Bixler 2 available now. Hobbyking promises better flight times
A few weeks ago Hobbyking revealed in a picture on their facebook that a new version of the Bixler was supposed to be coming. Today they listed it an ARF version on their site.
While keeping the features of the first Bixler (the plane is named after one of the Flitetest presenters) Hobbyking has managed to improve flight times by giving it a bigger wing area (wingspan of Bixler 1 was 1400mm, version 2 has a wingspan of 1500mm) and other design improvements. The Bixler 2 in ARF form comes with a lower kV motor that can handle bigger props (7x5 for this version, was 6x4 for the 'old' Bixler. By enlarging the canopy area you are more versatile in the FPV equipment you want to use or use a larger flight battery. Also, the canopy is clear plastic now (was black foam).
Flaps are optional. Although the plane comes with a provision to add flaps, you don't need to use them. If you still want to use them, then you need 2 9 gram servo's and a servo reverser to your cart.
The price for the Bixler 2 ARF is US$ 69.99 while you can still get the old Bixler in ARF form for US$ 49.82. It's unclear what that price difference is coming from, maybe they want to sell out the previous Bixler.
For more information and specifications see: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=...
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3D Robotics Comment by Alan Sanchez on August 1, 2012 at 8:51am -
Longer flight times??? I already get like 45min or more with my Bixler1! Cool find :) Its nice that it comes with flaps now
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3D Robotics Comment by Chris Anderson on August 1, 2012 at 9:07am -
Ordered! I'm particularly curious to see if the wing mounting is more secure. The original Bixler had a bad habit of shedding wings in flight :-(
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Comment by Marooned on August 1, 2012 at 9:08am -
And just yesterday I made some bigger order of parts to fix my new/old Bixler... :)
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Comment by Red Parchel on August 1, 2012 at 10:17am -
I can't wait to see some reviews and pictures of this version, and comparisons to the skysurfer versions/parts, maybe bolt on wings? I like the addition of flaps! wonder if these wings will fit on my current bixler.
@Chris - I've found adding a tooth pick (in my case wooden BBQ skewer) from the top down through each of the wings and into the lower foam has helped keep the wings in place mid-flight, however I think they may have also lead to some extra repairs caused by rough landings that wouldn't have been necessary had the wings popped off like they like to do
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Comment by brakar on August 1, 2012 at 3:16pm -
Anyone who know the wing area of this plane?
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Comment by David M Eno on August 1, 2012 at 3:39pm -
I don't really see anything special about this. I like the potential for flaps, but I never really needed them. I like the increase in wing length I guess, but I get a solid 45 minutes out of my 2200mAh Lipo and I really could add another 2200 inside. What I don't like about this design is that it still has the same servo situation, and it still is going to be difficult to add parts on like FPV gear. I wish they would open up the nose a bit. They also don't seem to have made any progress on the goal of keeping the wings in place....I'm not going to glue them no matter how much glue to send me.
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Comment by David M Eno on August 1, 2012 at 3:40pm
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Did the make the rudder functional in this version?
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Comment by Hein du Plessis on August 1, 2012 at 10:28pm -
I was holding out for this! Ordered! Looking forward to having an easily transportable fpv ship to take along on holidays in palce of my skywalker.
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3D Robotics Comment by Chris Anderson on August 3, 2012 at 9:56pm -
According to the video on the product listing, the wing is now attached with two screws, which should avoid the whole falling-off-in-midair problem.
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Comment by Dave on August 4, 2012 at 1:03pm -
Very cool. For someone wanting to get into FPV would you choose this over say a Zii?
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