Switchblade update

[R&R Model Aircraft]

All,

Since I have been asked, here are some photos from a launch last week of prototype # 3 which is very promising. I had 2 1/2 flights :blush:

The first was very nice (the one in the photos) , F12-5 cut down delay to F12-3, with a bit of a CG problem due to an oversight of using the parts of the aerotech case (24mm) and the nozzle, liner, cap and thinking that was ok. It appears that I needed an actual used motor as their is fair amount of residue after burnout. This caused a bit of porpoising at first, but was brought under control with a bit of down elevator and flew with a smooth glide which I promptly landed into my friend's leg just before touchdown.:y: The wing sheared cleanly and was repaired shortly after. This is why I now have TWO prototypes of my model.

The second flight (first of the second prototype) first had a bit of trouble igniting, then promptly blew out the nozzle and end of the case (Aerotech F12). On to case # 2 (sigh). Since the first seemed a bit early on ejection, I went for the "full" 5 second delay - did I mention this was an Aerotech motor? - I was treated to a "bonus" delay that went after about 8 seconds (the model was already sticking in the ground by this time). It is very repairable and both models have taught me likely failure points and where to improve on the future kit.

I will have the two models at NSL and will fly (weather permitting). Suggestions are always welcome.

Thanks,

David

BTW: These photos are taken by Jim DePape who also got some stunning shots of my Gamma and Delta Stars during NSL 2012 this past weekend!

[aerostadt]

This model looks terrific. I wondering about the size like wingspan and fuselage length. It looks like the wing tips fold down on take-off. Your pivot mechanism looks interesting. Any details? I found the 24mm AT F39 reload to be very generous on delay time. I was always shorten it.

[WillMarchant]

Thanks for the update, David! Looking forward to getting one of these kits...

[mr_matt_II]

Wow David what a lot of ups and downs!! Great looking design!

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Wow David what a lot of ups and downs!! Great looking design!

Unfortunately, many of the "ups and downs" are my fault:o

It will be flown by my friend (and far better pilot) at NSL so I can observe and also get his impressions. It is taking longer to develop than I had anticipated (it is amazing how a job and family life get in the way of the important stuff :wink:), but I would hate to sell a model that wasn't as good as I could make it. Being a builder, there is nothing worse than when I am on the receiving end of such. I keep asking "why didn't the designer do this?", realizing of course how hard it is to make any model design, let alone finding all the potholes.

Best thing I can hope for is someone thinking they got their money's worth. Like most of these things, people do it because they want to make models and share them with others ( and lets face it, nobody - not even Estes- gets rich off model rockets (as far as I know)):D

David

[ttabbal]

I want this.... :D

Any idea on target price for the kit? ETA?

[R&R Model Aircraft]

I want this.... :D

Any idea on target price for the kit? ETA?

I had to change the design after flying it at NSL. It flew beautiful, but I found a few construction shortfalls ( A bit too complex for beginners). My plan is to have a beta kit available at the end of July for a few people / testers to find any bugs (sorry, they are already chosen :D) Full production as soon as I get feedback. The important part is that I am really pleased with the flight characteristics. Cost will be based on cost of laser cutting.

Note that the concern for the nose cone is no longer a problem ( unable to find) as the change in design fixes this.

David

[ttabbal]

sounds good. gives me time to get my r/c skills up. I've been flying electrics partly to get a good idea how to fly before trying rocket gliders. It's great fun and I'm looking forward to combining rocketry and r/c.

What's the control setup? Ailerons or rudder/elevator?

[R&R Model Aircraft]

What's the control setup? Ailerons or rudder/elevator?

Elevator / rudder. Ailerons are not really needed, plus they would be a pain to put in a pivoting wing!:D

[ttabbal]

Elevator / rudder. Ailerons are not really needed, plus they would be a pain to put in a pivoting wing!:D

I agree they would be a pain to have in that type of wing. :)

Good luck on the beta test. Please post updates when you have them. I'm really excited about this kit. I like the other ones one your site too, but this looks like a perfect first R/C boost glider.

[WillMarchant]

Yup, barely containing my excitement for this kit! It looks perfect for a club build session...

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Yup, barely containing my excitement for this kit! It looks perfect for a club build session...

