model market for other airplanes what I saw at contests,web sites etc..

Supra 1800g/66,7dm2(??? not sure for area) wing loading 26,98g/dm2,Perfect 2250g/74,93dm2 wing loading 30,02g/dm2,Espada RL 1950g/70,1dm2 wing loading 27,81g/dm2,Aspire(Tuomo)2350g/79,92dm2 wing loading29,37g/dm2.
I am not sure for actual vesrsions from each model.All the time producers trying to save some weight....

If Aspire will be 2200g,wing loading will be 27,52g/dm2 and will be almost at the same wing loading level like Supra.To reach Supra we should reduce weight to 2160g.It mean to reduce weight 150-200g(materials!) from all construction,but still keep stiffnes like model with weight 2350g(nobody want to lose weight and stiffnes,everybody want to reduce weight,but keep stiffnes!).

What will be wing loading,if the total weight will be 2000g?
Wing loading will be 25,02g!!!!Is it possible with standart GFK/CFK technology?Is it nessesary to reduce weight so much?
I have no answer for this question.

My Aspire have fly weight 2260g.For my self I can save some grams from model drag,but I can't sell this model.Reason?If model failure-customer kill me...!

And now question:How many times in competition year you will use Aspire in total weight 2150g?Two,three time and rest of time you will be ballsted this light model.Isn't it better to change this "death"ballast to some carbon reinforcing?

The words what I write is only my meaning.I do not want to strike off somebody.

I all the time trying to keep stiffnes/weight at acceptable position and trying to use new construction.We will see.

Regards,
Lubos

Wing-span

Apr 01, 2007, 03:59 PM

Lubos,

Welcome to the forum and to this discussion about the Aspire. The fantastic glider you produce!

I agree with what you are saying. During F3J competition the gliders spend alot of time ballasted. So it makes sense to build up to this weight, paticularly with the trend for larger models. F3J wings at around 3.3m to 3.7m span utilising the modern generation of airfoils fly well at these wing loadings and I imagine the L/D actually benifits. They like to be flown fast but can also float.

Larry Jolly

Apr 02, 2007, 10:29 AM

Lubos,
Thanks for all the new information. I saw Lubos at Holland Glide and can say that the Aspire looked very good to me. I recall one flight where Pollack was way down wind on the last flight on Saturday. The conditions were rainy and blustery. The Aspire was way out and came home with no problems. I have been waiting for an Aspire for some time. The model looks good and has Lubos's normal top quality contstruction. This model could have helped ,me at the Masters tournament. Lubos when can we expect to see some over here? I might need two! thanks Larry Jolly

maxer

Apr 03, 2007, 02:25 PM

Hi Lubos,

Glad to see you responding to the RC Group. Not many European manufacturers on this. It is great for some of the group to hear your thinking on the design. Although I am still waiting for the Vtail ASPIRES I have on order at skipmillermodels.com , I understand you finished the ASPIRE xtail mold. I think your vtail for F3J in the USA will be a big hit, and followed by the X tail ASPIRE, a home run!!. Many pilots still love their Extremes and Fazers(Extreme placed 2nd in Pheonix, Fazer 4th at the Masters!) You are the artist and master of great soaring and handling sailplanes. We can't wait for your latest developments here in the US. I am proud to be the exclusive distributor in the USA for the ASPIRE....now we need them!!

Best of luck,

Skip

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 03, 2007, 03:47 PM

Skip,

If all is going fine at weekend will be some pictures,but forecast not good.X-tail look extremelly nice.I hope for some contests this year,but in august we expecting child-boy(thermic killer in future..))) )Not sure which contests I will make.Your models ASAP.,but want to make some testing first.You should contact Herrigs for Freestyler 3 at http://www.tud-modelltechnik.de/start_english.htm I have no rights for that.

F3X

Apr 03, 2007, 03:55 PM

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 03, 2007, 03:56 PM

Ok Tom.

maxer

Apr 04, 2007, 11:04 AM

No worries Tom. I had inquired 4 months ago when I heard about the new model Lubos was manufacturing which was slowing down ASPIRE production. I'm pleased f3f pilots will be able to get the Herrigs offering here in the US! I am thrilled we will finally get the "ASPIRE" in the US as well. Lubos models are always some of the best handling out there, and after seeing it at the F3J World Championships in Slovakia, "anticipation" is an understatement. Have a safe trip!

Skip

Wing-span

Apr 05, 2007, 07:54 AM

Lubos,

The thermal soaring community is looking forward the the proliferation of the Aspire. But, we need more photographs to tempt us.

