Skorpion Needle

[Tony Fu]

Here's another new model to get your juices flowing!

It's the very first Skorp Needle 2.5m x tail.

So new that this is from soft moulds to evaluate the design so not quite the finished article. As yet it still hasn't been flown but soon I'm told. The next one (still prototypes) to be made is going to T9Hobbysport and so doubt I will be fondling one soon!

Not to be confused with the 3.1m Needle, Thuro's other new creation- This one is clearly made just for the slope.

T9 still dont know what this will sell for but thinks it will be a bargain, whatever that means!

[Tuomo]

Nice looks but the rudder design just plain wrong :(

[djklein21]

Nice looks but the rudder design just plain wrong :(

I had the same feeling. It looks like a scab on fix like the Espada. It is an early prototype, so that might be the case.

[satinet]

are the wing sections the same as the "old" skorp Tony?

[Tony Fu]

Section is a faster Thuro 'special' ! and not the same as the Skorp.

And yes tail (rudder) has some problems but more to do with the moulding process.

Anyway Thuro is testing and you can be be sure it will be very thoroughly developed by the time the production models are ready.

As I mentioned the next prototype is coming to the UK and will be shown off round the competition circuit for full evaluation....

[johnny "skorp"]

Looks like a big bird !

[Ezza]

Faster than the Skorpion?? It doesn't get much faster.

I recently purchased my first Skorpion and I absolutely love it. :)

The wing on this new version looks very sleek indeed.

Eric

[kjw]

I can confirm it is quik and will be a go for production

[bigtv]

how quik is it

[Ezza]

I want one!!

Eric

[bags]

This is certainly the beast to watch!!!

[vanders]

Are we talking 3,4,6 months.......?

[bigtv]

6 and more , the full production model is expected spring 0s tend to be late 09,, but thing are usually late,get your name down now, it will give you chance to save up

tv

[Zimodile]

Ooooh I do like the way the ailerons finish. I've been on the list for about a year now, and I'm glad I am! Will we have the option of the 3.1m model as well?

Z

[Thuro]

Hi Guys, the first one is flying since a few weeks but ist pretty cold here in Austria and its not possible to fly as long as I would need for testing.
However we have a small video http://www.thuro.at/needle_100.htm unfortunately without ballast in rough air because we flew the big one first and so we load all the ballast into the 3,1 m Needle. We forgot to change the ballast .... :D

The rudder will be changed. The intention was to have a rudder for DS where we can add a balancing weight to avoid fluttering but the tail rudders are so thinn and small then its nearly impossible to build the rudders light and stiff enough. Lets see ....alltough it works well. Present weight is 1700g but I did my first flight in light air with 1m/s together with Hlg's, no problem to climb with.

Now we are working to get the model in perfect condition for selling.

Servus and Cheers
Thuro

[wakumann]

Hi Arthur

link funzt nicht.

Mehr ueber pm /mail.
Gruss
Thomas

[Thuro]

Hmm, bei mir schon....
Dann bitte über den umständlichen Weg http://www.turo.at/projekte.htm und geh auf Needle 100 .

If the link does'nt work please try http://www.turo.at/projekte.htm and goto Needle 100 .

Servus
Thuro

[Thuro]

Hmm, bei mir schon ....
Dann bitte über den umständlichen Weg http://www.thuro.at/projekte.htm#RC%20Modell%20Projekte und geh auf Needle 100 .

If the link does'nt work please try http://www.thuro.at/projekte.htm#RC%20Modell%20Projekte and goto Needle 100 .

Servus
Thuro

[Zimodile]

Wow thanks for that Thuro. I'm looking forward to seeing the first one here in the UK! Do you have news on the 3100 as well? Will you promote both for F3F or recommend one more than the other?

Z

[Bro]

Thuro,
Good to see you here! ;)

as my friend says..
"Let the air burn" :D

Best wishes,
Bob

[Thuro]

Do you have news on the 3100 as well? Will you promote both for F3F or recommend one more than the other?
Initially, booth plane are not for selling until next spring .....
I think booth planes are worthy for F3F but the big one is made for F3B alltough you can turn well as with the Skorpion. The small Needle turns harder and more narrow and I think thats the advantage. I flew against a other plane , I dont want to tell a name here and we booth had the same speed but in turns I was 5-10m earlier back on the straight.
All what I say is my own opinion and may be not objective enough but we have now a few pilots for testing and then we will get their opinion, hopefully.

