Originally Posted by lesterpk

Oh no Barry, haven't you read the almost 300 pages in the Xplorer thread about how the large stab size is so incredibly important. You cant be serious trying to use a smaller stab. It'll never work, everyone knows large stabs are 3.275% more effective ;-)

Wait a minute! Which stab am I supposed to be using on my Xplorer????

Ahem, is there going to be a electro fuse for Maxa? With that light weight it looks ideal to kit as a F5J ship.

Time to go see Snickers and see what's doing in Barry's hangar

Answering my own question, yes there will be a electro fuse, I got told today...

Any new news?

MAXA came in at 1700 grams, 60 oz., awesome for a 3.925 meter, 154.5 ", plane! Congratulations Vladimir, the new technology 45 g spread tow helped make this possible.

We were out testing with John and Henry this morning refining the flight modes. Air was buoyant so we had some nice long flights to work on control throws.

Flaps slow it down to a walk for landing. We shot some video of landings and hope to put it up on site soon.

Come by and see it at the Muncie NATS next week.

Barry

So the Maxa has been quite the buzz here in Dallas of late. Flying buddy JimmyMac called me a few weeks ago when he was visiting Snickers/shopping at Barry's place with the first local sighting. Pre-assembled he was smitten.

A few days later I got wind of the pre-nats test flights and promply invited myself along for the ride. Several of us had a taste, and after the club weenie roast, it was declared, ready for Nats.

My impressions (with Barry's permission).

4M wingspan, AUW is 60 oz., the model feels deceptively light, yet very solid.
In launch camber pulls like a mule as expected
Similar layout to the Supra Comp Pro however the stab is now integrated
Airfoils are proprietary, not the same as the Supra I'm told
Wing attachement is different, "blind nuts" are anchored in the top of the wing, the bolts come up through the lip of the pylon from the bottom. Very solid, but different.

I was able to fly it in early morning lift, the model was probably 80% dialed in. All I can say is.... wow. I'm new to "high end" molded ships, my point of reference being my trusty Eraser Extreme. The model was as easy to fly as my Ava.

At one point the Maxa was in the same air as a "classic" Supra that I'm told weighs in at 72 oz. Both excellent pilots, it was interesting to watch the Maxa go up, and the Supra come down.

Before flying the Maxa I spent some time on the classic Supra sticks and conclude that Supra drivers will feel very comfortable with this ship. Honestly, the thing was so easy to fly, with minimal practice I could put the nose in a dixie cup. Very stable and responsive "in close to at the ramp". As expected. it was very light and lively, with a Drela like speed range. I was amazed how crisp she felt in the roll axis.

I took a few iPhone shots, Barry was filming with John flying this morning, I'm sure he'll soon post some quality shots and video. Or you could go to Muncie, Barry the sailplane pusherman will be giving sample flights!

I'm just a club knuckel dragger who happened to be at the right place and time to have a taste of this incredible ship. I'm sure there will be some extensive reviews coming soon. The consesus among those who flew and observed was that this ship is a game changer for those who have the means.

Thanks to Barry for letting us play!

Dan in Dallas

So the price shows 2500 is that accurate

WOW! What happend to the estimated $2000 price tag? I really hoped the price would be more reasonable for the times/economy!

I wonder if they are going to honor the $2k price for ppl who are already on the list?

I was wondering the same thing. I can do 2k, but 2.5k is a little to rich for my blood. Especially for beta testing a model.

I wouldn't be suprised if the price doesn't go up more.

Originally Posted by tdkiller

I wouldn't be suprised if the price doesn't go up more.

And why shouldn't it! Try building one of these creations yourself! 4mtr span @ 60oz and able to be winch launched. Worth all of $2.5K in my opinion.
D.

Originally Posted by Larrikin

And why shouldn't it! Try building one of these creations yourself! 4mtr span @ 60oz and able to be winch launched. Worth all of $2.5K in my opinion.
D.

That's not Aussie dollars, mate. It is steep but no one is getting rich making or selling these. There is always a price point beyond which the consumer will balk. However, I'm not sure that applies to the high end sailplane market. If it's really phenomenal, it appears we will buy it. I'm in a wait and see mode, secretly hoping field test reports will tip the scales.

[QUOTE=jaizon;18681333]That's not Aussie dollars, mate.
You haven't checked the exchange rates lately!
$1US buys $0.93AUD
For years we have been paying way above you guys for our sailplanes. I can recall Carl Strautins paying almost $12kAUD to get 3 ICONs landed in prep for the 2005 world championships!