SpeedWing 400 MKII - "Then and Now"

[marjamar]

SpeedWing's released the SpeedWing 400 back in May 2003. We wanted a bit larger wing, but still small enough to fly in larger parks. First time we launched it, we knew it was a bit big for park use as it was moving about 70 MPH on a cheap brushed 400 motor and 8 cell 900 mAh NiMH pack. Well, we still liked it (ALOT!), so the SpeedWing 400 became our 3rd SpeedWing creation.

Here's a RCGroups review (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224727&highlight=SpeedWing+400) of the original design.

This past January, we release the SpeedWing 400 MKII. This re-design takes this venerable 32" design into the ultra-high performance arena. Incorporating twin "I-beam" CF flat spars into EPP foam wing cores, TRIPLE thick multi-ply aircraft grade ply motor mount/full length keel, pre-cut radio bay pockets and more, it now is fully capable of speeds at and above 150 MPH! I personally took an early prototype and on 4s 2100's and a E-Flite Six Series brushless motor and very comfortably flew above 130 MPH right next door to our shop. Our slogan "Real Fun - Real Fast"© took on a whole new meaning for me that day!

A couple of threads...

Original SpeedWing 400 Release Announcement (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119903&highlight=SpeedWing+400)

SpeedWing 400 MKII Release Announcement (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=625590&highlight=sw400)

-Rodger

[EBCooper]

So money not an issue what do recommend for motor, esc and battery for all out speed? I like the idea of a bigger wing so its easier to see but don't want to give up any power or speed.

I might be way off but I have my old 430xl from my TRex heli just sitting here with the align speed control, would that work or would I be better off with something else?

[Hoangsta]

I just got mine in today from the mailman and I must say, the quality of the kit is top notch.

Thanks Acer..

[Acer]

Hello EBCooper, I personally haven't had mine going that fast. My setup flies around 120 m.p.h. using a Mega 16/15/3, MaxAmps 3s 2100 LiPolys, 35A ESC and APC 4.75x4.75 prop.

My Dad has one that is much faster (somwhere around 135-140 m.p.h. His setup was using an E-Flite Six Series 2700kv BL motor, 4s 2100's 45A ESC and 5.5 x 4.5 APC Prop.

There are a few others that are going faster, but their setups cost more (larger batteries and ESC). A very nice setup that gives good speeds (~100 m.p.h.) and fast full vertical is using an E-flite Six Series 2700kv motor, 3s 2100 LiPolys, 35-40A ESC and APC 5.5 x 4.5 prop. This setup also gives very nice flight times.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions, always happy to help.

-- Acer

[Hoangsta]

BTW, what prop size would u recommend for a EFlite Six 2700kv motor on 3s setup? The 4s sounds crazy.. I think I might try that one..

[marjamar]

I was using an APC 5x5 on the 4s setup. It was an easy 130 MPH and maybe more. Vertical was accelerating all the way up to the ceiling. I ripped the battery off doing square corners at full speed and it came straight down on some asphalt which broke the bottom of the keel when it hit. All else was fine, but this lead to the version you have with the extra keel reinforcement. Haven't build that version up yet as we are just so busy my free time is too limited.

For an easy fix, I would recommend using velcro strapping along with the industrial velcro to hold the battery in. Velcro alone can let loose at the G-forces capable in this new version of the 400. In my case, the glue on the back of the velcro separated from the velcro then the whole works just flew off the wing. It almost held as the force of the separation wasn't enough to pull the connectors apart however.

Acer recommends you superglue the velcro on the wing, that way the contact glue is somewhat reinforced by the edges of the velcro being bonded to the wing by the super glue. I still think it needs the extra velcro strap however to be safe.

Have fun and play safe :).

-Rodger

[Hoangsta]

Rodger, thanks,, I think I will glue in the velcro, but I'm going to use Goop straight on the foam. I think that should hold up pretty good!

Thanks again..

[Acer]

For 3s on the 2700 Kv Six Series, I recommend the APC 5.5 x 4.5 prop. This will give you very good speeds as well as great unlimited vertical and long flight times.

-- Acer

[Hoangsta]

I got mine going yesterday. I had to add lead in the nose to balance the wing. I was using a 6x4E prop. The battery came out pretty hot. Dualsky 1300mah 3s. So I went down to a 5.25x4.75 prop. With this last prop, the battery runs cool. Not as fast as if it was on a 6x4E prop, but the wing is already fast enough.

I went ahead and cut a hole on top of the nose to drop in the battery. I didn't want to have it on the bottom. Otherwise, it's a really good flying wing. Wingloading is definetly high. I gotta come in a little hot. But that's all good cuz the flying is what's important, and I'm having a blast!!!

I'll try to get some pics later...

