DragonFly-XLT.......

[Double Pappa]

Just a little tease......

The proto I am testing this week has a wing loading of less than 5oz, full flying stab and a pod big enough for the fattest fingers to work in. On top of all that, this wing is incredibly strong !!!!!

If all goes well she may be ready before the end of the year.

She will change how you feel about 2m ships..........

[I_Can't_Fly]

On the waiting list :D

[cvanscho]

Wow, you really jumped in there quickly...

[I_Can't_Fly]

Wow, you really jumped in there quickly...

I have been in contact with Paul about this ship for two months. Nothing "quick" about jumping in. ;)

[cvanscho]

Sorry - sarcasm IS the lowest form of wit... :o

[Double Pappa]

Update.....

Did some smooth javelin style tosses today and I was getting 400' glides into the wind.

There will be some fine tuning on the wing mount system. It will have something that, to my knowledge, has never been done before.

We believe we can get even more out of this wing by shifting the proportions a bit. I am looking for an 800-1000' glide from a shoulder toss.

Current wing loading is 4.8oz per sqft. ballast ports are there for windy days.

Carbon Fiber tow hook system that can be fine tuned.

This plane has been in the brain box for some time. We have gone nose to tail and chosen the best way to do things with NO comprimises.

She is also 2.4 friendly !!!!

This is no old school 2m plane.

[j.m.]

Can it take an Oak or Maple?

What about Mother Earth?

[chipgibbs]

Paul

Wondering if this 2m will be DLG-able like the Fireworx xtend ?


Thanks

ChipG

[Double Pappa]

With some mods done by the owner it could be done. It could also be ordered that way but it will be a 1pc wing when assembled owner. A plane this size should have a 1pc wing to handle the stress of a solid launch.

We had her out in 20mph winds today with no ballast and it was pretty COOL. No need to throw her, she lifted up out of my hand and then flew close to 100yds into that wind. Occasionally she would really climb when a thermal moved through.

PP

[KillerAir]

Need to get some pics up Paul. Sounds like a winner with that kind of penetration and glide.

Killer

[Double Pappa]

Thanks Killer, I will but not until she is fully ironed out. This baby is going to blow your socks off and I want the pics to do her justice.

I have to admitt I was quite surprised at how smooth and predictable she was in that wind, with a 4.8oz wing loading I expected her to get blown all over the place.

PP

[j.m.]

HOLY JEEZ! How thin is the wing?

Is it 8%? 7%?

[jaizon]

PP - sounds incredible. I'm sure those of us visiting the forum would love to see some video as well photos of this amazing new bird. You know what they say, one pic = 1,000 words and one video = a book. I mean lifting out of your hand and going 100 yards into the wind - holy cow!!!. Can't wait to see that. I'll be watching this thread for further developments.

[KillerAir]

Can't wait Paul, so start ironing.

Killer

[Kenny Sharp]

We had her out in 20mph winds..... No need to throw her, she lifted up out of my hand and then flew close to 100yds into that wind.

PP

That is a bold statement.

Very impressive.

[Double Pappa]

I have to be totally honest....I was completely SHOCKED she did that.

I truly expected to destroy her in that wind !!! I expected to learn how we didn't want to build her. With 540sq inches and 18oz auw I really expected to give her a toss and have her end up behind us in a pile.

Instead, there were times when no toss was necessary at all and on one occasion I flew her the length of the soccer field and back down wind to me.

Trust me folks I was as shocked by all of this as you are. I have made some refinements to the wing and it is in the curing oven as we speak. I truly believe there is more to be had from this plan form. I based the design on my DragonFly DLG and that thing flies up wind amazingly well, maybe this blind squirrel found a nut.

I should have some video and pics after Sunday.

[SmokinJoe101]

http://planetsmilies.net/party-smiley-551.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

sj

[Double Pappa]

Thanks for the party !!!! That's how I felt when we got done flying !! I am really looking forward to flying this new wing this weekend !!!

[Blaine01]

Hi Guys,

I was there with Paul, and he is right, the plane has a very strong glide.

The AG foils are thin, and the unicarbon panels in the wings keep them rigid despite the thinness.

