Flitter-B

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OK, I just wanted to be the "First kid on the block" to post a Flitter-B photo here....

As always, more information and photos are on my website: Al's Flitter-B Page (http://pease1.sr.unh.edu/aew/rc/flitterB/)

http://pease1.sr.unh.edu/aew/rc/flitterB/Flitter_sm.gif

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Flight report: Grade: B+

No indication on the plans of starting elevon angle so I guessed a little low, no mishaps but trimming was fun. Ended up with 1/2" up elevon for level flight. Initial throws were 1" up and down set at 25% dual rate for the reccomended 1/2" throws. Final comfortable flying trim was 35% dual rate for 5/8" throws.

With GWS-A and 10x4.7 prop it flies fine. I haven't tried the 9x7 prop yet, but I plan to. Loops from level flight just make it on a fresh battery. Full rolls are not safe at less than 75 feet altitude as you lose a lot of altitude in a roll, even with down elevator at the appropriate time. Turns are nice and sharp and she flies pretty stable even in a 5mph wind (hovering).

It will fly inverted, with about 90% down elevator(elevon), but my throws are set up at only 5/8" and you can go much more if you're a good flier. She would just barely climb with full down inverted. Inverted flight may even be a tad easier than the tiny because of the slower roll rate. I plan to increase the elevator (elevon function)authority another 5-10% and that should make inverted flying a joy.

All in all it's not better at anything (except possibly flying inverted) as the tiny and in most cases a little worse, but dang, it's cheaper and builds in 2 hours flat - and that's while listening to the ballgame! I had mine finished by the 7th inning stretch!

The only complaint is it's glide is a little steep, and with that big prop in the front I'm afraid eventually I'm going to break something landing. Also with the steep glide hand-catching is not that easy. With the Tiny I can hand catch easilly. Both of these could be helped by one of Nyblimp's folding props, although a $12 prop on a $35 plane might be a little bit of overkill. Possibly one of those O-ring prop mounts would help.

The covering they ship with the kit is EXCELLENT. Super 77 sticks it on well, and with low heat and a sock on the iron it shrinks and seats on the foam easilly and looks good. I don't know what this stuff is, but I want to find out so I can get more for other parkfliers! It doesn't seem like it's mylar. It's a little heavier than mylar, about the same weight as Renolds Wrap only more durable and easier to work with (no clinging).

Be careful assembling the kit - don't assume the the center of the area between the innermost cutouts is the plane's centerline. Measure from the wingtips. My cutouts were 3/8" off center. No big deal if you catch it before you start building (which I did). My off-center cutouts doesn't seem to effect the performance.

In summary, money well spent. There's a place in my stable for the Flitter-B, although it's primary role will be a back-up for my tiny when the tiny is unavailable. If you're looking for a cheaper, quicker to build plane than the tiny and don't mind sacrificing a little performance - it's the plane for you. A good stepping stone up from the litestik for those not wishing to build a stick-built plane like the Tiny.

[ 08-05-2001: Message edited by: Allan Wright ]

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After re-reading the review in this month's issue, I think I'll try moving the CG back on my next set of flights with my flitter.

Al