Please post some more images of this fantastic model.

glderguy

Apr 05, 2007, 11:21 AM

Drifiting off a bit, so Lubos IS manufacturing the Freestyle??? On pics F3X website noticed Freestyler wing/joiner/etc looked somewhat similar to the Victor, which I believe AH had a hand in???
Walter

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 05, 2007, 01:40 PM

Walter,Wing-span,
Freestyler 3 is manufacturing in our company.The wing joiners is not the same like at Victor(A litlle diferent dimensions).
I have x-tail finish(Aspire).I just wait for weekend to make some pictures at airfield,but weather prognoze is bad....I make some pictures and post them here(morning,I just come from work).

Lubos

glderguy

Apr 05, 2007, 02:55 PM

They are both very nice looking planes Lubos! You do excellent work, I am very impressed by the quality and completeness on your Victor.
Regards,
Walter

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 05, 2007, 03:25 PM

I think you will ahve no problems to finis Victor.Also at our web is testing review from Wil Byers magazine QF.
I Austria one man cut nose and modify Victor to electro version.They tested speed by radar gun and it was 243km per hour.I know it is no top speed made by model,but it is fast.He have standart carbon version(F3B) no special reinforced.We also produce Victor DS(double carbon,carbon/herex/carbon,UMS main wing spar(UMS is standard for all our models)).I think you can discus details with Skip or ,if there will some problems let me know I try to help you.

Jurgen

Apr 05, 2007, 05:02 PM

...... we need more photographs to tempt us.Check the F3B/J link of this translated site (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://model-sailplane.dialog.jp/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://model-sailplane.dialog.jp/%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:nl-be:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7GFRC)
Very good sets of pictures.
Jurgen.

Wing-span

Apr 05, 2007, 07:15 PM

Kanoh's !!!

I thought this site was unavailable!

Tuomo

Apr 12, 2007, 01:10 PM

Good news from Lubos :)

Jurgen

Apr 12, 2007, 01:52 PM

Oh my God !

Wing-span

Apr 12, 2007, 04:42 PM

Stunning!

Fantastic work Lubos.

OVSS Boss

Apr 12, 2007, 07:57 PM

Lubos,
Is your website back up? Tried to go and nothing there.

MaRC

Larry Jolly

Apr 12, 2007, 08:31 PM

Marc,
I was just over at his site. I can get on at home but the system at work won't let me in. The Aspire is a great machine, and the new Xtail fuselage looks very state of the art. I am sure Lubos will want to test it before he agrees to send some over. But if I lived in a place where I might have to go way down wind with one, I might be looking at the Aspire. I am trying to convince Lubos to get one over here quick, but he is a perfectionist so I will just have to wait. Hope all is well in Ohio..is it still winter there? Larry

Tuomo

Apr 13, 2007, 02:43 AM

To me www.f3j.cz seems to work just fine.

I like the looks of x-tail but there is nothing wrong with Aspire v-tail. It is stable, handles perfectly and going with v-tail you also propably get slightly lower AUW.

No use waiting for x-tail to come if you need Aspire now.

Larry Jolly

Apr 13, 2007, 10:39 AM

Tuomo,
I would take a Vtail or Xtail Aspire right now. This model is not available in the US yet. In the end the Xtail model will be more popular in the US, because of the smaller landing targets. For 1 meter landings the Vtail is OK but the Xtail tends to be more consistant. Did I meet you in Finland? Having seen the Aspire at Holland glide I believe that it will become popular here replacing the Sharon. The Perfect might out float it, but the Aspire may be more slippery coming home. I fly the Perfect now and think that it is an excellent model. But I think the Aspire will prove to be just as competitive. I sure hope Lubos can get the old glider factory fired up. Larry

OVSS Boss

Apr 13, 2007, 01:51 PM

Not sure why it did not work guys, but the above got me there. I am heavy breathing Larry over this ship, and am like you, a v or x either will work. And ya, it is still winter here, Toldeo weekend and snow in the forecast.

I like big ships now!
Marc

Larry Jolly

Apr 13, 2007, 02:26 PM

Marc,
As you know I have flown most of Lubos's designs. I have both Vtail and Xtail Victors. Can you imagine how happy I was I left them at home when I went to the Masters. This is my Vtail with My Law Student Cherie hoisting the model.

OVSS Boss

Apr 13, 2007, 08:45 PM

I agree, Lubos does it right and I have my third Fazer and ready for more.

marc

Wing-span

Apr 14, 2007, 03:12 AM

I agree, Lubos does it right and I have my third Fazer and ready for more.

marc

Thats right. Quality is alwasy top draw with the Lubos designs. Alot better that most. He supplies very complete airframes.