I was more than a bit concerned about turns, since there is no washout in the tips, but just a touch of camber and the plane turns very predictably and consistently at slower speeds. At normal speeds it handles well with or without camber.

There was lift coming from a parking lot in front and upwind of us, the lift was moving quickly in the turbulent air. There were faster and slower pockets in the moving air, and in the slower pockets the plane would visibly pick up speed when going upwind. Pretty impressive, especially in the conditions we we flying in.

Blaine

[Kenny Sharp]

http://planetsmilies.net/party-smiley-551.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

sj

Nice party...I'm the one in the back with the wild hair.

Looking forward to more flight reports and pics. :)

[Blaine01]

Here ya' go.

This was taken today.
Conditions were poor, much more sink than lift, but the XLT did well.

Blaine :cool:

[I_Can't_Fly]

Sexy ;)

Now Paul, all I had to fly today was my DL50. I would have much rather been flying the XLT. We had great conditions today, 50 and 0 wind. Would have loved to see the XLT in person, but sorry, had to much to get done here.

[Double Pappa]

We will get together eventually.

After flying her today off a small HS I can honestly say "I am in Love !!!!!". Smooth as silk and man does she get up and go off a HS.

[AC5FF]

Watching my doorstep every day when I get home......

[j.m.]

I do too, but I don't know why. :( :p


Hey Paul, sorry I didn't come sunday. I picked up a flying weedwhacker saturday, and I had my hands (thumbs?) full all day sunday.

[Double Pappa]

Now there's a money pit !!! Enjoy !!

[AC5FF]

I keep trying those weedwhackers on my sim... Getting no where fast; I figured that I would buy one when I could consistantly fly around and land without crashing.. Well; I have gotten to take off and somewhat fly around, but no where close.

I think i"ll stick w/Paul's creations and.. from what i've heard.. the wings are sturdy enough to do some weedwhacking on a high speed low pass... :D

[I_Can't_Fly]

I am sure you damage a blade of grass here and there with your spot landings :D

[AC5FF]

BTW Paul;
It's now Tuesday.... I seem to remember something about PICS and VIDEO coming? Matter of fact, I'm fairly certain it was in POST#16...
Since you said "AFTER Sunday" I can't in good concious accept Blaine's photo because it was submitted ON Sunday.

Okay, yeah, I am just trying to make excuses to see more pics! :D

[j.m.]

I have only broken one part so far, so I guess i'm just gifted at flying. :D

A lot of the guys in the heli forums said I would be crashing like crazy, but I ended up taking the training gear off after the 3rd flight.

Oh, and the tail boom I broke didn't "really" cost me anything to fix, I had some CF tubing the same size laying around.

I like this DFXT here, but we need more pics Paul. :o

I haven't tried to do any weedwhacking yet, haven't tried inverted flight on anything but the sim.

[Blaine01]

It was not a very pleasant day, chilly for me, anyway.
I didn't shoot any video, I was shivering some of the time, and the stills look better than the video with my camera most of the time.

Almost top view....

Blaine

[AC5FF]

Thanks Blaine! At least ONE of ya is supporting all of us!! Looks AWSOME! Great photo too!
(yeah, that's a poke at you Paul!)

I got home just as the mailman showed up and I anxiously awaited his arrival. Then I saw him leave! Dissapointment set in. But, then the UPS driver pulls up!! My hopes soar again, only to then watch him leave without ringing my door!
Oh how the emotions can fly!! :D

[Double Pappa]

At least your emotions can fly, maybe I should build some planes for them.......LOL, LOL !!!

[AC5FF]

As I typed that line I just KNEW that comment was coming! Thanks for living up to my expectations Paul! :D

[Double Pappa]

Glad I didn't disappoint !!!! Better a blade you know than something you are unfamiliar with.

Sometimes living up to expectations of what people think I will do is the toughest measure of all.......LOL, LOL !!!!

It's really kewl to be my own hero........LOL

[j.m.]

Can I get a birds eye view of the wing?

(you know, the bottom?)

[Double Pappa]

Nope

[AC5FF]

:D Meanie

[I_Can't_Fly]

A "birds eye view" is considered from Above looking down on it. Would that not be looking at the top (unless it’s flipped over)

Just picking on you JM, happy holidays :D

I too want to see some more pictures. Maybe Paul's wife will buy him a digital camera for x-mas. Then he would have no reason to NOT get us some PICTURES!!!! ;)

[j.m.]

