Post by Ed Anderson on Mar 22, 2009 14:38:59 GMT -5
Advanced Sport or Intermediate Competition Gliders
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=636636#post6860410
STEP UP SAILPLANES FOR SPORT OR CONTEST FLYING
Many new sailplane/glider pilots start with 2 meter foam or
wood planes. 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 $800 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.
If you have the budget, the leading contest planes, like the Sharon, the
Pikes,
the Supra, the Icon, and others, typically run over $1200 and some can run
approach $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.
Up to 2.0 M
Spirit Elite - 2M Kit or ARF $60-$100
www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNH96&P=7
www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAVR0&P=7
Skybench Lil Bird - $108
RES - 2M Kit
skybench.com/slbird.html
Rogue from E Whyte - 2M RES $175 kit, $350 ARF
www.hilaunch.com/Models.htm
Renny - 2M ARF $239
I have my eye on this one for myself
R/E/A/F - built up wing with composit D box construction
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=1185
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=623471
Gabby - 2M $309
R/E/A/F Molded wing construction
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=5288
Enigma 2 M ARF - $339
R/E/A/F - built up wing with composit D box construction
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=1184
Alto - 2m $469 ARF
R/E/A/R - built up wing with carbon D Box and carbon capped ribs
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
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=59
SiSu C 2M - $464
R/E/A/F - Carbon Fiber/Kevlar sheeted wing
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=65
These theads has some other opinions on good 2M gliders
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634673&page=6#post7076175
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 - $89
built up wood RES plane - Kit
www.mountainmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_28&products_id=178
Skybench Olympic II - $109
99" RES all wood kit
www.skybench.com/slnost.html
www.skybench.com/olyii.html
Art Hobby Planes ( can't link to them directly )
www.arthobby.com/shop.html
JK Thermik - $179 ARF
2.5 M R/E/A Wood sheeted foam core wing
Thermik RES - $250 ARF
2.5M RES - Wood sheted foam core wing
Evolution - $275 ARF
2.5M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
Wisper - 2.04 M ARF - $359
R/E/A/F - hollow molded wing with carbon spar -
Probably too big for most 2M events
www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16281&category_id=258
Opus $525
2.5M R/E/A/F bagged foam core wing
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=69
Organic - $595
2.5M Built up wood/Kevlar wing - R/E/A/F ARF
www.kennedycomposites.com
Over 2.5 M or over 100" = Unlimited Class
Skybench Big Bird - $139
110" RES Built up wood RES plane - kit
www.skybench.com/
www.skybench.com/bbmanual.html
Marauder - $145
115" 2.9 M built up wood RES plane - Kit
www.mmglidertech.com/marauder.html
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571430&page=5
Skybench Sky Bird - $175
132" RES Built up Wood kit - fiberglass fuse optional
www.skybench.com/
www.skybench.com/assembly.html#skybird
Art Hobby Planes ( can't link to them directly )
www.arthobby.com/shop.html
Ibis - $389
3M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
Hi Aspect - $399
3.1M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
EZ Bubble Dancer - Coming Soon
3M built up RES - built up wood wing with carbon/Kevlar
caps - kit
www.isthumsmodels.com
Sky Hawk II - $500
124" Obechi covered wings - R/E/A/F
Wings and tail come pre sheeted.
Updated kit of a classic competitoin plane.
www.agnewmodelproducts.com/skyhawk.html#
Predator 4 - $525
124" Obechi covered wings - R/E/A/F
Wings and tail come pre sheeted.
Updated kit of a classic competitoin plane.
Pelican - $550
3.2 M R/E/A/F bagged wing ARF
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=80
SchpotDorker - $625
3.0 M R/E/A/F bagged wing composite plane
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=83
Dragonfly Strong - $650
3.5M R/E/A/F composite fuse with wood buit up wing. ARF
May qualify for Woody events
www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16507&category_id=259
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591423
Thermal Dancer - $650
I own this one. Love it!
3.1M R/E/A/F Composit bagged wing, pod and boom design.
ARF/KIT
polecataero.com/products/thermal-dancer
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281614
Soprano - $650
3.1M RES built up wing w/carbon/Kevlar caps and
D tube design - ARF
www.isthmusmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=97
Review
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349693
Danny 3.0M RES - $699
www.hobbyclub.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_33&products_id=717
Super Danny $699
3.3M Full House Bult up Composite ARF
www.hobbyclub.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_33&products_id=45
Isthus - Trio - $700
3.1M R/E/A/F carbon/kevlar fuse and D tube built up wing Kit
ARF like but you may have to buy parts to finish the plane
www.isthmusmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=105
Hybrid - $730
3.0 M R/E/A/F carbon/Kevlar D tube built up wing ARF
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=74
Topaz S - $750
3.2 MRES built up composite wing ARF
www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16708&category_id=259
Ava - $800
3 M RES built up wood, carbon Kevlar wing ARF
www.kennedycomposites.com/ava.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.
