When I bought the UMX Radian several years ago my intention was merely wanting to spend a relatively small amount of $ that was about to burn a hole in my pocket in the not-so-local hobby shop. On the ride home I was frustrated to find it didn't even have ailerons. "What had I done?" Nevertheless my son said it'll be ok. That was an understatement. A bug bit me. The feel of quietly riding air currents was a thrill I hadn't expected. I was hooked. In my quest for more I bought an Eflite Adagio. Another winner, this time with ailerons and flaps too. I wanted more. Now I have my favorite plane to date:
The RocHobby V-Tail 2200mm
Though I am a fan of Horizon Hobby products and find the full size Radian somewhat tempting, there is something attractive about a V tail that I like. Interestingly I also have the Durably Zephyr and the Durafly Excalibur which are nice planes but I wanted something that could slow down more without stalling so soon.
Likes
+ Compared to my other gliders its thrust, weight, and lift are at the top.
+ The motor is sufficient on 3S. I think it'll be better on 4S but I haven't got there yet.
+ Flaps
+ Easy to see at a distance
+ Sub $200 price tag
+ I suspect it's a Radian killer.
Dislikes
- Transporting 2.2 meters of aircraft means I can't just stow and go. It does ease this some with the removable pins in the wings.
- I'm having an issue with the motor dropping power. See below.
- The aluminum wing spar bends too easily.
Thoughts for upgrading
+Crow braking, I've never done it but I think I'm close.
+ Lights, I'm not sure if I'd prefer fancy colors like the new Night Radian or just the standard anti collision set like on my UMX Timber. Either way, lighting is a nice touch.
+ Getting my AS3X stabilization on a switch.
+ FPV (I still haven't piloted a fixed wing via FPV).
Regarding the power drop/ motor whine, I haven't troubleshot it yet but the motor whines and doesn't go full power when I give it full power on the stick. Trying a 4S aggravates the problem. I'm suspecting the ESC and will try a different one to see what happens.
I'd really be interested in hearing thoughts/suggestoins from others whether it's about this plane, another like it, or even techniques or max flight times.
The RocHobby V-Tail 2200mm
Though I am a fan of Horizon Hobby products and find the full size Radian somewhat tempting, there is something attractive about a V tail that I like. Interestingly I also have the Durably Zephyr and the Durafly Excalibur which are nice planes but I wanted something that could slow down more without stalling so soon.
Likes
+ Compared to my other gliders its thrust, weight, and lift are at the top.
+ The motor is sufficient on 3S. I think it'll be better on 4S but I haven't got there yet.
+ Flaps
+ Easy to see at a distance
+ Sub $200 price tag
+ I suspect it's a Radian killer.
Dislikes
- Transporting 2.2 meters of aircraft means I can't just stow and go. It does ease this some with the removable pins in the wings.
- I'm having an issue with the motor dropping power. See below.
- The aluminum wing spar bends too easily.
Thoughts for upgrading
+Crow braking, I've never done it but I think I'm close.
+ Lights, I'm not sure if I'd prefer fancy colors like the new Night Radian or just the standard anti collision set like on my UMX Timber. Either way, lighting is a nice touch.
+ Getting my AS3X stabilization on a switch.
+ FPV (I still haven't piloted a fixed wing via FPV).
Regarding the power drop/ motor whine, I haven't troubleshot it yet but the motor whines and doesn't go full power when I give it full power on the stick. Trying a 4S aggravates the problem. I'm suspecting the ESC and will try a different one to see what happens.
I'd really be interested in hearing thoughts/suggestoins from others whether it's about this plane, another like it, or even techniques or max flight times.