Trying to give paul a compliment... GEEZ!

I was saying that if a bird were to see the plane, the bird would probably have to look up at it.

[AC5FF]

Read back J.M.
He has the pictures; he's just unwilling to share them!

I repeat my last post:
:D MEANIE

[j.m.]

FINE THEN!

I'll get my cousins Vinny and Tony to go and pay Paul a little visit tonight.

Maybe my Godfather, Uncle Barcel, will go too.

Did I mention my family is Italian?

[Double Pappa]

:p :p

[j.m.]

Please Paul, don't mind the black Mercedes with the tinted windows outside your driveway.

They will be gone by morning.

[Double Pappa]

I'm sure at some point in the evening they will meet my neighbors and the dawgs....
We aint welcome in them new developments.....


Looking forward to this weekend, if the weather is decent I will have a chance to really let her loose on a big HS (100' of tubing and 400' of mono). That should get her up there nicely.

[j.m.]

If you don't come up with some pictures quick, you might not make it to the weekend.

[AC5FF]

IF you can see it after launching with that!! WoW Make sure to put an altimeter on it!

I guess I will stop complaining about pictures.... If Paul ever gets my XLT mailed "I" can be the one to debut it here! :D (Okay, I'm betting on a mighty strong "IF" here!)

[I_Can't_Fly]

If Paul does not get on the ball, I might have to make my own :p

At least get me some pictures to hold me over please. :D

[Double Pappa]

I am also looking forward to seeing how fast she is with a little ballast.

Here is the deal. Pics will come when we have ironed out ALL the details. Yah, we have a ship that flies like nothing else in it's class but I want every detail to be spot on before I show any details.

This bird sports some brand new ideas and revolutionary ways of doing things that are worth the wait. When designing her I bounced many, many ideas off Blaine and others because nothing was thought of as insignificant. Most planes are designed as a big picture and then the details are sorted out. We did this bird the other way around, we started with the details and built the ship one piece at a time.

Here is one thing I will share. The tow hook system is all carbon, adjustable and applies ALL force to the wings with NO stress on the boom or fuze at all. Based on something I heard on one of my Carbon Art DVD's (the wings rule the plane) we set about designing a simple tow system that did just that. It pulls on the wings and the fuze is along for the ride.

Before you know it Jerry will be posting his build thread !!!!!!!

[cn0rris]

Subscribed! This is sounding very interesting, and the pics are tantalizing. I like the thoughts on the tow hook design - seems like it will reduce the stresses on the fuse significantly, and help reduce the weight. The fuse would just need to handle flight and landing loads.

[AC5FF]

This pod/boom setup for a fuse is probably 5x stronger than the original DF. If that one didn't bust on me yet it'll never bust. Therefor I have to assume how much more the XLT can take (great news for people like me! :D )

[j.m.]

I still don't think that the wing will take a full frontal attack from a door...

But hey, wingtips might not hurt it that much.

[Blaine01]

Hello,

This is a shot of the XLT against a treeline.
Good side angle, really shows the sleekness of the airframe.

Happy Holidays,

Blaine

[Double Pappa]

I seem to have a leak in my organization. :eek: :eek:

I guess better there than in my shorts...... :eek: :eek:

[AC5FF]

I keep tellin ya Paul; just get a bag of Depends.. Takes care of all those leaks.
No more embarassing moments either :P

[j.m.]

Should I send Vinny over?

He could bring Fluffy to take care of those "neighbors dogs".

Blaine, wear your bathing suite. Your going for a swim.

[I_Can't_Fly]

I seem to have a leak in my organization. :eek: :eek:

I guess better there than in my shorts...... :eek: :eek:

You are creeping up there in age. Have you given your kids the talk yet? You know the one......about the nursing home :D

[AC5FF]

Have you given your kids the talk yet? You know the one......about the nursing home :D

Bravo!!! THAT was a good one!!!!! High-5's ICF!

[belouder]

Huggies #6 will fit a full-grown person.