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 15, 2007, 04:46 PM

Some pictures of x-tail aspire are here http://www.f3j.cz/images/photogal/testing/aspirex/index.html

OVSS Boss

Apr 15, 2007, 08:01 PM

Thanks Lubos!

Wing-span

Apr 16, 2007, 06:47 AM

Fantastic model.

I'm sure it has the potential to be a world beater.

Tuomo

Apr 18, 2007, 01:00 PM

More pictures of x-tail Aspire.

http://www.f3j.cz/images/photogal/testing/aspirex/original/aspx01.jpg
http://www.f3j.cz/images/photogal/testing/aspirex/original/aspx07.jpg
http://www.f3j.cz/images/photogal/testing/aspirex/original/aspx11.jpg
http://www.f3j.cz/images/photogal/testing/aspirex/original/aspx12.jpg

Full gallery: http://www.f3j.cz/images/photogal/testing/aspirex/index.html

OVSS Boss

Apr 18, 2007, 02:20 PM

I spoke for two today, hope for straight tails but will take v's if necessay. My trusty Insanity is a great ship, but no parts and none going to be made, I see the writing on the wall. I like the big ships and they fly nice. Much like Larry, I have flown a lot of Lubos stuff or watched it and his product is good and quality right with anyones. I have chose my bed.

Marc

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 19, 2007, 12:35 PM

OVSS Boss/Should be work use www.f3j.cz or www.f3b.eu

OVSS Boss

Apr 19, 2007, 02:27 PM

I found it Lubos, appreciate the help and the sailplanes.

Marc

Lubos Pazderka

Apr 29, 2007, 06:41 AM

Friends look our web www.f3j.cz to some details about AH airfoils.Lubos

tknuutti

Apr 29, 2007, 06:41 PM

Thanks Lubos! That's very interesting reading!

Wing-span

May 01, 2007, 03:16 PM

Lubos Pazderka

May 01, 2007, 04:14 PM

I think orange/blue striped Aspire have Terry Stuckey(he buy my competition model after contest in Holland).

I am sorry what happen to you.

OVSS Boss

May 01, 2007, 05:54 PM

Wingspan, that makes me glad I did not go that direction...

Marc

Wing-span

May 01, 2007, 06:01 PM

At the same competition I heared it reported that 4 other guys have had Experience Pro V tails 'fail' in some way or another. Amazing!

Tuomo

May 02, 2007, 01:27 AM

I saw the orange with blue strips Aspire fly in competition at the week end. Very nice. It was even nicer when the Vtail of my Experience Pro blew up half way up the winch...

...Lubos do you build strong V tails on your designs? This is the second F3J plane in a row that has had the tail fail on me.

Sorry for your Xpro.

I cannot aswer for Lubos, but as a flyer I feel Aspire V-tail very solid. Definately stronger when compared to Sharon. V-tail has also extremely wide root chord, which no doubt, is a structural advantage.

Aspire tail boom is large diameter with (feels like) rather thin walls. This is good for keeping weight down.

I've done dozens of more or less brutal javelin like landings with my Aspire - soil is still partly frozen up here in noth. Fuselage/tail combo feels quite solid. if I hit ground real hard, wing tip panels rip free from tape and pop slightly loose, yet I am not worried about fuselage or tail.

jfreeman

May 10, 2007, 11:55 AM

Will likely have to go to Europe on business in Q3 and Q4, what are the chances I could pick up an Aspire X-tail (if avail) while I'm there?

It's possible I could take a side trip on the weekend through Prague and over to Lubos's factory....alternatively, are there any other European distributors that sell the Aspire in another Euro country??

Thanks,

John.

Lubos Pazderka

May 10, 2007, 02:57 PM

John,

I think it is possible.I can visit you Prague hotel.All at our agreement.I live one hour(at high way)from Prague aprox.120km to east side
Lubos

OVSS Boss

May 10, 2007, 05:36 PM

Lubos,
What is the diameter of your ballast tube in the Aspire?

Marc

Lubos Pazderka

May 10, 2007, 05:53 PM

Not sure....But I think 16mm and full ballast tube have aprox.600g,11 metal blocks and 11 wood blocks so can make different ballst sets

OVSS Boss

May 10, 2007, 07:36 PM

Thank you much, Marc

Chipwillis

May 11, 2007, 02:16 AM

I saw the orange with blue strips Aspire fly in competition at the week end.
Very nice. It was even nicer when the Vtail of my Experience Pro blew up half way up the winch. I scattered the crowd as the plane flicked, spun and then arced down inverted towards the parked cars. Still, I managed to land it with out too much additional damage! To that model....the other model I damaged was my spare! I very nearly landed on it. What luck!! Wing tips touched and the plane punctured the covering on my spare.