:y: No pressure.....:o

[kjohnson]

Heck, I just want one for myself. :)

kj

[R&R Model Aircraft]

All,

More on the design changes. After seeing the variability on the engine delays (Aerotech has variable engine delays??!! - No way!), the new version will have a servo released main wing. So, it will be a two channel controlled model, but needs a third to release the wing. I found that this will make everything easier and more reliable in the long run. Nothing worse than seeing a model come in with the wing still folded up :eyepop:

This will also open it up to more engine possibilities including Cesaroni motors (3 grain 24mm, etc.)

Construction will be a lot more like the Delta and Gamma models, but will still keep the current shape / profile.

More as I get closer...

David

[WillMarchant]

Sounds good! Some people use an extreme motion of an empennage surface to unlock the wing. But a third servo might prevent accidental deployment..

[iter]

Servos are both cheap and light these days. I like this approach. The pilot is in control of the flight anyway, he might as well choose when his control begins.

Ari.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Sounds good! Some people use an extreme motion of an empennage surface to unlock the wing. But a third servo might prevent accidental deployment..

Hate this for the reason stated:p As already said, servos are cheap and that is what I went with. The servos are now all on the inside of the model (no control rods and servos in the slipstream). I am tweaking a few more things with some input from knowledgeable individuals and hope to cut the beta kits in a week or so. Then on to building one for the photo shoot and test.

Of course, the wife may have some things around the house for me to do in this time as well :wink:

David

[ttabbal]

So... Can we buy them yet? :)

Servo release for the wing sounds good to me. I have a receiver ready to go for it....

Any recommendations on servos? I thought I would order some with my next rc order.

[Reddwarf]

THAT is cool!

[tightwad]

Nice design, just keep us in the loop.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Sorry it has been so long, guys! Man, the summer went fast.

Ok, I finally got a pair of Beta kits cut and I am really happy with it. I also had to increase the wing cord (hat tip to John Boren). I put the new wing (still a flat bottom airfoil) on one of the earlier prototypes and its glide slope was very much improved. I am currently writing the instructions and making sure that a person new to airplane construction can build this. With that in mind, I have to put basics into the instructions such as building board (the fuse is over 40" long!), how to align and balance for flight, etc.

The servos are now on the inside and I hope to post some photos in the next couple weeks.

Also, for those that are interested and notify me by e-mail (David@randrmodelaircraft), there is a limited time pre-Christmas sale on the Delta and Gamma Star kits (current stock is a half dozen each). Mention this and I will take 15% off the price of the kit up until Nov 8th (shipping will still be the same, sorry!). This is NOT posted on the website. This is for people that have been interested in these kits and follow the Rocket Boosted Gliders forum. (to any moderator, please let me know if I am not allowed to do this here - I was not sure)

Thanks!

David

[WillMarchant]

Woo hoo! Great news, David, thanks!

[ttabbal]

Excellent news!

gimme.... :D

Hopefully I can get one to build over the winter. Is it set up for just 24mm or could one use the 29mm hobby case? I was thinking the F22 might be a nice load... or even the RC case, G12-RC? :D

Probably too tail heavy though if it's set up for the 24mm loads. Looking forward to it.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

It is setup for the 24mm motors. It should also work with the new 3 grain Cesaroni motors. The 29mm motors will definitely make this too tail heavy.

If this flies well, it would be easy to upscale I think :-)

David

[ttabbal]

It is setup for the 24mm motors. It should also work with the new 3 grain Cesaroni motors. The 29mm motors will definitely make this too tail heavy.

If this flies well, it would be easy to upscale I think :-)

David


Thanks for the info. I'm very interested. When can I buy one again? :D

I had forgotten about the Cesaroni 24mm motors... I might have to look into those, one can never have too many motors. Unless you ask my wife. :lol:

[iter]

Good job David! I'd like to see more RCRG kits on the market. I like where you're going with it.

Ari.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Main problem with RCRG kits, is the very limited market. I love them, but stocking them is hard in that your money is tied up for quite a while in stock. I have three more designs waiting in the wings that are very different (and pretty cool - and not so mechanically challenging for me to get right :-) ), but doing the switchblade has taken a bit of time as it has enlarged over time (physically). I also don't like selling anything that I am not really proud of as my name goes on the outside.

I would actually like to see a few plans be made available from some of the neat ideas I have seen on this forum.

