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Tyler Hawker builds and flies the 3D Hobby Shop 46" Vyper, a new hybrid design that competes with the best in both the 3D and sport aerobatic classes!
 
3D Hobby Shop 46" Vyper Review
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By tjhawker tjhawker is offline
Old Oct 11, 2009, 07:41 AM
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Introduction


3D Hobby Shop 46" Vyper
Wingspan: 46"
Wing Area: 490 sq. in.
Weight: 38-42 oz.
Length: 46"
Wing Loading: oz/sq. ft.
Servos: 4x Hitec HS-65MG
Transmitter: Futaba 2.4GHz 10CHP
Receiver: Futaba R617 2.4GHz 7ch
Battery: Thunder Power 3s 2200mAh LiPo
Motor: 3DHS Omega 130g
ESC: Extreme Flight AirBoss 45A Elite
Typical Flight Duration: 5-7min
Manufacturer: 3D Hobby Shop
Available From: 3D Hobby Shop
Price: $189.99 + shipping

Over the past couple years; 3D Hobby Shop (3DHS) has released a lot of very popular, high quality electric aircraft models. One of their more unique aircraft, the hybrid 46” Vyper, has become one of my favorite go-to electric airframes. The Vyper, developed by Scott Stoops, is considered a hybrid because of its ability to perform both 3D and precision maneuvers. The airframe itself is shaped similarly to that of a pattern aircraft (swept wing, long fuselage), but the large control surfaces, light wing loading and superb design allow it to perform 3D maneuvers as if it were any other 3D aircraft. The Vyper looks to be a top performer in both the 3D and sport aerobatics classes.

Box Contents

My Vyper came with all of the contents neatly laid out and secured in a triple-boxed package for the ultimate damage protection. I first noticed carbon fiber renforcements in the fuselage and the high quality Ultracote covering used. After a couple hours after letting it adjust to the high altitude and dry Colorado heat, I took a few minutes and a heat gun to the few wrinkles that existed.

Kit Components Right out of the box
 

Awesome hardware package, all parts accounted for
 

Yellow Vyper out of the box
 

The 3D Hobby Shop 46” Vyper kit contains:

  • High quality Ultracote covering
  • Superb hardware package
  • Carbon Fiber Landing Gear and Wing Tube
  • Phenolic Control horns
  • Sliding canopy latch
  • Matching fiber glass cowl and wheel pants
  • Very long battery tray suited for any reasonable electric setup
  • Manual with photos and setup tips from the designer

The 3D Hobby Shop 46” Vyper kit requires:

  • 350-500watt Brushless Outrunner Motor
  • 45A sized Brushless Electronic Speed Control
  • 3s or 4s 2200-2600mAh LiPo battery pack
  • 4x Hitec HS-65MG servos (or equivalent)
  • 2x 12” Servo Extension
  • 2x 4” Servo Extension
  • 1x 8” Servo Extension
  • APC 12x6 – 14x7 Electric Propeller
  • 42-48mm Spinner
  • 3DHS Long Servo Arm set (for full 3D throws)
  • Standard ARF building supplies and tools

Assembly

Following the highly detailed instruction manual, the Vyper can be assembled and flying in as little as 6 hours. The build process was very easy, and everything fit together quite well. The included hardware is very high quality and was veasy to work with. Let’s go through some of the build process and get a 46” Vyper ready to go.

Fuselage, Tail and Wings

Fuselage assembly is where I spent most of my time during the build. After cutting out all the necessary holes, I assembled the landing gear and wheel pants. Although not mentioned in the manual, I used a little bit of shoo-goo between the wheel pants and landing gear to help keep the wheel pants straight. I also used a little bit of medium CA to glue the foam wheels to the rim. I have found that both of these things help to keep the wheels from locking up and damaging the plane during a rough landing.

The tail assembly went very smoothly. I took my time to align the elevator stab and made sure everything was square before gluing. All of the stabs and control surfaces fit and aligned perfectly without any modifications. When installing the stabs, I made sure not to cut the covering. It has been recommended that you wick extra thin CA where the elevator joiner contacts each elevator half to help strengthen the bond between the joiner and the elevator to prevent an in-flight failure.

Assembling the wings is probably the easiest thing to do in the build. The ailerons (like all of the control surfaces) use CA hinges that are already pre-installed which makes installing them very easy. I just slid the ailerons in place, aligned and glued. I installed the servos and control horns, and I was done!