Lubos do you build strong V tails on your designs? This is the second F3J plane in a row that has had the tail fail on me.

What servos aer you running on your Vtail?

I find find it hard to believe that the tails are blowing up on their own. Now, if there is flutter or something then it makes sense. You mention landings weakening it. Are you doing lawn dart landings every time?

What type of winch are you launching from?

My X Pro is a cross tail and it seems pretty sturdy. My shadow is a V tail, and it is pretty light weight layup, but so far not a problem off of a f3b winch.

Richard S

May 11, 2007, 04:25 AM

Hi Chip,

The day when there were issues with a couple of x-pro and shadow v-tails, the ground was rock hard (practically no rain in the UK for the whole of april!!)

Lawn dart landings were happening quite often and with the hard ground they were giving a terrible clatter and I saw one v-tail that was damaged in this way.

If the v-tails continue to fail at competitions where the ground is not so hard, there will be cause for concern, but I suspect the unique conditions might have cause the problems this time round.

roydor

May 11, 2007, 06:59 AM

There is absolutely no reason for an F3J model to have its V-tail break during a spot landing even when the ground is hard.

I land very hard during competitions and during practice, its the only way to avoid the model sliding and missing the spot.
I think I do about 30 to 40 dork landings a month with my models. I had an Eraser for 5 years, nothing broke during landings. Had a Superior V for 3 years, noting broke during landings. Had a starlight V fuse with my own wing for 3 years, noting broke during landings. Sold these models in good shape a while back. I have an X tail Superior and Perfect and they take the punishment repeatedly with no problems.
Furthermore, in Israel we don't have any rain from May till September, and our competitions are on a field at one of Israel's driest areas were the ground is as hard as asphalt (hammering a stake into the ground definitely takes its time....).

A good F3J model should survive these landings even from 2 meters. Order new tails and have them strengthen. If the V weighs less than 80 grams for this size plane its just too weak.

If I know Lubos, he builds his planes to take the abuse and that's why a good, all round, F3J model just can't be too light, it just will not last the competition season.

Richard S

May 11, 2007, 08:25 AM

I guess the UK pilots need to be a bit more careful. I've also seen Superiors and Eraser's booms break from hard landings.

Chipwillis

May 11, 2007, 08:49 AM

Thanks guys.

I used to worry about breaking my old Eraser fuse in the rear, but never the Vtail.

Guess I will take it easy on the Shadow, but then again, im not one for a power dork anyhow :)

First contest is next week!

Austin

May 11, 2007, 09:55 AM

Hi Guys, I just want clear up a few comments about the tail plane failures on the Xpro, the reasons are difficult to determine at the given time, what I can say is that no way will they fail in normal use. What appears to be happening is that after a very hard or out of shape landing it is possible that the shock to the tail can break it, but because the damage is mostly internal it doesn’t get seen. One guy hit the ground so hard he also broke the centre section, so do we say that is weak as well. Come on we all know that damage can happen to any model specially when landed very hard or out of shape.

I really don’t like this type of scare mongering. After seeing the results of wingspans crash, he told me the tail failed on launch which is not possible without previous damage. I don’t want to get into an argument over what happened, but in the split seconds that these things occur it’s very easy to come to a conclusion that fits your needs. I pointed out that it was possible the tail may have been previously damaged on landing and not noticed. The fact is after it happened two in depended witnesses said that the model hit something on the way up, who knows.

The Xpro is flown by a lot of top pilots in the world without problems. It came second at the 2006 F3J WC senior and junior classes! Even if they have a problem they realise it can happen to any model after bad landings.

For your information the latest Xpro’s will have a completely new tail design which is two piece removable, this helps greatly in transportation. It also shows the manufacturers determination to improve on designs.

Austin.

jfreeman

May 11, 2007, 11:51 AM

John,

I think it is possible.I can visit you Prague hotel.All at our agreement.I live one hour(at high way)from Prague aprox.120km to east side
Lubos

Thanks, sir....If I get that close, I'll drive out to see you guys!

How much lead time do you think you'll need to ensure you will have a ship ready for me to pick up? At this point, I believe I'll be out there sometime in the Aug-Oct timeframe. Just want to make sure I place my order in time...