[jaizon]

Any info on the specs...airfoils, wt., wing load,etc., including price. Thanks.

[AC5FF]

jaizon
check out http://threejgliders.com
This will give you a start. I remember AUW around 16-18oz I believe. Not sure on airfoil.
I've asked but not gotten an answer. LoL

[jaizon]

Thanks. I went there, but the info is pretty vague. Just have to wait, I guess.

[Blaine01]

jaizon,

Some things may change slightly, but from preliminary builds the AUW is ~18 oz. At this weight, the ability to add ballast is just about necessary for some conditions, obviously, this AUW can change based on the builder and their experience

To answer your questions at ~18oz.:

The foils are AG series, the wing loading is ~5 oz., and the price is $400.00.

I hope this helps,

Blaine

[AC5FF]

Hey Paul / Blaine

I realize that things might change slightly, but...
What's the estimated chord on this wing?
What's the estimated Vstab size?

Thx. :D Lookn to possibly build me a box for storing/transporting :D
(Ya all know I need it to get in/out of the apartments! LoL)

[Blaine01]

AC5FF,

For container building purposes, I'd go with 10” chord, and a 14” vertical stab.

The wing loading is something that may be refined, and these 2 things may be massaged, but I doubt the XLT will exceed these dimensions for these 2 items.

Blaine

[AC5FF]

Kewl deal Blaine
Thx

14" Vstab??? WoW... Gonna have to re-think my layup :D

[Blaine01]

AC5FF,

Those numbers allow for some packaging material/padding in your container, and are "will not exceed" numbers, not actual sizes, just to be clear.

If you are going to break it, break it flying it, not transporting it..... :)

Blaine

[AC5FF]

Don't I already know it! LOL
Hence the reason for a nice box...
Oh S&#%.. just got me thinking.. I better not make this box outa pine... Might be a bad sign... :D

[jaizon]

Thanks, Blaine. I'll keep an eye out for the "official" announcement and any videos you might post.

[Double Pappa]

Blaine nailed it !!

The foils are AG foils and that will not change, this wing flies very, very well. It is indeed a thin airfoil but it handled a pretty stiff HS yesterday with no issues what so ever.

The tail feathers will be getting tweaked a bit. The size of the horizontal will be increased to help with penetrating thermals.

The pod seems to be an excellent size in terms of gear and balance. It is also holding up very well to some less than perfect landings.

The boom is holding up very well and will not be changed.

The horizontal stab bracket is fine as it is very light and plenty strong.

The wing mounting system works well but I am designing something a little more elegant.

The Tow hook system is incredible !! Very solid, tunable and all carbon.

We are very much on schedule to start shipping the first week in January.

PP

[Bob Cook]

HI PP,

Thanks for the update. This will be my first plane of this type in my stable. Looking forward to it for next summer.

Bob in Seattle

[AC5FF]

Thx for the update O'l Man

[Double Pappa]

No problem guys, My fingers got sore typing though. It must be the age and all that stuff !!!

Wife told me I still got it though !!!!!! :D :D

[AC5FF]

Got What? Arthritis?

[KillerAir]

Looking good Paul. When you gonna really launch it now :)

Killer

[AC5FF]

Yeah; where's this 500' highstart launch report?? I remember reading something about 'amazing off the top' but not much more than that (can't find that post now)...

Still watching my doorstep!!! lOl

[Bob Cook]

Hi Paul,

I'm new to this thermal sight, I usually hang out over on the electric sight. Can you tell me what the diameter of the pod is ? Or can anybody tell me who's reading this. Thanks.

Bob in Seattle

[Double Pappa]

The HS I was using on Saturday was pretty strong. I do not have a winch available but maybe I will hook it to the bumper of the car. The HS I was using on Saturday had 50' of blue tubing and 400' of 50lb mono. It makes for a very strong launch. She climbs up almost vertical and at the top keeps moving forward with no stall or hesitation. The launch was excellent it was the air that was horrible.

Thia plane is truly something special.

[AC5FF]

Hey Bob
I'd LOVE to give you that information.... but (hint hint) no package received yet!

LoL Sorry Paul... Can't resist! I know it's not January yet, but dog gone it, it's gettin close!! :D

BTW: Are you sure it was the air that was horrible? No chance it was the pilot right?