Gorgeous pearl green covering scheme.
High Quality Ultracote Material
 

Wings, rudder and elevator all ready to go
 

Strong, pre-installed motor box.
Very long battery tray for wide CG range
 

Carbon fiber renforcements
Easy to use canopy latch
 

Holes cut for installing the wings.
 

Holes cut for cooling purposes
and for the rear servos and stabilizers.
 

Landing Gear assembled and installed on fuselage
 

Do not cut the covering on the stabilizers.
Doing so will weaken them.
 

Apply additional thin CA where
the elevator joiner is pre-glued at the factory
 

Tail servos installed
(I went with the optional rear-mounted rudder servo)
 

Aileron Servo and hardware installed
 

Power System and Electronics

The Power Systems

Spec Omega 103g Omega 130g
Weight 103g 130g
KV 1030kv 870kv
Max Amps 40A 40A
Max Power 450W 580W
Prop size 12x6 or 13x6.5 14x7 or 12x6
Battery 3S 3S or 4s
Available From: 3D Hobby Shop

My Thoughts...
Since I had the opportunity, I tested out the following setups on the 46" Vyper:

Omega 103g | 3s 2200mAh battery
This lightweight setup (and my preferred setup for 3D aerobatics) provides enough pull out of hover and provides for a nice, relaxing flight. I felt that I was able to perform harriers and rolling harriers much better with this setup over the other two, but it may lack in power for the average 3D pilot, especially on older batteries.
Omega 130g | 3s 2200mAh battery
This setup flies both 3D and precision/sport aerobatics very well. I would highly recommend this setup for the average 3D and sport pilot: There is ample power to pull out of any hairy situation, and the plane still feels light and floaty. This setup provides unlimited vertical power for drawing nice, clean aerobatic lines.
Omega 130g | 4s 2200mAh battery
I'm not a big fan of high-power setups, but I did give this one a shot. The power was more than plentiful, and I found myself rarely exceeding 3/4 throttle. This setup was great for flying general aerobatics and some 3D, however, I felt the heavier wing loading dampened the 3D performance and made it harder to maintain a stable harrier and hover.

Motor – After wicking the motor box joints with thin CA, I installed the Omega 103g motor from 3DHS. For cowl spacing, the motor requires the use of the four included spacers. The firewall has pre-drilled holes and pre-installed blind nuts for most of the popular motors, so installing the motor was as simple as tightening 4 bolts.

Speed Controller – Using the recommended setups, the Vyper requires a 45A Speed controller. I used the recommended Extreme Flight Airboss 45A Elite controller. I installed it using some adhesive backed Velcro, securing it with a double-sided Velcro strip. I opted to install the speed controller on the side of the motor box so I could easily access the on/off switch. For cooling purposes, however, it would be better to install the speed controller on the bottom of the motor box.

Servos – Hitec HS-65MG servos were a drop-in fit into the servo mounting locations. I used two 18” light weight extensions for the tail servos and two 3” light weight extensions for the aileron servos. Using the stock EZ connectors, push rods and ball-link ends, there were no issues or binding connecting the control surfaces to the servos. It is required that medium CA be used to lock the EZ connector and ball-link nuts down so they do not come off in flight. If CA is not used to secure the nuts, the connections will fail and the plane will crash.

Omega 103g brushless outrunner motor
Airboss Elite 45A speed controller
 

Hi-Tec HS65-MG servos
Futaba R617 2.4GHz receiver
3DHS recommends using their long phenollic arms for maximum 3D throws.
 

I added a large washer between the motor stand-offs and firewall.
This helps prevent the stand-offs from biting into the firewall, which could give odd thrust-angles.
 

I installed the switch for the Air Boss 45A Elite speed controller on the inside of the fuse by gluing it down with some shoo-goo.
 

Cowl aligned and mounted using the technique shown in the manual
 

Setup

I followed the manual’s recommendation for aircraft setup (quoted below). The manual provides an excellent explanation on the setup.

Elevator High Rates Set to 45degrees
 

Aileron High Rates set to 28degrees
 

Center of Gravity set
 

3D Hobby Shop Recommended Setup
CG: 120mm-140mm (130mm is recommended to start)
Low Rates (Sport, Precision)
Ailerons 15 degrees 30% Expo
Elevator 13 degrees 30% Expo
Rudder 45 degrees 75% Expo
High Rates (3D)
Ailerons 28 degrees 75% Expo
Elevator 45 degrees 75% Expo
Rudder 45 degrees 85% Expo

Flying

Maiden and Trimming

The maiden flight of the Green Vyper was a new experience for me. I had never flown an airplane like this before, and didn’t know what to expect. With the CG and throws set to manual specifications, I was very impressed that the model only required a couple clicks of rudder trim for straight and level flight. After a few rolls and half-Cubans to get used to the flight characteristics of this new airframe, I had no problem bringing the plane down for some KE passes, upright, inverted and rolling harriers, hovers and torque rolls. After a short 4 minute maiden flight, I landed so I could start trimming it out to see what the Vyper could really do.