Thanks,

John.

roydor

May 11, 2007, 12:07 PM

I've see Xpro land hard during the WC and think its a fine ship. There are three in Israel and the V tail looks too light for my taste (too weak that is) other then that its a fine ship and I recommend it to all as a cost affective all weather model. I think that adding 5-10 grams of glue and carbon tow in the mold would make it even better it my view but it shouldn't break during the launch at its current build without a defect or some acquired damage. Possible damage during transport perhaps?
Center panel breaking sounds like someone pushed it way over the limit. Shouldn't happen with this model.

Lubos Pazderka

May 11, 2007, 01:24 PM

I think you should go any to Xpro question and discused about problems.The main question is about Aspire....Maybe is the time for moderator right now??????

The brokem fuse and tail can happaen to everybody and to every model....
The broken plane can happen when customers pushing producer to reduce weight to minimum.Please understand all producers use almoost the same technology and evrybody will have almost the same weight results(wing loading)Extra light model-less materiaĺ-weak model(landing demages..etc.)There is no chance to build model in the same stiffness and half weight like usually!

If you change technology and will use different technology you can get better weight result,but plane will cost double?Do you want it????

Sorry for my bad english!

Lubos

OVSS Boss

May 11, 2007, 07:06 PM

Lubos,
Was wondering, have two Aspire on order with Skip, either version workable, when do you think the first run to Skip wikll happen????

Really want them for team trial for sure, and the Nats would be a great bonus.

Marc

Tuomo

May 12, 2007, 03:31 AM

Regarding the structure/weight/wing loading... The more I fly Aspire, the better I understand what Lubos means about the compromises producers have to make. Reports of broken wings and fuselages are not good PR for the product. Such accidents are also bad for us flyers because they change the focus to secondary things - from optimal flying to structural integrity of our plane.

Maybe new strong and large planes like Aspire and Pike Perfect are the ultimate flying machines in the realm of current technology. This combination of weight and strength is close to ideal in aerodynamic concept used today. Maybe it would be possible (using new technology) to build a strong and much lighter 3.7 plane, but this will also need changes to aerodynamics (a plane that flyes well in very low wing loading).

Realistically speaking Aspire is really nice plane (I do not say perfect ;) ). Full carbon version is strong enough and nice compromise for allround flying. It floats more easily than any plane I have flown. Sharon had (perhaps) slightly better performance in floating mode but Aspire is definately more easy to circle in slow flying speeds.

Aspire is also much stiffer than Sharon and it has more flexible aerodynamics. Have you ever flown simulated F3B speed or large outside loops with Sharon - yesterday I was doing that with Aspire :D I also enjoyed its excellent launches. Logged consistently 220-225m with a F3B winch, 150 meters to turnaround. This was myself throwing the plane. A helper throwng with higher span would definately have given some extra meters.

As you can see from pics (simulated landings ;) ), I have also tested Aspire against Valo Models Snake, which is a 3.3 meter HQW 2/8ish plane. A good F3J tool for variable and active conditions, much like Pike Superior. I still like Snake. A slippery small plane has some benefits like more agile respond very small and fast fading thermals. However, in the end, I think flying Aspire is much lower work load for pilot. This really counts when in those difficult situations - low down over the trees against sun etc.

The pictures do not do justice to the size of Aspire. Compared to typical 3.3 meter plane Aspire is large. Also, despite same span, it definately feels very sustantial when compared to Sharon.

Tuomo

May 14, 2007, 03:04 AM

Anyone flying Aspire -or is this just dicussion :)

What wing servos you use? I am not 100% satisfied to the performance of my std wing servo setup - DS368/3068 in flaps and Futaba 3150 in ailerons. Aspire is a large plane that pushes the limits also in servo technology.

For their size ailerons are slightly soft and flaps alarmingly so. Maybe this softness does not affect flying but one never knows... There is also sluggishness in flap movement when I pop out full breaks in faster air speeds. Flaps come down little slow and sometimes another flap is slightly delayed. Assymmetrical flap movement does not happen every time but it looks freaking in landing approach!

The easy answer would be going to stronger servos. DS3728 comes to my mind but the installation would become little tricky due to 15mm thickness. Also Volz offerings are interesting.

The clever thing to do, would be to refine servo linkage geometry. Right now do not I use all 150% of servo movement (possible in MC24). A shorter servo arm would do the trick but it is very critical. When I tested shorter arms, I lost possibility to use flaps as ailerons.

Some flying pics again. Yesterday we had terrific weather. Thermal started at about 10-15 meters and was so strong that one could fly F3B distance style and still gain altitude :D

Aspire makes me wish I had stronger arms :( I like to throw single handedly javelin style. However, I need two hands to hold enough tension for safe back-wind starts like it was yesterday (set winch the wrong way...).

