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 should better look on the 1200-1400kv range of motors..
Maxime: the Bixler 2 kit comes with a motor already installed. No need to buy a separate one.
Maybe it it's a little bit off topic, but I'm about to order a Bixler too (Kit).
I want to use 3S / 4S (I have both type of batteries). What do you think of this motor http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=...
Is that overpower ?
Thank you.
Eagle, that's great--many thanks. I'm going to maiden mine tomorrow. It's a got a huge amount of power with that new motor and prop!
Just an update after actually fitting a 3DR chassis properly. You've got to trim the Bixler foam a bit with an exacto knife. The standard Bixler cockpit still fits, if that's what you want, but they're not identical:
I haven't measured it exactly, but as best as I can tell it's the same size. My 3DR chassis fits in both.
There are many variables that help flight time.
Mostly is the internal resistances of components especially batteries at hot summer weather day's.
Looking at Lipo's I've decided on a Gens Ace 40 to 60 C battery at 3S. The lower voltage though will require the wire to be a larger guage.
I'll probably have to buy one then, but the skywalker has been very temping and my eagletree guts have wires going everywhere. I just think I need to get bigger rather than better.
Mine just arrived. It's GREAT. Much better hardware than the first, all pre-assembled, and the design has loads of smart touches, like better ventilation, wing mounting (much longer carbon spar, and screws holding the wings in), and body stiffeners. I put it together in 20 minutes, compared with two evenings for the EasyStar 2. Love the big prop and better motor, too.
All in all, a big improvement. The only thing the EasyStar 2 has over it now is the folding prop (which I don't really care about) and the removable horizontal stabilizer. Given the much cheaper cost and the faster assembly, I think the Bixler 2 wins this round hands down.
Well it's good that all your gear will fit ok. I'm still too nervous to really start chopping mine with a foam cutter to get what I want. I personally buy all my bixler (sky surfers) via an american outfit that must have imported a container or two from china and have a large room full of the models in stock. The US warehouse however has an awful record for having anything in stock. You can only really depend on batteries.
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