After a few flights of trimming, I had it flying exactly how I like it. For trims, my Vyper required 1-2% Rudder-to-Elevator and 3% Rudder-to-Aileron mixing for knife edge flight, and one small washer of additional up-thrust for vertical lines.

Sport Flying

Although I spend most of my time practicing 3D maneuvers, the Vyper can be set up to fly very well for the average sport pilot. I found no bad habits at all while flying this plane around and performing the very basic pattern sequences. It tracks very straight, rolls very axially and on low-rates is not twitchy at all. The Vyper is easy to land, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to achieve a beautiful 3-point landing. It’s almost as easy as lining up with the runway and reducing the throttle.

Aerobatics

Flying the Vyper is almost like flying the perfect plane. Smooth, straight tracking and wild 3D aerobatics are not a very common mixture among a lot of the planes in this size, but the Vyper really does have an ability to switch back and forth from precision to 3D flight with ease. Most of my flights start off with some easy flying, maybe a few point rolls and IMAC maneuvers, and then I flip it to high rates and bring it down for some 3D fun.
Here's a brief overview of some of the more popular maneuvers:

Rolling – The Vyper performs rolling maneuvers very well. Slow rolls, point rolls and rolling harriers were all very precise, controllable and axial. It doesn’t require much rudder or elevator adjustments to draw a straight line while rolling.

Knife Edge – The Vyper is one of the best planes I’ve had for knife edge flight. It required very little mixing for straight lines. Knife Edge loops and turns are no problem and exhibit no bad-habits. I have caught myself flying over half a flight doing only knife edge maneuvers with this plane - it's just that easy.

Snap Rolls – The Vyper does some very nice snap rolls. They can be as tight or as deep as you want them to be and stop on a dime.

Rolling Harriers – a bit more difficult and faster than some other 3D aircraft, but once you get used to them, they become second nature and are easy to do.

Harriers and Elevators – The Vyper performs some fantastic elevators and harriers. They take a little bit more work than some other 3D aircraft, but once you find the “sweet spot” they are very stable with no wing rock, and are close to effortless. I have found that high alpha harriers are the easiest to control and the most stable.

Hovers and Torque Rolls – The Vyper hovers really well also. With the CG a bit aft, it locks in and will hover all day long. The control surfaces are plenty big to prevent torque rolling, but when you want it to roll, it does so very well. There was plenty of power out of the hover with the Omega 103g setup.

Flat Spins – Controllable and predictable. I really enjoy performing flat spins with the Vyper. They are consistent and flat and are very easy to stop with opposite rudder.

Knife-Edge Spins – I was very impressed at how tight the plane tumbled. It took a few attempts to figure out the best way to get into a KE spin, and I found that with a bit of throttle management and very little rudder, KE spins wrap up very nicely.

Flight Photo Gallery/Video

Day of flying at the LAMA R/C Club field












Photos Taken by: Ryan White

ADC Vinyl Graphics Installed






ADC Vinyl does an exceptional job with their vinyl graphics packages.
The Vinyl is top quality and adds nominal weight to the airframe.
They sell graphics packages for most 3D Hobby Shop airframes
and also have other graphics available on their website: ADC Hobby Store

Downloads
Type Name
Size
Tyler Hawker flying the Vyper
29.59 MB

Durability

The Vyper is an extremely durable plane. I have put mine through a ton of abuse, and it keeps on going. It has had the wing tips scraped down the runway in KE, fallen out of hovers due to LiPo-cutoff, skidded across the runway after catching the rudder in inverted harrier and even cart wheeled once after the elevator caught some tall grass. Most of the damage could be repaired with a little bit of CA, and for the rest of it, well, 3D Hobby Shop stocks a lot of spare parts. The worst damage was during the cartwheel where some of the balsa on the side of the fuselage broke, but the carbon fiber re-enforcements saved the fuselage from breaking in half. The motor box also survived which I was surprised to see, I thought I was going to have to replace it for sure.

Is it for beginners?

No. While the Vyper is a very solid plane to fly, it does require some skill. It is a purpose-built aerobatic airframe that can be flown aggressively. This is a great airframe for someone who has a good understanding of aerobatics and is looking to advance his skills.