David

David

[iter]

Well I don't have any plans available beyond the basic dimensions, but I'm happy to help anyone who wants to reproduce my work, either in single units or as a kit. I realize that Vulcan is even more niche than most RCRGs, but if anyone wants to make a kit of it, the photo documentation of my build is there for the taking.

Ari.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Ok, guys. Here is protoype 4 / pre- production model. It's weight is 481 grams / 16.95 oz without motor (assume an F-12 /24). This is 2oz lighter than the earlier version. The fuse is now sheet balsa with the servos inside and a wing release servo (three channel). I hope to test fly it over Christmas break (it is done). Now for the issues. There is a lot of laser cutting, so the model will take about as long as a Gamma Star or Delta Star to construct. This also means the price will be in that range as well (about $120.00).

Take a look at the pictures and let me know if this is something you guys would be interested in as I don't want to put the work into the manual / kitting it if I have missed my market.

106359106360
106361106362106363

[WillMarchant]

How long does it take to build? I'll probably buy one. But this had sounded like it might be a fairly quick build suitable for an intro class.

[iter]

Glad to see you're making progress on the kit. I, too, feel surprise at its evolving mission. I remember your plans to produce an entry-level RCRG kit for entry-level pilots at an entry-level price.

My sense is that if I'm going to buy a kit, I might as well buy a Gamma Star if the price and building effort is comparable.

Ari.

[mikec]

My sense is that if I'm going to buy a kit, I might as well buy a Gamma Star if the price and building effort is comparable.

Well, I ordered a Gamma Star this morning so I guess I agree. :)

The Switchblade is probably going to be easier to fly than the Gamma/Delta Star, but an easier build would probably be more appealing. I suppose a solid wing and body tube fuselage just wasn't working out. Seems like all the old rocket glider kits (Phoenix, Sweet V, Stratoblaster, Cuda) used sheeted foam wings -- not sure what the economics of those look like for a small run kit.

[iter]

Seems like all the old rocket glider kits (Phoenix, Sweet V, Stratoblaster, Cuda) used sheeted foam wings -- not sure what the economics of those look like for a small run kit.

Seeing as they are all out of production, apparently the economics are difficult at any volume.

Ari.

[mikec]

Seeing as they are all out of production, apparently the economics are difficult at any volume.

Perhaps, but there are plenty of ARF sheeted foam gliders for about the same price as a Gamma Star (e.g., http://www.arthobby.com/index.php?page=item&category=29&sub_category=31&item=252 ) that could be converted to RCRGs with minimal effort. Somehow these stay in production. I guess RCRG is just a very small niche.

Reading the manual, the Phoenix looked like a huge pain to build, I expect the Gamma Star to be easier.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

It is not hard to build (if you can build a skill level 4 model (old Estes scale), you can build this), but does take some time, much as the Gamma Star / Delta Star. How long it takes to build is up to the individual's skill / experience.

It was meant as an EASY TO FLY model, but you can't slap it together. That said, I can make a profile version (basically, a "side view" version with servos, and other bits exposed to the slip stream) that is definitely easier to build, but not as sexy and more draggy. The problem I had with the tube-based version is that if you had a hard landing (put the nose into the dirt hard), the tube would crimp, even with reinforcements. This was quicker / easier to build, but novices to flight (and those of us who make mistakes:eek:) would spend more time doing repairs. The wood body is very strong and resists a lot of damage!

That said, this is why I posted this. I have other designs that are easier to build, but I wanted to post this as there was a lot of interest. Only other thing I can do is post a short photo essay (no words) of the build to see if this is something that people want to undertake. Everything is laser cut and easy to assemble, but it can't be built in a couple hours, and yes, sanding is required :)

All in all, yes, you can buy another foam wing model of some kind and convert it instead of building a Gamma Star. I haven't seen any that are scissor - flop wings though. As far as the economics, yup, this is a labor of love. It is patently uneconomical to sell RCBG models when most rocket people can't fly to begin with. There is of course, always the option of providing only plans for special models. That is economical on my part, but very time consuming on your part (unless I give the cut file to a particular laser cutter and you get the parts from there, but doing one or two at a time will most likely cost more for the individual).

BTW: The initial solid wing version of this was a dog (heavy) and wasn't that much easier to build.

Let me know guys....

David

[WillMarchant]

Could you make the kit in two versions? The expensive, sleeker, but longer build as one. And the quicker, cheaper, and draggier as another?

Photos of the build would be great!