OVSS Boss

May 14, 2007, 06:37 AM

T,
I am planning to use DS 3421's on flap and elevators (if an x-tail) and 368's for ailerons and rudder.

Marc

Larry Jolly

May 24, 2007, 09:01 PM

Marc,
Lubos has told me that he is working hard to get the Aspires out. The model is very complicated and is supplied with full wiring harness, and ballast bar. Lubos promised me a Xtail last year at Holland Glide, I think he is getting close as he has asked for my address. Crossing my fingers that this means something cool is coming my way. Any body out there flying a Cross Tail Aspire. I have gone to Pollacks site and seen some good photos. The model looks beautiful. Best Regards Larry

cody303

May 24, 2007, 09:24 PM

Hey Tuomo those pictures in post #67 are really cool. How did you get the models to stand up like that? Did you just push the noses in the ground?

I look forward to seeing the Aspire fly in person. Lubos makes awesome models and I am sure the Aspire will be even better than his models of the past.

Little Cody

Tuomo

May 25, 2007, 05:42 AM

Cody, nice to hear that you liked the pics. I just pushed noses in the ground.

As I have written, I have been very satisfied with my Aspire. The concept of a large allround plane in not an easy one, but Andreas Herring and Lubos Pazderka made it work really well. Aspire's performance or structure have no weak points.

Time will tell what kind of contest record Aspire will earn. In tecnical terms, by combining the gliding capability of 3.7m span with robust full carbon structure typical to smaller planes, Aspire is already a milestone in the development of F3J moldies.

BTW I have solved the small problem with flap linkages. I shortened servo arms slightly and increased servo movement to max. DS368 is now perfectly adquate for the job.

OVSS Boss

May 25, 2007, 06:22 AM

Hopefully you are right Larry, I am really not in that much of a rush, but wouldlove to have the ships ready for the Nats F3J and the team select. I realize that they face many issues and you just do not have these thing majically appear. Lubos has his job cut out for him and has lots of guys waiting out there. There is no equalibrium in manufacturing, either everyone wants one or the design is over.

Take care all, Marc

helibasher

May 30, 2007, 10:55 AM

Anyone done a build thread for the Aspire yet? What kind of finishing details are required?

Larry Jolly

May 30, 2007, 11:16 AM

Heli Basher.
I am hoping that I will have an Aspire Xtail next week. If I do I will post pictures and a build on my website. I do know that all you do is install your 6 servos. The model is complete with horns installed, wiring loom installed, and ballast and spacers included. I am thinking that it would be a good idea to get on the list with Skip and Icare, that way when Lubos ships you will have the best chance of getting one. Larry The Aspire is undoubtedly the best from F3J.CZ so far!

Wing-span

May 30, 2007, 11:17 AM

Tuomo is the only guy that I know of that has put one together. There must be others by now? Maybe they are shy? Or playing their cards close to their chests?

jojoen

May 30, 2007, 04:16 PM

Atleast 3 here in Norway but I dont think they are too much here on RCgroups. The reports says the X-tail is now lighter at around 2,3kg (one guy flying a X-tail at the Nationals F3J this week).

Wing-span

May 30, 2007, 04:19 PM

Good luck to them. The plane looks fantastic.

The weight is great too for the span amd chord of the plane.

Tuomo

May 31, 2007, 02:09 AM

I am waiting for another Aspire to come. I thought I cannot continue the whole season without a spare Aspire... The decision of getting another one was even more easy after I had slightly crushed right wing tip while taking a reflight in fly-off :o

The "bad news" is that orders are piling up quickly. When I ordered my first Aspire, waiting time was little more than one month, now much longer. Maybe this is the x-tail effect ;) I hope Lubos can keep up with his production.

OVSS Boss

May 31, 2007, 06:28 AM

I have realistically two more months to wait to get mine so as to get the built and flying for our team trials. I hope that the boys come through, if they don't, oh well, fly what I got.

