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aeajr
477 Posts |
 Posted - 02/04/2007 : 11:15:07 AM
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Updated Feb 2011
STEP UP SAILPLANES FOR SPORT OR CONTEST FLYING
Many new sailplane/glider pilots start with 2 meter foam or
wood R/E gliders. If you are one of these and have found you
love thermal soaring, and who wouldn't, you may be wondering
what your next step up plane might be. This is written for you.
I am going to bring a few to your attention. These will traverse a
wind range of wing spans, materials, control surface choices as well
as kits and ARFs and a big spread on prices. There are no RTF
planes in this discussion. I only include planes that can be purchased new.
You can always look at used planes, but since their quality and availability
are not reliable, that is not the subject of this discussion. There are
always deals available on used planes, if you can find one. Just make sure
you
know what you are buying.
I group the planes according to common contest wing span sizes.
Up to 2.0 M
Up to 2.5 M/100" - also called standard class
Any size, but typically over 2.5M, is the unlimited class.
I have the various materials and control surfaces mixed together but I do
mention what they are. I set a price limit of $500 for the 2M planes.
Larger planes are capped at $850 in this arbitrarily "midrange" class of
planes.
This is the cost for the kit or ARF alone. This does not include
electronics or
accessories. However there are planes on the list for under $200, so there
is something for everyone.
Note: Prices are for reference only as they can change at any time.
If you have the budget, the leading contest planes, like the Sharon, the
Pikes,
the Supra, the Icon, and others, typically run over $1000 and some can run
0ver $2000. They are not mentioned here.
If you have recommendations for planes that are available NEW, please feel
free to post your recommendation, a link to the source of the plane, and why
you recommend it.
Naturally what represents a step-up plane for you depends on what you are flying now. So I am going to assume you have a 2M Easy Glider, Spirit, Gentle Lady, Vista or some other 2 or 3 channel glider that is normally recommended for beginners.
Up to 2.0 M
Spirit Elite - 2M ARF $130
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAVR0&P=7
Renny - 2M ARF $319
I have my eye on this one for myself
R/E/A/F - built up wing with composit D box construction
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=5645
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=623471
Alto - 2m $469 ARF
R/E/A/R - built up wing with carbon D Box and carbon capped ribs
http://www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16493&category_id=258
Laser 2 M ARF - $479
R/E/A/F - Bagged carbon wing over foam
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=59
SiSu C 2M - $464
R/E/A/F - Carbon Fiber/Kevlar sheeted wing
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=65
These theads has some other opinions on good 2M gliders
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634673&page=6#post7076175
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638320&page=2#post6925057
2.01 Meter to 2.5 M or 100 inches - Standard Class
Scepter 100 - $99
built up wood RES plane - Kit
http://www.mountainmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_28&products_id=178
Skybench Olympic II - $139
99" RES all wood kit
http://www.skybench.com/slnost.html
http://www.skybench.com/olyii.html
Art Hobby Planes
JK Thermik - $235 ARF
2.5 M R/E/A Wood sheeted foam core wing
http://www.arthobby.com/index.php?page=item&category=29&sub_category=32&item=223
Thermik RES - $260 ARF
2.5M RES - Wood sheeted foam core wing
http://www.arthobby.com/index.php?page=item&category=29&sub_category=32&item=280
Evolution - $299 ARF
2.5M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
http://www.arthobby.com/index.php?page=item&category=29&sub_category=32&item=283
Wisper - 2.04 M ARF - $410
R/E/A/F - hollow molded wing with carbon spar -
Probably too big for most 2M events
http://www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16281&category_id=258
Opus $535
2.5M R/E/A/F bagged foam core wing
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=69
Organic - $620
2.5M Built up wood/carbon D box construction - R/E/A/F ARF
Kevlar wrapped carbon spar
http://www.kennedycomposites.com/organic.htm
Over 2.5 M or over 100" = Unlimited Class
Skybench Big Bird - $169
110" RES Built up wood RES plane - kit
http://www.skybench.com/
http://www.skybench.com/slbird.html#bbird
Marauder - $149
115" 2.9 M built up wood RES plane - Kit
http://www.mmglidertech.com/marauder.htm
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571430&page=5
Skybench Sky Bird - $175
132" RES Built up Wood kit - fiberglass fuse optional
http://www.skybench.com/
http://www.skybench.com/index.html?http://www.skybench.com/assembly.html#skybird
Go about 3/4 way down the page
Art Hobby Planes http://www.arthobby.com
Ibis - $399
3M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
http://www.arthobby.com/index.php?page=item&category=29&sub_category=32&item=286
Hi Aspect - $435
3.1M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
http://www.arthobby.com/index.php?page=item&category=29&sub_category=32&item=55
Dragonfly Strong - $690
3.5M R/E/A/F composite fuse with wood buit up wing. ARF
I have read many good reports on this glider
May qualify for Woody events
http://www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16507&category_id=259
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591423
Danny 3.0M RES - $699
http://www.hobbyclub.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_33&products_id=717
Super Danny $699
3.3M Full House Bult up Composite ARF - R/E/A/F/Spoiler
http://www.hobbyclub.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_33&products_id=45
Hybrid - $730
3.0 M R/E/A/F carbon/Kevlar D tube built up wing ARF
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=74
Topaz S - $750
3.2 MRES built up composite wing ARF
http://www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16708&category_id=259
Topaz V2 - $850
3.3 M RES built up composite wing ARF
http://www.skipmillermodels.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Topaz%5FS%5FV2
Ava and AVA Pro - $800 +/-
Available in wing spans from 100 to 147"
3 M RES built up wood, carbon Kevlar wing ARF
http://www.kennedycomposites.com/ava.htm
http://www.kennedycomposites.com/avapro.htm
OTHER POINTS OF CONSIDERATION
Bigger Flies Better
There is a saying in the sailplane field that bigger planes fly better.