I'd like an easy-to-fly kit for beginners that could be built by a reasonably skilled modeler in a 4 to 6 hour time period. A one day class of four hours would be ideal. Two days, of four hours each, is probably doable.

More designs!!!! You've been holding out on us! You must spill the beans now and post pictures...

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Yes, the nice thing about the Switchblade is that it could be done with two different bodies and also (as the wing is held on by one screw), a high lift wing versus the easy to build flat bottom wing available as a separate wing kit.

David

P.S. I have two more designs that are unbuilt as I wanted to finish this up first. Hat tip to John Boren for getting me started on this:y:

[WillMarchant]

Great!!! I like the idea of mixing and matching the bodies and wing sets. When can we order?


Ah, since John is involved, are we talking foam? He did a great presentation on hot wire cutters at NARCON.

[kjohnson]

I like the looks of it. The wing construction, especially with the laser cut parts looks good, and the built up fuse is really a nice addition. I'd be in for one, and would twist a couple of arms to get a couple more sold.

kj



Take a look at the pictures and let me know if this is something you guys would be interested in as I don't want to put the work into the manual / kitting it if I have missed my market.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Not that John is involved, but he got me started (and has advised me from time to time when I have asked for his input) when I bought the rights to his original Delta Star. Then came the mods and then the Gamma, now the Switchblade;). His original manual and the experience I had making the Kestrel Ornithopter taught me a lot.

I'll do the photo essay later on the Switchblade and see what you all think. Like I said, I will be flying this over Christmas break, so hopefully all goes well. I am really confident that there will be no snafus, but you never know. In the meantime, I'll play around with the idea of the "profile" version.

David

[burkefj]

Ok, so this doesn't rely on ejection any more?

[mr_matt_II]

The cool factor here is the wing changing configuration, that is the appeal to me. In addition, it should be much easier to (initially) trim and fly than a Gamma Star (not the Gamma star is particularly hard to fly, but those first trim flights can be tricky, and with this scissor wing configuration you are just a spectator on boost, from the first flight.

[iter]

What you're doing is cool. I think you're making the only wing-deploy glider kit out there.

If anyone wants to sell a cheap RCRG, one route is to kit the 24mm motor mount in this thread: http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?37184-Rocket-Foamie-SkyFun

You start with a $54 airplane from Hobby King http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9614__SkyFun_Jet_w_Brushless_Motor_Plug_Fly.html and replace the stock motor. I expect the MMT kit might cost $2 in materials, which means it can retail for under $10. You can publish zero-lift trim angles to avoid trimming guesswork, but you cna also have them fly it on electric first, to get a feel for how it handles.

One challenge with RCRGs is very low stick time. My total time-in-type on Vulcan is less than 10 minutes. It's just hard to build experience on rocket power alone.

Ari.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Ok, so this doesn't rely on ejection any more?

Nope. I got tired of bonus delays and limited engine selections. It is now servo operated. Just pop the wing at apogee.:)

[mr_matt_II]

David, I sent you a PM, not sure if you got it ans it is not showing up in my sent message folder.

[iter]

I like this feature a lot. You're going to fly it down anyway, may as well decide when the glide starts.

R/C deployment sucks for 3FNC rockets--half the time they're too far away to see the apogee, and your flight procedure is so different from everybody else who just stands back and takes pictures of their own flight.

For an RCRG, R/C deployment makes perfect sense.

Ari.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Ok, guys ,here is a photo essay on the build.106514106515106516106517106518

[R&R Model Aircraft]

more photos..106519106520106521106522106523

[R&R Model Aircraft]

yet more...106524106525106526106527106528

[R&R Model Aircraft]

last photos...106529106530

[iter]

I wonder how fast Switchblade is going at the top-I'm curious about control-surface flutter in higher-speed designs, and I imagine that without the drag of a wing, Switchblade might go faster than most.

In this context I notice very long pushrods which may flex.

Clearly, it's flying well for you, so I'm curious.

Ari.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

The switchblade is going "zero" at the top (apogee) ;) The control surfaces do not experience flutter as the model doesn't get that fast. The servos are more than capable and the pushrods are carbon fiber with a support in the center (one of the formers has guide holes) and there is very little slop in the surfaces.

For reasons of flutter, the Gamma and Delta have stiff hinges, sealed control surfaces and metal gear servos.

