I have one kit left.

What's new in this attempt is an updated Firefly with the metal gearbox.

Just ran it on 10 cells (10 cells!) and it drew only .96A. (1A limit vs. .5A limit on the original Firefly).

The plan is to glass and paint this Vipe, run it on 10 cells with a Gunther prop, Sky Hooks Rx, JMP-HF9, WES LS-3.0 linear servo for the elevator, and a Pico servo for the ailerons.

AUW should be around 120-130 grams. Should have power to spare.

The updated Firefly looks to be a great motor for foamy conversion.

Roy

I don't think glassing the fuselage is necessary.
It is a tough bird.
Glassing the bottom of the wing to stiffen it will help though

Dr. Blott,

Agreed, glassing the fuse isn't necessary but would make a nice paintable surface for the totally cool scale look.

You should check out the upgraded Firefly! I believe it's the answer we were look for last summer.

I dont have a way to measure thrust, but I'd sure like to know what this baby is delivering on 10 cells.

Roy

Mike,

Another question: How necessary is it to remove chamber on the wing?

Roy

The surface is readily paintable with testors or other plastic safe paint.
I am not trying to talk you out of glassing because I would be interested in the result.

The new firefly is very promising. Greg Covey is looking into it.

I noticed a small planatary geared motor on the Mikes Tiny Models web site.

It can use regular Speed controls.

Removing the under chamber speeds the model up a bit and helps it stay in axial rolls.

It is not neccessary to make it a nice flying model.

Roy,

Great idea! I'm almost certain that it will work because my last attempt on the Viper was very similar and stabile but the .5 amp Firefly just couldn't keep it airborn for very long. It would gradually decend to the ground in a controlled fashion.

I haven't tried 10 cells yet. I know the AF ESC doesn't support it so I'm assuming the HF-9 does. I really like my HF-9 on my 6-cell converted Lightning.

I also have one Viper left from my last buy from Mike. If my other Firefly doesn't work out in the first (heavy) Acro-Bipe, I may copy your results so keep us posted. You know how these failed projects of the past keep festering in our sub-consious.

Regards.

Greg,

The HF9 can handle 13V. I assume the problem with the AF ESC is input voltage? I thought I read it was rated for 2A draw.

I'd sure like to know what kind of thrust the Firely can deliver on 10 cells. Gordon??

Roy

GWS EDP-50XC power.

2 flights in the wind so far. I have found that it needs a good amount of right thrust to fly straight at full power.

Fun for cheap!

John,

Nice looking Viper! I can't tell from the photo if you are using rudder or aileron control.

Roy,

At least the AF ESC has linear control on 8-cells so I would probably start with that since I have two of them.

My indoor events are done for the season so I have to change my focus somewhat to build micro-flight planes for outdoors. The good ol' Viper conversion falls right into that catagory.

What cell type are you planning on using?

Instead of glassing, you might consider a coat of polycyrlic. Then you could use any paint you want. Just my 2 cents.

I'm using R/E/T for simplicity. One small mod I will be making is adding a light music wire single skid (kind of a bow) on the bottom of the nose section. With no landing gear I break the prop evertime I land (I fly off dirt, not grass).

Here's a better picture for the Rudder and Elevator detail.

I have discovered a way to get longer flights with my VIPER!

Much research has gone into this.
Failed gear drives
under pitched props
Some have gone the coreless motor route with success.

A very simple mod is needed.

On my Focus III there is a switch like thing on the back.
All the was to the left and the motor does not run. I usually keep it there when I am on the ground or working on the plane.

All the way to the right and the motor runs.

I discovered that if your put it somewhere in between that the motor still runs but not as strong BUT it runs LONGER!!!!

I will have to try the mod on my other planes too!!!!

Were do you buy vipers?

In the past


This was the predecessor to the Cox Micro Warbirds... By Estes.