[Bob Cook]

Hi AC5FF,

Thanks for the support anyway. I just gotta ask you one thing. Where is that dynasoar in your avaitar ? Were you at Jerrisaic Park ?

Bob in Seattle

[AC5FF]

Merry Christmas All!!
Hope Santa was good to ya! :D
http://sl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/591/591674ynaw4yxc5f.gif

[Ninjak2k]

Any more on this? Been keeping an eye on it for a while.

~Dan

[Bob Cook]

Hi Dan,

I've been watching too. But it just died. I hope everything is OK with the producers of the plane. I really wanted one of these.

Bob in Seattle

[AC5FF]

Talked to Paul just the other day ... XLTs are going great... There has been TONS of interests in this bird. I hope for Paul's sake that this thing takes off like a rocket once they start shipping.. :)

Still watching my doorstep, but expect that things will start shipping soon. Keep an eye out; once I get mine here I'll put together a build log.

[Bob Cook]

Thanks for the update. I'm in a holding pattern and waiting paitently.

Bob in Seattle

[AC5FF]

Have you talked with Paul and/or gotten one on order yet?
If not - I'd recommend it.. From what I have heard he's got quite a list working! :D

[Double Pappa]

Here is an update so folks don't think I have forgotten them. This plane is Done !!! By that she flies like a dream and we are now just making her pretty. I am hoping we can start shipping in the next 10 days.

Here are some details:
Fiberglass and Carbon Pod
Two piece wing with carbon wing joiner
RDS standard
Carbon tow hook system
Carbon and fiberglass wing skins

We will get some video up as soon as we can.

PP

[Bob Cook]

I've been on the list for a while now.

[Ninjak2k]

Sounds awesome! I just sent you an email to the address on your website, Paul, about both the DragonFly DLG and this baby! I'll take one of each. :D

~Dan

[AC5FF]

You'll not be disappointed Dan.. ;)

Paul - Videos??? Do you know HOW to do that??? :D

[Bob Cook]

Hi AC5FF,

OK I'll ask you again. Where is that dinasoar on your avaitar ?

Bob in Seattle

[AC5FF]

I'm sorry, must have missed that earlier!
It's on top of Dino Hill, Rapid City SD - Sits right on Skyline Dr.
Lat: 44.0789012
Long: -103.245554

[cynjon]

I'm sorry, must have missed that earlier!
It's on top of Dino Hill, Rapid City SD - Sits right on Skyline Dr.
Lat: 44.0789012
Long: -103.245554


And not a bad place to slope if the wind is right! ;)

[AC5FF]

yup yup
starting to do that more n more lately.. Just need to work on landing.
Flying my plane(s) have been a blast there, but... Can't land em for nuthin.
My best landings is to slow down the plane by running into the power lines and letting it fall to the ground from there! LoL

[Double Pappa]

Okay, I am going to post the list I have at this point. If I miss anyone please let me know so I can keep this straight. There has been so much interest in this project and we are very close to shipping kits so I will start taking payment this week.

The List:
I can't Fly
SeanPCola
BobCook
E-Mail order
Ninja2K
E-Mail order
E-Mail order


I know I missed some folks so I will go back through my e-mails and PM's but please don't hesitate to let me know if I left you out and you had contacted me regarding the XLT.

Hey Jerry, Maybe I'll build you one if you are nice....LOL No I can't run a video camera Blaine will run the camera......I just fly.......

[target]

Price??

I didn't see one on your website.

Thanks, Target

[AC5FF]

Hey Jerry, Maybe I'll build you one if you are nice....LOL No I can't run a video camera Blaine will run the camera......I just fly.......

Well; at least you don't claim to be "I Can't Fly"
(but we all know the truth, don't we! :D)

[Double Pappa]

You just keep going with the shovel.....LOL

I am in the process of finalizing the XLT list. Anyone who wants to stay on the order list or be added to it please contact me this week.

We also have a slot where Jerry was......LOL

[Ninjak2k]

Is there enough carbon in the pod that you think it would affect 2.4 GHz systems?

[j.m.]

Probably not. Paul uses 2.4ghz.