David

[Minimum_Wage]

This looks great. If a kit becomes available I would buy and build one.

Mike Mc.

[mr_matt_II]

I am in for one. And maybe a wing kit as well.

[kjohnson]

After looking at the great photos of the build, I wonder does the wing servo just release a catch, and an elastic makes it pivot? Or does the servo do the rotation of the wing?

kj

[burkefj]

That's what I was wondering as well, since I've been pondering doing a flip out wing version of my ALCM...

Frank



After looking at the great photos of the build, I wonder does the wing servo just release a catch, and an elastic makes it pivot? Or does the servo do the rotation of the wing?

kj

[R&R Model Aircraft]

The 3rd servo only releases the wing (instead of an ejection charge). The wingtips and wing are deployed by an upgraded version of the ol' scissorwing transport (albeit much more robust!). Using a servo, motors or springs add too much cost and failure modes. Of course, rubber bands can break, so every point they are used they are doubled up.

David

[kjohnson]

That's cool. I have no issue with the rubber bands, was just trying to figure out what the parts were.

kj

[ttabbal]

Somehow I missed the updates on this one. Looking good! I would be in for the new version as well. Even with a more complex build, I think I'd like the high-lift wing design if it increases glide time significantly. I'd love to see a flight video when you do get a chance to fly it. The build looks easy enough, laser cut parts help a ton there. :)

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Somehow I missed the updates on this one. Looking good! I would be in for the new version as well. Even with a more complex build, I think I'd like the high-lift wing design if it increases glide time significantly. I'd love to see a flight video when you do get a chance to fly it. The build looks easy enough, laser cut parts help a ton there. :)

I plan to fly the new one on New Year's Day (our first launch of the year for MARS (Monroe Astronautical Rocket Society).

Cross your fingers!:jaw:

David

[JumpJet]

I would like to see an ALL composite version made with Carbon and Kevlar, Just Kidding! Looks great. Cant wait to hear how it flies.

John Boren

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Just cross your fingers that winds will be light New Year's Day!

David

[ttabbal]

Just cross your fingers that winds will be light New Year's Day!

David


So.... Did you get a chance to fly? :)

[mikec]

It is not hard to build (if you can build a skill level 4 model (old Estes scale), you can build this), but does take some time, much as the Gamma Star / Delta Star.
Now that I'm in the home stretch building my Gamma Star, I feel like I have a basis to comment. The Gamma Star kit is excellent and not too hard to assemble, though it's a very different experience from building a conventional rocket. But covering it with Monokote requires a completely new skill set which I'm not enjoying at all and suspect I am never going to be any good at. Is the Switchblade going to be covered or do you recommend flying it bare? (Note that I'm not blaming R&R for anything here.)

[rokitflite]

And???

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Now that I'm in the home stretch building my Gamma Star, I feel like I have a basis to comment. The Gamma Star kit is excellent and not too hard to assemble, though it's a very different experience from building a conventional rocket. But covering it with Monokote requires a completely new skill set which I'm not enjoying at all and suspect I am never going to be any good at. Is the Switchblade going to be covered or do you recommend flying it bare? (Note that I'm not blaming R&R for anything here.)

Sorry about the Monokote, but it really isn't that bad, just takes practice. The other option of course is to find a radio control club nearby. Those guys should be able to cover a Delta / Gamma Star in 2-3 hrs. There are plenty of videos on youtube, as well as books available to learn the skill.

The Switchblade does not require covering, but a much lighter version in the future (very much a maybe) could. I didn't want monokoting to be a part of the kit as it really is meant for a beginner in R/C (the Switchblade). I guess I made the assumption that if you could fly a Gamma Star, you had built / flown a few models, but perhaps I neglected the modern day ARFs that require no building skills - My bad. In my era, you had to build if you wanted to fly!

On that note, I flew the Switchblade a few weeks ago and was very pleased on the flight. It went up to about 400'-500' and should be capable of thermalling. I am presently writing the instructions and also testing a different airfoil with a larger speed envelope to cut down on porpoising at higher speeds (think hard -thrown chuck glider :o ). It now has an aquila airfoil which is very easy to build on the board, but an E205 would be better if I can still make it easy to build. The boost was dead straight and the new release mechanism worked perfectly. I used an F24, but also want to try a Cesaroni F30 (it will require a bit more nose weight, but should get significantly higher).