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.
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.
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!
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=636636#post6860410
STEP UP SAILPLANES FOR SPORT OR CONTEST FLYING
Many new sailplane/glider pilots start with 2 meter foam or
wood planes. 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 $800 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.
If you have the budget, the leading contest planes, like the Sharon, the
Pikes,
the Supra, the Icon, and others, typically run over $1200 and some can run
approach $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.
Up to 2.0 M
Spirit Elite - 2M Kit or ARF $60-$100
www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNH96&P=7
www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAVR0&P=7
Skybench Lil Bird - $108
RES - 2M Kit
skybench.com/slbird.html
Rogue from E Whyte - 2M RES $175 kit, $350 ARF
www.hilaunch.com/Models.htm
Renny - 2M ARF $239
I have my eye on this one for myself
R/E/A/F - built up wing with composit D box construction
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=1185
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=623471
Gabby - 2M $309
R/E/A/F Molded wing construction
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=5288
Enigma 2 M ARF - $339
R/E/A/F - built up wing with composit D box construction
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=1184
Alto - 2m $469 ARF
R/E/A/R - built up wing with carbon D Box and carbon capped ribs
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
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=59
SiSu C 2M - $464
R/E/A/F - Carbon Fiber/Kevlar sheeted wing
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=65
These theads has some other opinions on good 2M gliders
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634673&page=6#post7076175
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 - $89
built up wood RES plane - Kit
www.mountainmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_28&products_id=178
Skybench Olympic II - $109
99" RES all wood kit
www.skybench.com/slnost.html
www.skybench.com/olyii.html
Art Hobby Planes ( can't link to them directly )
www.arthobby.com/shop.html
JK Thermik - $179 ARF
2.5 M R/E/A Wood sheeted foam core wing
Thermik RES - $250 ARF
2.5M RES - Wood sheted foam core wing
Evolution - $275 ARF
2.5M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
Wisper - 2.04 M ARF - $359
R/E/A/F - hollow molded wing with carbon spar -
Probably too big for most 2M events
www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16281&category_id=258
Opus $525
2.5M R/E/A/F bagged foam core wing
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=69
Organic - $595
2.5M Built up wood/Kevlar wing - R/E/A/F ARF
www.kennedycomposites.com
Over 2.5 M or over 100" = Unlimited Class
Skybench Big Bird - $139
110" RES Built up wood RES plane - kit
www.skybench.com/
www.skybench.com/bbmanual.html
Marauder - $145
115" 2.9 M built up wood RES plane - Kit
www.mmglidertech.com/marauder.html
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571430&page=5
Skybench Sky Bird - $175
132" RES Built up Wood kit - fiberglass fuse optional
www.skybench.com/
www.skybench.com/assembly.html#skybird
Art Hobby Planes ( can't link to them directly )
www.arthobby.com/shop.html
Ibis - $389
3M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
Hi Aspect - $399
3.1M R/E/A/F Wood sheeted foam core wing
EZ Bubble Dancer - Coming Soon
3M built up RES - built up wood wing with carbon/Kevlar
caps - kit
www.isthumsmodels.com
Sky Hawk II - $500
124" Obechi covered wings - R/E/A/F
Wings and tail come pre sheeted.
Updated kit of a classic competitoin plane.
www.agnewmodelproducts.com/skyhawk.html#
Predator 4 - $525
124" Obechi covered wings - R/E/A/F
Wings and tail come pre sheeted.
Updated kit of a classic competitoin plane.
Pelican - $550
3.2 M R/E/A/F bagged wing ARF
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=80
SchpotDorker - $625
3.0 M R/E/A/F bagged wing composite plane
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=83
Dragonfly Strong - $650
3.5M R/E/A/F composite fuse with wood buit up wing. ARF
May qualify for Woody events
www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16507&category_id=259
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591423
Thermal Dancer - $650
I own this one. Love it!
3.1M R/E/A/F Composit bagged wing, pod and boom design.
ARF/KIT
polecataero.com/products/thermal-dancer
Build Thread
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281614
Soprano - $650
3.1M RES built up wing w/carbon/Kevlar caps and
D tube design - ARF
www.isthmusmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=97
Review
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349693
Danny 3.0M RES - $699
www.hobbyclub.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_33&products_id=717
Super Danny $699
3.3M Full House Bult up Composite ARF
www.hobbyclub.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_33&products_id=45
Isthus - Trio - $700
3.1M R/E/A/F carbon/kevlar fuse and D tube built up wing Kit
ARF like but you may have to buy parts to finish the plane
www.isthmusmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=105
Hybrid - $730
3.0 M R/E/A/F carbon/Kevlar D tube built up wing ARF
www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=74
Topaz S - $750
3.2 MRES built up composite wing ARF
www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16708&category_id=259
Ava - $800
3 M RES built up wood, carbon Kevlar wing ARF
www.kennedycomposites.com/ava.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.
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.
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.
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!