Cheers
Thuro

[bigtv]

Hi Zim
The 2.5 needle will be at the next Hole of Horcum comp,in a couple of weeks,

I dont know if there will be enough time to set it up for the comp, but it will be there to fly in the break or after the comp has finished, do you want a go,,mode 1

chow

[Zimodile]

Cor I'd love to see it for sure! Thanks for the great offer - much appreciated! I'm mode 2 tho, but I'm sure that we could figure it out... WOW!

Z

[bigtv]

you sound confident,we ll figure it out :-))..

chow

[Zimodile]

Actually... humph - I think the next round is the same as the one on the Mynd. If that's the case, I'll be on the Mynd, as strictly speaking, I am a Midlander! Also, I need to protect my joint 1st position in the Midlands league...

Z

[Tony Fu]

Well, it was the weekend, 30 mph easterly winds and Thuro's prototype has been received in the UK. So a drive to the Hole of Horcum and here's the results of one of the best days flying in a long, long while. So good that the only thing that ended play for the day was the small 1300mah GP batteries were getting uncomfortably low...Does it get any better than that? ;)

Oh yes, it went home still in one piece.

[Greg Dakin]

Well, it was the weekend, 30 mph easterly winds and Thuro's prototype has been received in the UK. So a drive to the Hole of Horcum and here's the results of one of the best days flying in a long, long while. So good that the only thing that ended play for the day was the small 1300mah GP batteries were getting uncomfortably low...Does it get any better than that? ;)

Oh yes, it went home still in one piece.

Excellent - can we expect to see it in action next Saturday Tony? Will you be adding the wing ballast tubes on Dave's behalf?

Cheers

Greg

[Zimodile]

Aaaaaaargh! It's beautiful!!! Is it a pinger?

Z

[bags]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEvzjZZrBcg

[Tony Fu]

Excellent - can we expect to see it in action next Saturday Tony?

If he doesn't prang it first Greg! His current track record is one mouldie per week ...as he only manages to fly once a week! :eek:

Zim, it goes but needs some tuning. Towards the end of yesterday's session the rhs turns were fast as anything else we flew. Tracks very nice as Bag's vid shows.

... Will you be adding the wing ballast tubes on Dave's behalf?

Cheers

Greg

As regards the extra ballast in the wing it is Thuro's suggestion: tube in through the root secured with PU glue. In the conditions yesterday with strong wind and off from the left extra weight was certainly right hence Wrighty's trimming mod! And feel relieved he won't be allowed to do anything structural to this beautiful, sleek machine!

[bigtv]

Aaaaaaargh! It's beautiful!!! Is it a pinger?

Z
Hi hope you spelt that right(pinger)
Yes it is ,dont forget this is a proto type, the production model will have larger ballast tubes in,I have just been out with it again,in the snow,and got it dialed in a bit better, it is easy to fly ,and can be put where you want
and thats with me flying:-))

Not sure about the comp next week, but probaly will fly it..
Chow
dave

[Tony Fu]

Hi hope you spelt that right(pinger)
Yes it is ,dont forget this is a proto type, the production model will have larger ballast tubes in,I have just been out with it again,in the snow,and got it dialed in a bit better, it is easy to fly ,and can be put where you want
and thats with me flying:-))

Not sure about the comp next week, but probaly will fly it..
Chow
dave

Wrighty, is feeling the pressure obviously and the excuses are coming in thick and fast! What he doesn't know yet is that his main model which is still in my workshop (a Skorp DSL) may accidentally not be repaired in time for next Saturday... so it's either the Needle or a 1/3 scale Fox :rolleyes: !

So I guess the only way out of it is if we get snowed out at Hole of Horcum and that isn't looking likely. Don't worry Dave it's not like the whole world is watching!! :D

Incidentally, just got the Needle to start on the wing ballast and have had a good 'prod and poke'. Contrary to my earlier post it has a smaller root chord than the Skorp at 220mm. Futaba 3150 reside in the flaps and tiny Dymond 60s (Ripmax SD100 in the UK) live in the airelons!
The root section is the AF8 but no idea along the rest of the wing which is extremly tapered and thinned towards the tip.
Empty AUW is approx 1.7kg with fuse ballast adding a further 350g or so. The plan is to squeeze in 2 tubes of 12mm round brass ballast 200mm long in each wing. That should give about a further 1/2kg... maybe a little excessive but it should cover Wrighty's main excuse!!