Marc

maxer

May 31, 2007, 11:23 PM

Good news.I spoke to Larry Jolly this p.m. and Lubos HAS sent him his cross tail ASPIRE and it has landed! Larry was elated with the quality, the fit and finish, the pre wireing , bigger rudder etc. I placed my first order at the World Championships with Lubos last year in Martin, Slovakia after LUBOS showed me the ASPIRE. So for those of you on my list here in the U.S and Canada...hopefully we will be "ASPIRED" sooner rather than later. With F3J in the Rockies over, and now the Nationals coming up, followed by our USA team trials, I know LUBOS will be trying hard to deliver the models he promised. I am sure Larry will get this long anticipated ASPIRE in the air quickly...can't wait to hear the flight report. Hopefully the ASPIRES will get here soon!!!

skip@skipmillermodels.com

maxer

Jun 07, 2007, 03:00 PM

Hey Larry,

Where are pictures of the ONLY ASPIRE on US soil!? You have an obligation you know... When the first Perfect landed on US soil ...the pics where up immediately!!!(even before jo-jo) Same for the SSL ..inquiring Exclusive North American dealers want to know......please....

thanks

skip@skipmillermodels.com

Larry Jolly

Jun 08, 2007, 09:32 AM

OK I don't want to let you down. I started working on a page on the Aspire at my website last night.I will post more assembley photos and flying report this weekend.You asked for it Skip, get ready for the enquiries.
Go to http://www.ljmp.com/Aspire.htm. There might be some htm scrap showing on certain browsers, seemed OK on Mozilla . I think the Aspire is very Elegant. Larry

Keith Kindrick

Jun 08, 2007, 11:46 AM

Larry - nice colors. Good to see the design trend is to follow Samba/Philip some more.

Wing-span

Jun 08, 2007, 12:21 PM

How does the wing interface with the fuselage? Are there recessed holes for the plugs? are the plugs ready installed?

Si

Lubos Pazderka

Jun 08, 2007, 12:50 PM

Keith,
If you look right you will see two differnt airplanes.It is not nessesary to follow somebody with design.I also can do good model.

Keith Kindrick

Jun 08, 2007, 01:07 PM

Lubos - No disrespect was intended toward your design. F3J models in general have been trending to be similar in design. I have attached the JWO to Perfect photos to document this fact. I play fair.

jofo1

Jun 08, 2007, 01:16 PM

The Aspire is a beautiful airplane and I am certain the quality is unmatched. I own a Victor F3B (carbon version) and the quality is unlike anything I have seen, the design aspiration is extremely well executed; turns without loss and acceleration and line speed are great. The Victor also utilizes a Herrig profile like the Aspire. I would expect this airplane to be another great success for Lubos.

If only I could get a v-tail for my Victor...

dhauch

Jun 08, 2007, 01:49 PM

I also own a f3j Victor and it's the best handling plane i've ever flown.
it makes the sweetest thermal turns.

Lubos, just curious, can you do a Victor with Aspire style pushrods and ballast tubes ?

dh
www.rc-builds.com

maxer

Jun 08, 2007, 02:27 PM

Thanks Larry,

The ASPIRE looks great! I have had 6 on order since last July, and then Lubos showed it to me in person (yep, I increased the order then)for the fiirst time at the Worlds in Martin. The hope is we will see customers models soon. Let us know about the flight report...I am sure it will deliver.

skip@skipmillermodels.com

Larry Jolly

Jun 08, 2007, 03:00 PM

Guys,
Hold on a minute. We went through this when the Perfect followed the Supra.The Supra. Aspire, Perfect, and probably the JW are all totally design engineered models utilising very sophisticated design codes. Designing a model with the performance needed for F3J should yield a very predictable, expected, in fact manditory similarities. I only used comparison with the Perfect knowing that the Perfect has been accepted as a great performing, user friendly glider, and to give an idea of size and porportionalities for the Aspire. I did not in any way, want to imply that the Aspire is a COPY of the Perfect. I know for a fact that the Aspire was started at or about the same time that Philip started designing the Perfect. I realise now that I have done Lubos a disfavor by showing these comparison photos, and will remove them from the page the next time I update the site. In the mean time for those that were confused by my presentation I apologize. For those that understand what I was trying to show...How do you think the Aspire is going to fly ? LJ

Larry Jolly

Jun 08, 2007, 03:15 PM

WingSpan,

Lubos uses the popular Multiplex Multi Pin connector in the wire harness.The pinned side is flush mounted in the bottom wing surface. The Connector side is mounted in the Fuselage in the wing saddle. There is no additional opening under the wing so the Fuselage integrity is continuous through the saddle. The intstallation is very clean. I sure hope Lubos gets Skip some Aspires soon I am sure that 20 airplanes will not be enough for the US. I will keep you posted. Larry

Tuomo

Jun 10, 2007, 03:51 AM

I think Aspire looks distinctly different from Perfect. Ok, most moderns moldies have about the same "Supra style" wing planform... However fuselage is very different, more straight, and the relatively short center panel and long tips give Aspire a different look.