Conclusion

For lack of a better word, the Vyper is awesome. I love having an airframe that combines a mixture of precision and 3D flight characteristics. The plane tracks very well for long, smooth pattern maneuvers and at the same time can slow down and harrier with the best of ‘em. Since the first time I flew the Vyper, it has stayed in the truck just in case I happen to drive past an open field with some time to get in a few flights. After hundreds of flights, I broke down and bought another one to have as a backup. This plane truly brings new meaning to “Fly the Best”.

Big Thanks to…
  • Ben at 3D Hobby Shop for all his support and help and allowing me to do this review.
  • Scott Stoops for getting me involved with this review and a great airframe design.
  • Ryan White for taking the in-flight photographs.
  • Rob at ADC Vinyl for the fantastic vinyl decal package.
  • Jeff at Plane-Fun R/C for the servos, batteries and spare spinners.

Pluses:

  • Light weight, strong airframe construction
  • Well balanced mixture of precision and 3D flight capabilities
  • Quiet, reliable and powerful power system
  • Easy to assemble

Minuses:

  • None

Last edited by Angela H; Oct 05, 2009 at 08:26 PM..
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 08:39 AM   #2
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Very nice review and video.

You did forget 2 Minuses:
Once you fly this you will want a bigger version
Once you fly a 3DHS plane you will spend more $$$ on their airframes.

Umm, maybe thoses are pluses and not minuses now that I think about it.

Carlo

PS, tjhawker maybe you could give a bit of comparison how this flys compared to the SHP or new 330SC in similar sized airframes. The SHP has been used by many to practice both 3D and precision also.
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 01:00 PM   #3
just groov'n...
 
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Nicely done Tyler, and great flying. Certainly the fastest rollers in an RCGroups review, ever.

Unsure why it didn't make the review, but here's my favorite video of Tyler flying this green Vyper. The shot of the yawing landing at the end is awesome...

Tyler's 46" Green Vyper
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 01:23 PM   #4
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Tyler,

Super review! Very detailed explain on all crucial points of the build and several different possible setups. Clean, clear pics and a full take-off and landing on the video. Was that you flying in the vid? I kept hearing a gas engine in the vid, I am sure it was another plane at the air field but it was loudest when you plane was close. LOL Really nice flying in the vid great hovering skills.

Thanks for the review.

John
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 09:47 PM   #5
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Thanks for the compliments guys. Yes that was me flying in both videos (thanks for posting the second video Arron). The review video was filmed by Jeff Mitchell of Plane-Fun R/C at the LAMA R/C Club field (thanks again Jeff!).

As for plane comparisons...IMO....
The Vyper tracks better, and performs general pattern-type maneuvers better than the SHP and 330. The SHP will lock into hovers and harriers easier, and is more "floaty," but the Vyper isn't a slouch in the 3D department. The SHP would probably be the better choice for someone who is new to 3D, but the Vyper is great for a second or third airplane when you're looking to improve or broaden your piloting skills.

--Tyler
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 09:57 PM   #6
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Is that Joe Satriani ?
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 10:21 PM   #7
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It's been a while since I watched the video, but I think so. I'd re-watch it and confirm, but I'm in Phoenix right now on my way back from TAS, and no way to watch the video.
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 10:24 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tjhawker
It's been a while since I watched the video, but I think so. I'd re-watch it and confirm, but I'm in Phoenix right now on my way back from TAS, and no way to watch the video.
Great job Tyler. Love those videos. Great flying, and thanks to you, Jeff, and Ryan for getting it all done!

Scott
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 10:41 PM   #9
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Thanks Scott, glad you like it.
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 11:37 PM   #10
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Nice plane and flying!
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Old Oct 11, 2009, 11:50 PM   #11
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Very well done Tyler! Here's my favorite Vyper video and one of the big reasons I got one. Maybe I just like that song...

http://www.vimeo.com/5740662
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Old Oct 12, 2009, 12:21 PM   #12
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Thx guys! I wish the camera wasn't so shaky in that yellow video
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Old Oct 12, 2009, 02:23 PM   #13
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Even with the "shaky" video work, still one of the best Vyper Vids...
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Old Oct 13, 2009, 02:30 PM   #14
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Great job Tyler! The review is very well written.

Jeff
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Old Oct 13, 2009, 10:16 PM   #15
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Thanks Jeff Thanks for the help filming and getting the stuff to get these guys setup and flying.
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