Oh you might be interested to know that yesterday's maiden, stopped because we told Wrighty to because the 1300 mah batteries tested at 60%- took 1100mah to recharge!

His luck just might be changing :eek: !

[daleksw]

Tony,

I believe Dymond D60 are equiv to Ripmax SD150 rather than SD100

David

[bigtv]

[QUOTE=Tony Fu]Wrighty, is feeling the pressure obviously and the excuses are coming in thick and fast! What he doesn't know yet is that his main model which is still in my workshop (a Skorp DSL) may accidentally not be repaired in time for next Saturday... so it's either the Needle or a 1/3 scale Fox :rolleyes: !

Now you wouldnt want a reputation for not deliverying on time :censored: :censored:

[Tony Fu]

[QUOTE=Tony Fu]Wrighty, is feeling the pressure obviously and the excuses are coming in thick and fast! What he doesn't know yet is that his main model which is still in my workshop (a Skorp DSL) may accidentally not be repaired in time for next Saturday... so it's either the Needle or a 1/3 scale Fox :rolleyes: !

Now you wouldnt want a reputation for not deliverying on time :censored: :censored:

But it's so much fun watching you squirm: I'll be doing it as a higher service to the flying community :D .

I believe Dymond D60 are equiv to Ripmax SD150 rather than SD100

Thanks David I stand corrected, again.

[Zimodile]

Come to think of it Tony, you sounded a little fluey when I saw you on Friday - you probably need a weeks break from that chilly workshop :D

Z

[Tony Fu]

Come to think of it Tony, you sounded a little fluey when I saw you on Friday - you probably need a weeks break from that chilly workshop :D

Z

Arr chooo!

Lucky I got those 12mm tubes moulded first :D.

[Paul Garnett]

gizago mister...

[bigtv]

gizago mister...
your turn on saturday didnt i tell you :rolleyes:

[Tony Fu]

Today's race at Hole of Horcum saw the Needle 100'' in it's first competive race. The conditions were not ideal with snow and hail showers but strong north westerly (25mph +) rewarding the brave souls that treked the arduous 3 mile walk from car park to slope through sometimes knee high snow!

Wrighty has been worried all week about flying the Needle with just one maiden outing last Saturday and a brief play on Sunday. The conclusion was it was way to light and wing ballast has been retro fitted. The total flying weight today fully loaded was just over 2.5kg. (Empty 1.7kg, 350g in the fuse and 450g in the wing.)

He managed a very respectable 41s! 5th fastest of the day and still not trimmed out fully as this was done in normal mode and no reflex. It was fully loaded and wind strong but turbulent, slightly from the right.

[Zimodile]

Well I was one of the brave souls (trans: idiots) who attended said race. I have to say, that Needle is just like nothing else! It truly is a completely new step. To be honest I can't quite describe it - it's just really like nothing else. When Tony says thin wings - you have to see them! The control surfaces are dlg thin, but they seem stiff and sharp enough to slice up carrots! And when it had some good air (and there was some baaad air there yesterday as well :rolleyes: ) it looked sooo responsive and alive in the air.

I think Thuro has something very special with this model. Apart from anything else, I think the pride in ownership of one of these would be pretty special too. Pretty sure it would inspire a fair amount of regular workshop fondling! :D It's clearly going to be seriously quick too. I also kinda liked the way it looked in roll - really alive - so I think it'll be a brilliant aerobat and sport ship as well.

Don't mean to bang on about it, but I think most folks have been saying that mouldies were getting to be a little generic in looks and concept lately. The Needle puts that firmly to bed, I'd say.

Zim

[bags]

When Tony says thin wings - you have to see them! The control surfaces are dlg thin, but they seem stiff and sharp enough to slice up carrots!

We gave it a try!! :eek:

[satinet]

what sort of money are we talking?