6x4E = 35amps
5.25x4.75 = 33amps

[Hoangsta]

How are you guys hinging the elevons? I used the Bi-Direction strapping tape on the bottom and scotch clear tape on the top. It's pretty stiff but I found some play somewhere on the whole linkage and elevon part of the wing. I tried to cure that problem but it seems like it's coming from the HS-85MG servo. I wonder if I should try a different servo. But anyway, once it gets going in the air at full throttle, it reaches a certain speed, the left elevon flutters crazy and pulls hard left. Should I try a different servo or should I rehinge? Seems like the right side of the elevon is holding up just fine.

[Acer]

It sounds like you may have a sloppy servo. I know that some of the HS-81MG servos I've used had some slop in the gear mesh. I little slop goes a long way when you are flying at high speeds.

As for the hinging method, I use the method covered in the instruction manual. The tape I use is like the Dubro Hinge tape (heavy and strong), but you can also use clear packing tape (3M "Storage" tape is best) cut down to 3/4" wide.

Hope this helps.

-- Acer
http://speedwing.net

[Hoangsta]

Acer thanks,, I might have to try different servos.

[Acer]

Yeah, that is why I went with the GWS Micro 2BBMG servos. That is what the pockets are cut for in the SpeedWing 400 MKII. These are metal gear servos with 2 Ball Berings and have NO slop what so ever. They are also more powerful than standard size servos and have a torque of 75 oz. in. at 4.8V. and very fast speed.

They are great servos and extremely strong/durable. Best of all, they are only $19.25.
http://www.speedwing.net/gws-micro-mg-servo-p-44.html

-- Acer
http://speedwing.net

[Androgeny]

I am planning out a new wing to beat my buddie's Stryker and my son's FunJet. At my age, I need something a little bigger to see, and the size of the SW 400 MKII seems about right. After looking over the website, and reading the manual. some questions remain. I would appreciate input.
1) What is the weight? AUW or otherwise.
2) Some wings require horizontal plugs on the receiver. I am using Futaba FASST, and they only have vertical plugs, and you have to use only their receivers, but it is still very small. What are receiver dimensions? Will a small receiver with vertical plugs fit? The manual does not show a picture of this clearly, or a way to measure the thickness of the wing to estimate the width of parts that can be hidden inside. Some wings I have looked at and ruled out because they specifically call for a receiver with horizontal plugs, impossible for me.
3) I cannot visualize how the battery compartment works. I see in the manual that the plywood motor mount goes from front to back seemingly in the way of the battery. Then, the instructions go to step 13, "install the battery" without showing how the battery compartment circumvents the plywood down the middle. Also, does the battery compartment have a fixed size? The manual shows top photos, but not bottom to show what the battery section looks like before covering. There is no step that says "cut the battery compartment to fit your needs". I anticipate experimenting with several lipo configurations, and the photo seems to show one very small compartment of unknown dimensions. If I could get clarity on the size and configuration of the battery compartment it would help my total design feasibility before I buy parts that will not fit together.

[z1nonlyone]

I am planning out a new wing to beat my buddie's Stryker and my son's FunJet. At my age, I need something a little bigger to see, and the size of the SW 400 MKII seems about right. After looking over the website, and reading the manual. some questions remain. I would appreciate input.
1) What is the weight? AUW or otherwise.
2) Some wings require horizontal plugs on the receiver. I am using Futaba FASST, and they only have vertical plugs, and you have to use only their receivers, but it is still very small. What are receiver dimensions? Will a small receiver with vertical plugs fit? The manual does not show a picture of this clearly, or a way to measure the thickness of the wing to estimate the width of parts that can be hidden inside. Some wings I have looked at and ruled out because they specifically call for a receiver with horizontal plugs, impossible for me.
3) I cannot visualize how the battery compartment works. I see in the manual that the plywood motor mount goes from front to back seemingly in the way of the battery. Then, the instructions go to step 13, "install the battery" without showing how the battery compartment circumvents the plywood down the middle. Also, does the battery compartment have a fixed size? The manual shows top photos, but not bottom to show what the battery section looks like before covering. There is no step that says "cut the battery compartment to fit your needs". I anticipate experimenting with several lipo configurations, and the photo seems to show one very small compartment of unknown dimensions. If I could get clarity on the size and configuration of the battery compartment it would help my total design feasibility before I buy parts that will not fit together.


HI, I will recieve my speedwing 400 soon. I also was wondering about the battery placement but have learned it is just "velcroed on the bottom". I am planning on using two batteries, (2 cells each) and recess them on both sides of the plywood "frame". This should not be too hard and should give some good performance!

Chris

[goofeyfoot]

Has anyone figured out a good, clean, reliable way to mount the battery. I'm about to build a SW 400 and would like to do it right the first time.

Thanks.

Michael

[z1nonlyone]

Has anyone figured out a good, clean, reliable way to mount the battery. I'm about to build a SW 400 and would like to do it right the first time.

Thanks.

Michael

Hi, I routed out a pocket on the TOP of the wing that is about 3/4 of the thickness of the battery. I am using a 2100 prolite TP. I made the fit tight and it really improves aerodynamics of the wing!

Chris