So it's basically the same airframe as the V2 just without the retracts? Does it come with the retracts but you have to install them or do you have to buy them separately? I see in the photo above that the struts are in the box but are the retract units?

Are the props stronger than the originals? The original's props were very very delicate and belly flopping this thing with props that fragile isn't going to be fun.

Very good point about the props, I was wondering the same thing.
I’m glad they’re bringing the Lancaster back but I’ll wait and see how people get on with the belly landing before I hit the buy button.

Looks interesting, but a bit too large for me. What blows my mind is 7 minutes on a 1400mAh 3S battery? With 4 props, how is this possible?

Originally Posted by BlacknTan

Looks interesting, but a bit too large for me. What blows my mind is 7 minutes on a 1400mAh 3S battery? With 4 props, how is this possible?

Very small motors. It's not uncommon for 250-size quadcopters to get 10+ minutes of casual buzzing around on 1300mah packs. So that's not all that surprising.

My question is will it balance with a pack that small? Without the retracts infront of the CG? My V2 needed a 3s 2200 pushed as far forward as possible to balance. And that was with the retracts ahead of the CG.

Hi guys. To answer some questions.

No it does not come with retracts, but covers over the previously open retract wells. These are skid plates that protect this area on belly landing. This was all done to keep the airframe as light as possible and it flies better for it. However if you wish to fit the optional retracts, the mounting blocks can be found under these covers and its a very straight forward job to do.

On props I've been flying the one in the video for a few months now and my old one a lot before that and have yet to break a prop on landing, but you do need to gave it power through the approach and cut the power just as you land, and find good grass too. Do that and you'll be fine, if not, we have spares.

Yes 7min flight times with mixed throttle use are possible on a 1400mah 3S I found. I'd be flying the majority of this 7min flight at mid throttle and just cruising however keep in mind. But even with a more sprightly use of power 6mins is within the norms of this model on this pack.

For balance, if you do not intend to use make use of the optional retracts remove the lump of nose weight from inside the nose of the fuselage and you can balance the model with the 1400mah pack shown approximately here in this image. Note my Rx is at the rear under the foam you can see and the camera on the wing is approx on the CG.

Hope this helps gents.

S.

Originally Posted by Stuart Warne

Hi guys. To answer some questions.
On props I've been flying the one in the video for a few months now and my old one a lot before that and have yet to break a prop on landing, but you do need to gave it power through the approach and cut the power just as you land, and find good grass too. Do that and you'll be fine, if not, we have spares.

S.

Thanks Stuart. Luckily I’ve got two spare sets of props for my V2 anyway.

Stuart, how much of the airframe is actually different?

Can we remove the retracts and install the skids on a V2 and end up with the same weight or has there been significant structural changes to get the weight down? I have a V2 that I've flown once and I wouldnt mind pulling the retracts and putting the covers over them if that's bring it down to the V3s weight.

Hm. I have v2 already, flies nice. If this were 1875 mm, or scale to the HK B-17, then it would be Game On for me, but, 'til that time...

Originally Posted by dudewheresmyhuri

Hm. I have v2 already, flies nice. If this were 1875 mm, or scale to the HK B-17, then it would be Game On for me, but, 'til that time...

One in that size would be nice. Roughly 1/16-ish, +-1. Roughly the same scale as the Fliteline B-24, Taft B-25 and the old 650mm Funfighters that really should come back too. 1/16 is a good size.

Too fricking small!

Originally Posted by MANFRED1

Too fricking small!

Agreed. Wouldn't it be great if they made it the same size as the HK B-17?

Originally Posted by MANFRED1

Too fricking small!

Then build one yourself
www.tonynijhuisdesigns.co.uk/Lancaster72

Originally Posted by Rampage

Stuart, how much of the airframe is actually different?

Can we remove the retracts and install the skids on a V2 and end up with the same weight or has there been significant structural changes to get the weight down? I have a V2 that I've flown once and I wouldnt mind pulling the retracts and putting the covers over them if that's bring it down to the V3s weight.

Hi Rampage, weight saving was the focus on this V3, that and there is a little more pre-fabrication out of the box (control horns pre-installed now for example) and a new more high vis scheme (scale red flashes on the tail), structurally its essentially the same airframe. In reality this does translate to a better flying airframe and that was the focus for the V3.

So with that, yes you could do as you suggest and add the skid plates. That's actually a great idea, I will make the skid plates available as a spar part for those that wish to do this, so thank you for this feedback.

S.

Just when I swore to myself I wasn't buying anymore planes.

Interesting that you still get the full bomb load, even though the bomb bay no longer works. I guess you can put a servo on the bomb bay doors. Then add the retracts. Then you have a V2!