[bigtv]

what sort of money are we talking?
Hi
To be confirmed in the next day or so,but if they make me look good, they are worth it :)

chow
dw

[Greg Dakin]

Hi
To be confirmed in the next day or so,but if they make me look good, they are worth it :)

chow
dw

Well done on the 4th place Dave - look forward to seeing the Needle go at the March HoH F3F, in warmer conditions....

Cheers

Greg

[bigtv]

March HoH F3F, in warmer conditions....


It couldnt of been much colder, cross fingers

dw

[bigtv]

just flown the needle in very light winds, and it goes great
dw

[Zimodile]

no ballast at all? or does it still like a little?

[bigtv]

Story goes , I was at baildon, not a very good slope, certainly not for competitions to say the least .absolutely freezing, I went to the edge with the model and the fuzz ballast about 300g already in, the wind was around 7 mph but only on the edge take a few steps back and the wind was hardly noticeable,the wind was coming from one side , not square on.

Do you now the feeling everyone watching you, so for some unknown reason you chuck the model off, but instantly regret it, but it is too late the model has left your hands.well to my surprise it was flying at a fast cruising pace ,I couldn't seem to slow it down after about 2-3 mins my hands was freezing, so I had a landing ,but no wind to slow the model down, anyway down she came.

Jump in the car get the hands warm, next store, This time no ballast,much more comfortable, the model still would fly at the fast cruising pace, but this
could be slowed down at will.

What I noticed more than anything was that the pace was still good and I could fly to a reasonable height,remember only me daft enough to chuck off.

Then numb hand and a easy landing, too cold to do any setting up , but I was left with that feeling of if only a decent slope on a decent day.

I cant wait for the next time, this model is good, I am biased, but it feels so efficient and is not at all twitchy, feels just like a 3 meter, but with better turning.

Come up north Zim and take the controls it will surprise you.

cheers
dw

[Zimodile]

Thanks for the offer mate - I'll have to take you up on that!

Z

[Thuro]

Hey may I come over too? I'm winter tested !!! :D
Dave, first flight was made in DLG conditions and I have had doubts like you but she flews higher than the handlaunchgliders :D but a bit faster, he,he.

Be careful .... ;) ( oh I like smiles )
Thuro

[bigtv]

Hi Thuro
Yes please can you bring some needle,s there is a list growing

I will have a nice cool pint of tetley waiting for you

chow
dw

[bigtv]

Hi Thuro
Yes please can you bring some needle,s there is a list growing

I will have a nice cool pint of tetley waiting for you

chow
dw

[satinet]

any progress on the big one?

[bigtv]

Paul Carrington is flying a prototype in the Uk and he says it is the best model he has ever flown, Paul is a f3b er,and comments on the extreme speed and ease of handling, He has ordered another.

[Zimodile]

Do you have any video of that one Dave?

Z

[bigtv]

Its is getting flown this weekend ,off the line, I will ask him to do one?

dw

[Zimodile]

Brilliant. That's great Dave ta- get him to do a nice little walkaround as well for us fetishists.

Z

[mr_editor]

I must be mad. I've just ordered one. Time to test a pair of those tiny Hyperions in my Bird as I don't fancy changing SD150's on those biggish ailerons too often. I like the Ripmaxs but it seems a big plane for a small plastic geared servo...

Tony, what servos are those in the fuse?

[cvanscho]

Nostaglia :rolleyes: .. I remember with fondness the times when I was single-handedly keeping the glider modelling industry in business... :o

[Tony Fu]

I must be mad. I've just ordered one. Time to test a pair of those tiny Hyperions in my Bird as I don't fancy changing SD150's on those biggish ailerons too often. I like the Ripmaxs but it seems a big plane for a small plastic geared servo...

Tony, what servos are those in the fuse?

They're Robbe metal digitals, can't remember the number as I couldn't find them on a search in the UK, so didn't pursue anymore. I guessed that they were Futaba 3156, which they look identical to but they're not; much faster. I've been thinking 'bout the new Hyperions metal digis too for the fuse and the ailerons. The SD150 equivalents are woefully sloppy and don't centre particularly well, but they fit-just. Incidentally, the Needle 124'' prototype has the same Robbe servos in the fuse!

[slopetrashuk]

Tony - PM sent

Andy E.

