Comment by Christiaan van Vollenstee on August 29, 2012 at 7:04am

Hello,

Be safe and buy the bixler 1, its perfect for what you want to do.

Comment by Paul Marsh on August 29, 2012 at 8:31am

Hi Mohammed,

This is a sexy looking aircraft, but a dog in the air.  One of our guys has one.  I had run into the wind to get the thing in the air for him.  It's surprisingly heavy.  Even once airborne it has little thrust, a.k.a. speed.  I would not try this with an autopilot.

Thanks,
Paul

Comment by Tilman Baumann on August 29, 2012 at 9:15am

That thing flies needs a lot of throttle and flies fast. It's no glider.

And how are EDF for vibration?

I'm sceptical. But why not? Prove us wrong. :)

Comment by Ellison Chan on August 29, 2012 at 9:24am

So when HK says on the product page, are they being misleading?

One of the first things to strike you when flying the V-70 is how beautifully balanced it is, the pilot feels immediately at home and locked in, even at high speed. The aerobatic ability of the Zephyr is mind warping, combine this with the impressive off throttle glide and you have an amazingly wide flight envelope but open that throttle and you are greeted with a turbine like sound like no other EDF Jet, it's so addictive! Jaw dropping Looks, high speed performance, amazing aerobatic ability, quality, durability, practicality and innovation.....the Durafly Zephyr V-70.....the ultimate foamy!

 

Comment by Tilman Baumann on August 29, 2012 at 9:25am

I'm not a Ardupilot expert. But if the software does not know how to handle V-Tails. Just plug in a V-Tail Mixer.

They can be bought for installation on the tail servo cables. Don't see a reason why this should not work.

Comment by Kabir on August 29, 2012 at 9:26am

Thanks for the input guys, Presently I am torn between these. Please suggest.

• Bixler 2 
• Phoenix 2000 (again space problem) (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13994__Phoenix_2000_EPO_...)
• DG -1000 (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25411__DG_1000_Fibreglas...)

Comment by Tilman Baumann on August 29, 2012 at 9:30am

Are stable non linear flying planes (a lot of dihedral) actually the best choice for FBW?

They are for RC beginners. But autopilots are no beginners and might have more predictable responses with sporty planes.

The paparazzi project guys seem to concentrate on unstable airframes. I don't know if that is because they like the challenge or if they actually fly better.

Sorry to come up with such a random thought. But I guess that is what it all depends on?

Comment by David M Eno on August 29, 2012 at 11:37am

Bixler/Skysurfer/Easystar or Skywalker are the first two planes you should think about owning.  Both are good.  You should have nothing to do with a fiber body until you have a lot of experience. 

Comment by Ger Harris on August 29, 2012 at 11:59am

I know you are trying to decide between those three airframes, but I also have to suggest a Bixler-1 as a glider.   I can go 10 minutes from my house to a field with an excellent updraft and keep mine in the air for 40 minutes easy with 10% throttle and a 2100mAh battery.   My neck gives out before the plane does.

There is a HUGE community and parts for the Bixler-1 for APM, FPV, and general RC.  That doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the sister planes - Sky Surfer and EasyStar.   Must of the APM development here has been done based on the Bixler-1 airframe.

The Bixler-2 has been announced less than a month and I personally don't know anyone with it yet.   In a way I hope you get it because I want to hear from someone else what challenges there were.    If you want to pioneer on these airframes I encourage you to go for it - I appreciate this community, but just realize if you start on an airframe that few people have you may have problems getting specific answers to problems.

Good luck on your decision and we hope to see your progress soon!

Comment by Andy Grose on August 29, 2012 at 12:23pm

I don't have experience with this airframe, but the comment above about a v-tail mixer...I can comment on that.

I purchased a FMA MX-80 V-tail mixer and a Great Planes V-tail mixer to use with my APM2 on a "Predator" ARF model.  I was unable to get full control of the tail surfaces...only got up and right, no down and left.  I gave up on rudder control and put both tail servos on a y-cable to the elevator channel and added a big rudder to the sub-fin on the plane.  Much simpler that way! :-)

Andy

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