Omega 3/ Highlight extreme (3.3m)

[smoo]

Hi! I wonder if there are some members with that plane. I wasn't in the air yet, and I just would be interested in some experiences with that extremely nice F3J-Ship. It is like the big brother of the Omega 2m.

[smoo]

Well, I don't think that anyone has one. It is very popular in Europe, especially in Switzerland where I come from. I will post a report when I am finished with it if it is of any interest. To be honest, I can't wait to fly that glider, it looks soo good. I guess it will penetrate better than a Hybrid, a Graphite, Amethyst or a Omega, because the D-Box is painted perfectly.

[TThroop]

I am on my second Omega 3, the first was shot down at a contest at the beginning of February. I have just flown my in American TD contests. By the write-ups on it and past experience it should do well in F3J. The wing is very strong and should do well with the two man tows.

If you have any specific questions that you need answered, please let me know.

Terry Throop :p

[smoo]

Oh, nice to know! Does it penetrate better than a graphite? I really wonder if it can cover enough air, or if it is a pure floater. What kind of fuselage do you have? Mine is Aramid, the nose-cone is Aramid too (not painted!). Where is your C.G?

sorry about the questions, but you are the only one having one.

smoo

[Masterpiece]

Hi,

I have a Highlight E400 turned into a HLG that has the carbon / aramid matrix fuselage. As it is a bit thin I was a little disappointed to find out that the Kevlar is not as bombproof as expected. My landings aren't bad but you only have to catch a wing tip upon arrival and the plane does a mild cartwheel / spin on the ground and you'll get fracture lines very easily, with some tears in the kelvar / carbon, that require mending. I have combated this with in-laying some 45 degree f/glass into the affected areas with success. One layer seems to suffice.

I have seen the Highlight Extreme at West London Models and it does look like a nice model. I'd love to have one. But for the price I'd rather get a Carbon D box Graphite.

Later,
Glen

[smoo]

@Masterpiece: The Omega 3 (Highlight Extreme=Lobo=Giga) has also a Carbon-D-Box! I am sure it penetrates better than a Graphite, because the D-Box of the Omega 3 has a better surface.

[TThroop]

I haven't flown the Omega against a Graphite for comparison yet. Saying that, the Omega does penetrate very well, it retains its launch energy very well. This past weekend a friend of mine had his new Sharon 3.7m crurciform tail out for testing. On the same winch for both planes, the Omega wasn't giving up much altitude to the Sharon if any. We didn't do any side by side comparison flying with the two planes. Maybe do that the next time we're out together.

I put the tow hook at the back of the aluminum plate for the front hold-down bolt. I had to put an additional piece of plywood behind the aluminum so the towhook platewould work correctly. The cg is then right on the towhook. If my measurements are correct then this works out to be between 50% and 55% from the leading edge. I don't have the plane at work to check, but when I get home tonight I'll double check the measurements.

Terry Throop :p

[Masterpiece]

HI Smoo,

My mistake on the cost comparison of the Omega 3 / Highlight Extreme. The Omega is cheaper for me to get from NSP (AU$900.00), BUT the Highlight Extreme is more expensive at AU$1170.00 from West London Models. Still anything over AU$900.00 for a sailplane and I start questioning my sanity.

Later,
Glen

[Chipwillis]

I have an Omega 3 meter and flew it all season last year.

For the price great airplane, and it works well on light wind, light lift days.

The downfalls of it are the following in my experience.

1. Cannot range with MH32 or other modern airfoils, when the wind is up. It does ok with alittle reflex and ballast, but not as good as the competition.

2. Setting up for landing, its a tough one for me. Reason being, contest landings might require the occasional dork to hit the spot, and the front fuse mating area is kinda weak. I now have a crooked nose Omega, due to less than perfect contest repairs.

I now relegate the Omega to a backup ship role, and F3J trainer. The wing on this things is bulletproof I think ( Ive launched it very very hard on strong winches ).

I moved up to a MH32 wing on an Eraser Extreme. I got the light version, which is easy to damage the wing surface, but man, this is a great airplane. Its lighter than the Omega, handles light lift even better, and non reflex, can outrange while searching. With alittle reflex, it moves out smartly.

Im getting a Pike Superior soon, as a windy day model also, to have even more range and penetration ability.

If only I could win the lotto, and get my hands on a couple Icon's, then id be set.

Chip

[jcstalls]

Hi Chip,


Ever consider selling your Omega 3M?

Jared

[soholingo]

Where do you buy the Omega 3?

j

[TThroop]

Northeast Sailplanes.

Terry Throop :)

[jcstalls]

Greetings,

Yup, dito that, NSP. The Omega 3 is on the weekly sale now and then at a nice savings. The do not carry the 3.3

Jared:D

[TThroop]

The 3.3 refers to the wingspan. If you check the wingspan is 129 inches or 3.3m. You're right though, the name should be Omega 3.3 to be consistent.

I just went to NSP web page, but I didn't see any special on the Omega.

Terry Throop :p

[soholingo]

The elegant 2 is on sale. VERY nice looking plane....

j

[jcstalls]

Greetings,

Ops, I quess I never checked out the math, thanks.

The Omega 3 is on the weekly sale now and then

Terry: Yup, it is not on sale now, it was a few weeks past. Sal seems to put it up on sale about every 4-6 weeks or so.

There was one Omega 3, 3.3, flying at the SC2 last September at my club field. Lauched,flew and landing very nice.

So know we know the fuse mating area needs a reinforcing.

Perhaps one will show up on the 30th, and we will see how it flies on in the third round with the afternoon wind and the
antiboomers.

Jared:D

[TThroop]

If it was a red, white and blue Omega 3, that was me. That plane met the earth at Phoenix in February. It seems someone else was on the channel with me. I have another one now, and that one was to be my back up plane. Are you coming to the SC2 contest at TPG on March 30? I'll be there since I'm the CD.

Terry Throop :p

[jcstalls]

Terry, So, it must have been you that I had asked about how do you like this plane.;)

Being the CD and all, you will not be hard to find.

I plane on making it down for the contest. I have not flown an SC2 circuit in about 12 years. Just a little rusty, well, a lot. I will be flying an old, crash, repaired, hand me down 76 oz.Mako that I picked up last summer.

BTW: I just put up an extra Vision radio in the FS&W section.
I will throw in some extras for SC2 members.

Jared:D

[Chipwillis]

Im going to be learning f3j hand tow launches this year, and the omega is perfect for that I believe. Plus, it will serve as a backup ship for my Eraser and Pike ( if I ever get the pike superior ).

The nose is bent off to the right some, looks funny, but otherwise is fine.

You should see it roll though.... kinda funny, takes like 4 seconds and lots of down elevator while inverted. Then again, the Eraser has full span ailerons available at the flick of a switcy, and rolls are sweet!

Sounds awesome doing the hollow molded scream too.... whereas the omega just wistles alittle.


chip

[sal]

To E-zoners. I have 4 Omega 3M's in stock. I know it really is closer to 3.3M!

Here is special sale for you guys. $539.95 plus shipping.