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=24474&aff=5361
Comments
You mean a zephyr II ? The two are in totally different leagues. A zepher is for you when you've flown a lot of skywalkers, easystars, or bixlers. They are very fast very labor intensive planes that require a background in FPV to use properly.
Very cool. For someone wanting to get into FPV would you choose this over say a Zii?
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.
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.
Did the make the rudder functional in this version?
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.
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
And just yesterday I made some bigger order of parts to fix my new/old Bixler... :)
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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