...not to mention that my Aspire is v-tail ;)

I like mpx 6 as wing connector. Simple and robust. About the only quality problem in my plane was the weak glue of mpx 6 in fuselage side. It broke loose and was pushed in when installing wing. Fortunately this happened while setting up the plane in my shop, so it was no problem to glue the connector in place with plenty of epoxy.

Larry Jolly

Jun 10, 2007, 10:27 PM

I flew my Xtail Aspire today. The model is not fully set-up, and We only handlaunched and Bungee launched it, but the Aspire has a lot of potential. It is responsive but docile, circles well, and hangs better than I expected. I will do more trimming and serious launching next week. Tuomo I saw your post on the fuselage connector. In the US we have several adhesives for gluing shoes. One for modeling is ZappaDappaGoo. If you install connectors with this adhesive, it has shock resistance, and is easily removable. If you use epoxy it is more or less permanent and will be difficult if you find you need to remove the harness. Another benefit is if you get any on the model it is easily removed by rubbing gently,and does not damage the finish of the model. Best Regards Larry

s2000

Jun 10, 2007, 10:39 PM

Got to fly Larrys Aspire today, I think I am lucky enough to have been around at an early enough time in the model sailplane hobby that it allows me to think back on what we used to fly and the many steps that have been made in sailplane performance, the Aspire just drives home the point that we are truly experiencing a new generation of contest sailplanes, sure we have had some very nice bagged and molded models on the market for some time now, but having taken the controls of the Aspire for 5 miniutes confirms to me that this model could be at the forefront of this new generation of models. I used to fly contests some time ago but got a little bored with the tasks and was not impressed with many of the models, I got into scale gliders heavily and still am, some of my scale models perform nice and do what they should, but some are extra special and are just truly superb. (1/3 Krause ASW-24 anyone!)
The Aspire is that something special and is so fun to fly and handles so well that even someone such as I will want to have one, even if I only fly the occasional contest, the Aspire is so enjoyable that even taking it out for a fun fly session is very rewarding, so yes, I feel pretty lucky to see how far we have come!
Thanks Larry!

Larry Jolly

Jun 14, 2007, 11:55 PM

I have about 3 hours on the Aspire now. I have it about 98% trimmed and I am very pleased with the perfomance offered by this sailplane. The Aspire pretty much does everything well. It is unsurpassed in handling, which allows you to easily control the model at the extremes of its glide envelope. It circles with out loosing altitude, goes out on the lightest bubble, and hangs out waiting for the next one to come through. The Aspire is such a sweetheart even competitors with little experience will find the Aspire to their liking. Easy to Fly and easy to Like...Did I mention it launches to the moon... OH MY!!!!!!! Larry I will have mine out at ISS next weekend if you want some stick time..

helibasher

Jun 15, 2007, 12:09 PM

What sort of speed range does the Aspire have? Is it worth having a faster model for windy days or does the Aspire pretty much do it all?

Larry Jolly

Jun 15, 2007, 04:25 PM

HeliBasher,
I cannot ranswer that question with any certainy at this time as I have not run any ballast in my Aspire. If time permits next Sunday I will do some Ballast testing to get an idea of what the ability is. I did watch 3 Aspires in the funal at Holland Glide last Summer. It was pretty windy and they all came home. I have been trying to get a call through to Lubos to see when We can expect Airplanes to come to the US. I suspect that Lubos is away but maybe he has computer access so he will join us here. Best Regards Larry

djklein21

Jun 15, 2007, 06:39 PM

Hey guys, I posted my impressions of Larry's Aspire in the F3X forum. This plane is everything that Larry says it is. I have a hard time believing some of the raves from people who sell these planes, but Larry is not in those shoes. He likes the plane because it has made an impression on him though its performance. This plane is sweet.

I have had less than a year flying winch launched thermal events (American TD and F3b), so my experience is limited. I do know that I currently fly a Pike Perfect, and this plane handles every bit as well and ranges out even better. My experience was late afternoon in very light lift flying off my high start, but this plane was nice.

Competitors, look out for the Aspire. And for those of you in the market for a plane, consider getting on the list, if there is one for North America.

Who will be the North American distributor?

SOAR-Steve

Jun 15, 2007, 09:36 PM

...
Competitors, look out for the Aspire. And for those of you in the market for a plane, consider getting on the list, if there is one for North America.

Who will be the North American distributor?

I guess I will need to order one from Skip. Then I may have it before next years NATS. http://www.skipmillermodels.com/aspire.php
My Perfect was purchased from Skip, I highly recommend SkipMiller Models.

I purchased an X-Treme from ICARE sometime back. Great vendor as well.
http://www.icare-rc.com/aspire.htm