New pilots are usually started on 2M planes because they are
typically lower in cost, easier to handle on the ground and less
intimidating than larger planes. Also they are easy to transport.
And, there are even some RTF or receiver ready 2M planes
making it easier for the new flyer to get started.
And let's not forget that they are fun to fly!
However, like a small boat vs. a large boat, the larger planes tend to fly
better across a wider range of conditions. In addition, if you plan to
range out from the field in search of lift, or to continue to work the lift
you have, a larger plane is easier to see farther away. So, there can be
many good reasons to consider larger wing span planes.
On the other hand, you have to store and transport your plane. Will the
wings fit in you car? Do you plan to travel by plane with this model? How will
you transport it?
My largest winged sailplane has a wing span of 3.4 meters and a 2 piece
wing. So each wing half is about 5.5 feet long. They "just fit" in my car with
the back seat knocked down and the wings going from the back of my trunk
to the back of the passenger seat.
However I have a second 3.4M plane that has a 3 piece wing. This is much
easier to store and transport. So take wing design into consideration.
A 2M plane can call for a one piece wing that will be about 6.5 feet long.
Others are based on two piece wings. Again, take this into consideration for
storage and transport.
Sport or Contest?
If you are flying strictly for the joy of soaring, then make your choice for
your next plane according to your desires. However if you have gotten a
taste of contest flying and you love it, this will influence your next
choice.
TD contests are usually broken down into 2 M, Standard Class which is up to
100 inches or about 2.5 meters. Then there is unlimited which includes all
wing spans,but mostly involves planes with 3M wing spans and above. Note
that most unlimited contests don't mind if you enter a smaller plane. I have
flown a 2M Spirit in an unlimited contest. I didn't win, but it was fun just the same.
Control Surfaces
Then there are the control surface competition classes. Typically there is
RES and all other. RES contests are restricted to planes with rudder and
elevator controls with spoilers optional. Some RES classes may allow
flaps, but check first. Usually, if a contest is not specifically RES,
then you can fly whatever controls you like.
Some people mistakenly think of RES sailplanes as beginner planes. And,
while it is true that they are typically lower cost and easier to fly, there
are high end competition RES planes that stand up very well against the high
end full house competition planes. The flying style is different but you
can launch 'em high, stay up a long time and land with a fair degree of
precision. So don't assume that RES planes are not competitive with full
house planes. The pilot is the difference.
Radio Considertion
One advantage of RES is that you can use a simpler radio system as only
three channels are needed. A standard 3 channel radio can fly the plane.
However you will still be better served with at least an entry level computer
radio that has elevator compensation for the spoiler. It may be listed as
flap to elevator compensation in the manual but it can be used with the spoiler.
Planes with ailerons or ailerons and flaps will require at least a 4 channel
standard radio and typically you will want a 6+ channel midrange or
8 channel advanced computer radio to take advantage of the plane's ability
to change the shape of the wing by moving the flaps and ailerons to new
positions during flight. If you go R/E/A or R/E/A/F, at
some point you will want to consider investment in this kind of radio
system.
Construction
There is construction to consider for contest flying. Are you going to fly
in woody, nostalgia or perhaps builders class contests? Each of these have
guidelines as to materials, perhaps the date of the design of the plane and
there may be a requirement that you build it yourself from a kit or from
plans. Know your guidelines before you buy your next contest plane.
The message is, if you are flying for your own enjoyment, then fly what you
wish. If you plan to fly competition, whether serious or just for the fun
of it, like me, know what is permitted so you don't find out your beautiful
new sailplane is not permitted in the contest you plan to fly.
Over time you may accumulate several planes so that you can fly in a variety
of events. Or you may choose planes according to weather conditions.
Whatever the case, they do tend to find their way into your hanger over
time.
KITS vs. ARFs
The concept of kit and ARF apply to these planes and the amount of work
can vary greatly. Most wood kits require you to build the wing and fuselage
and cover it. Most composite "kits" have fully built wings and fuselages. You
may have to install or buy pushrods, control horns and other small parts to
complete the kit. Some come with extensive instructions and some come with
almost none.
Wood or composite ARFs usually come almost fully assembled requiring very
little work other than installing the electronics. You might have to mount the
tail or glue in a supplied push rod but an ARF should come with everything you need.
So contact the supplier, or read the specs or the build manual carefully so
you will know what work has to be done and if you have to budget for other parts
that may not be included in the package. If you are comparing prices, you need
to take this into account.
Other Considerations.
Most of my flying is sport flying. I just love sailplanes. Getting up in a
big thermal and staying there for an hour is wonderful. I fly many different
planes for sport and I enjoy them all.
I also fly in contests both at my club and in a competition league. It is a
lot of fun and a great learning experience. www.flyesl.org
You don't need the World Beater 2000 super plane for sport flying. And you
don't need a super plane to enter a contest either. But if you have the
budget, go for it! |
Best regards,
Ed Anderson
Long Island Silent Flyers
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Edited by - aeajr on 02/15/2011 6:07:47 PM |
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Step-up and Intermediate Contest Ships
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