[mr_editor]

They're Robbe metal digitals, can't remember the number as I couldn't find them on a search in the UK, so didn't pursue anymore. I guessed that they were Futaba 3156, which they look identical to but they're not; much faster. I've been thinking 'bout the new Hyperions metal digis too for the fuse and the ailerons. The SD150 equivalents are woefully sloppy and don't centre particularly well, but they fit-just. Incidentally, the Needle 124'' prototype has the same Robbe servos in the fuse!

Thanks for that. Saved me wasting money on the Hyperions. How snug is the fit on the SD150s?

[Zimodile]

What's the news on schemes on these lads? I mean I know that there will be a pink one available but other than that? Will there be as many options as the Skorp had?

Z

[bigtv]

Hi
The colours will be like the 124 needle pattern ,with option of stipes underneath(look at www.t9hobbysport.com)

and if you want a pink one why not,,I DO

dw

[slopetrashuk]

Hi
The colours will be like the 124 needle pattern ,with option of stipes underneath(look at www.t9hobbysport.com)

and if you want a pink one why not,,I DO

dw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-lsvPddM7s

:p

[Thuro]

Hi guys, the servos are Robbe FS61 MG digital, small, strong (20Ncm) and fast but unfortunately with a poor resolution by using the new high resolution radios like the new 2,4 GhZ Futabas. We have had a few problems with centering and Markus Fida, a friend of mine, called Robbe Germany for a different servo typ with nearly the same performance like the Robbe FS 61. He got 2 types of Futabas, one S3153 digital with Carbonit gear and one S3150 digital with metal gear. Unfortunately this servo type have more less power ,15 Ncm but strong enough (hold power 110Ncm), with an absolute absense of play and a very good centering. Its nearly the same size and fast like the Robbe servo. Easely to reassemble because nearly the same size. Prize approximately 45,- Euros. "The Oscar goes to the metal gear S3153", this servo is a hit.

Sorry that the Needle 100 is not ready built but work is in progress. The new technoligy to built the builtin fibers is much more complicate than the normaly technic with microballoons and resin and its neccessary to build special molds with separate positiv's for wing, ailerons and flaps. I think its worthy because the fibers are lighter and with a perfect suitness.
So please be patient, good thing takes time.

Cheers and Servus
Thuro

[Cannonball2m]

Hi guys,

are there some news - pictures, videos...

Jochen

[Thuro]

Hi no pictures, no Needle 100" video but a video of the big one .....Needle 124", available in HD.

Needle 124 video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJS7TYIdkto)

Cheers
Thuro

[Shedofdread]

Nice slope! Where about in Austria(?) is it? I've walked and skiied in Austria quite a few times and often wished I'd had a glider with me.

You're lucky to live in such a beautiful country,

S

(Noch ein 'Murauer', bitte!)

[Bro]

Thuro,
NICE~ :D

Bob

[Ezza]

What an amazing slope!!!!!!!!!

Nice plane too. :)

Eric

[RetoF3X]

Nice flying and great slope. I liked the "diving" part at the end:).

[Thuro]

Hi, the slope is within the NaturePark " Hohe Wand" approximately 35km South of Vienna near by Wr.Neustadt. No skiing available there :).
The slope is well known as best for paragliding and flying with Delta's. I did my pilot Delta pilotlicence on this slope many years ago.
The slope is made of steep rocks and its impossible to land on the top. For secure landings you have to go approx. 5-10 min to the landing area but its possible to start at the bottom of the slope.
Every year the local Club organizes a (Eurocontest)F3F competition called " Hohe Wandpokal" on this slope.The specificity of this comp is that the pilot stands on the bottom and the planes are launched at the top.
I guess I have a video of the way of launching, I gonna search for that futage and put it on youtube .......

Cheers and Servus
Thuro

[henrymoro]

Awesome !!! and the 124" prototype seems to have very good manners :eek:

regards
Fernando
www.henryf3f.com

[Wing-span]

Tail held, nose vertically down over the edge of the pier!

[bigtv]

the skorpion needle 2.5 meter is now being produced and available

dw

[utcadman]

Available where???

[bigtv]

Available where???
Hi You need to contact Thuro thuromail@thuro.at, he will be happy to sort you out.

dw