That is all for now!

David

[kjohnson]

Sounding better each update.

kj

[TheAviator]

Sorry about the Monokote, but it really isn't that bad, just takes practice. The other option of course is to find a radio control club nearby. Those guys should be able to cover a Delta / Gamma Star in 2-3 hrs. There are plenty of videos on youtube, as well as books available to learn the skill.

That is all for now!

David

Do you recommend Monokote exclusively? I've covered aircraft with Monokote, Econocote, and Solite/Aerolite covering. Of these three Solite is by far the easiest to use. I've also read that Parklite (lightweight Ultracote brand) is easier to use than Monokote. Since these models don't require fuel-proofing, would you recommend the lighter weight coverings?

That being said, there is a learning curve, but after covering two aircraft, I got good enough to be pleased with the results.

[burkefj]

What is the AUW so far?

Frank

[ckreef]

Do you recommend Monokote exclusively? I've covered aircraft with Monokote, Econocote, and Solite/Aerolite covering. Of these three Solite is by far the easiest to use. I've also read that Parklite (lightweight Ultracote brand) is easier to use than Monokote. Since these models don't require fuel-proofing, would you recommend the lighter weight coverings?

That being said, there is a learning curve, but after covering two aircraft, I got good enough to be pleased with the results.

I've covered a few planes myself and have used both Monokote and the Ultracote Parklite.

I totally agree. Monokote is probably the hardest to cover with and look nice. It's also heavy and shrinks a lot which can warp some lighter structures. Monokote is mainly used for bigger airframes. The Parklite was much easier to work with to come out with a decent finish. Only problem with the Parklite types is they tend to be semi translucent. You can get the full translucent colors also which is nice on the ground (if you did a decent build) but they can be difficult to tell orientation especially if you use translucnt colors on both the top and bottom of the wing.

I have a Gamma Star in the box waiting to be built. I will use either regular Ultrcote or the Parklite. Go to RCUniverse or RCGroups there are plenty of threads that show you how to do a decent covering job.

[R&R Model Aircraft]

What is the AUW so far?

Frank

17 0z ready to fly with an F24....

David

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Do you recommend Monokote exclusively? I've covered aircraft with Monokote, Econocote, and Solite/Aerolite covering. Of these three Solite is by far the easiest to use. I've also read that Parklite (lightweight Ultracote brand) is easier to use than Monokote. Since these models don't require fuel-proofing, would you recommend the lighter weight coverings?

I have used Econocote on the Gammas and Deltas, but have used the others with success. I wouldn't go too light (covering wise) as I fly out of a field with cut silage (think cow field) and the weight savings over the model would be negligible versus having a wing punctured on landing. :-)

David

[mr_matt_II]

I've also read that Parklite (lightweight Ultracote brand) is easier to use than Monokote.


FWIW I used Parklite on a couple of rocket gliders, including a Gamma star. I like it because it is very controllable, one temperature sticks it down another shrinks it. You need a good iron to use it to its full potential. I use a cheap laser thermometer to make sure I have the right temp before I touch it.

I agree with the other poster, it is not opaque, so if you marked all over your structure or used funky fillers it is going to look bad. As for strength it seemed strong enough for me.

And the weight savings is very significant for me as I have to stay under weight limits.

[mr_matt_II]

17 0z ready to fly with an F24....

David

oh snap! 482 grams!

[R&R Model Aircraft]

Finally got some light winds and the boost was dead straight with no input. With the new airfoil (hat tip to John Boren :-) ), it flies beautifully (no porpoising)! I am currently working on the instruction manual. All that remains is for me to get a final prototype kit cut for the pictures and test CG range for flight. So far I have only tested it with an F24, but I want to test it with a Cesaroni F30 (May launch). Once I have the final prototype built / flown, I will post info on weight, etc. potential cost and see if there is enough interest.

David

[WillMarchant]

Excellent news!

[ttabbal]

Glad to hear it's going well. I'm looking forward to the details.

[aditat2]

I have been thinking of trying my hand at RCRG for a while now and I really like the looks of this bird. The fact that it is an entry level glider also appeals to me. I have flown some RC planes in the past but never a RCRG. Now that I am employed again this is definately something I would be interested in. Looking forward to the final design and price structure. The construction seems fairly straight-forward to me for a glider type bird - just a little beefier to handle the acceleration. Keep us posted.