Flying my Raptor140 at 109mph/176kph

This week has been very windy, so I thought I'd try flying the Raptor 140 in gusts of wind over 33mph/53kph. This is also one of the requirements of my USA trip, to be able to fly in over 40kph winds. And.... It flew great!

I tested the bungee take-off, which worked perfectly as I aimed it into the wind, the Raptor navigated the airspace with ease as it has tons of power, great CG and a low profile, enduring the turbulence well, and finally, was able to land safely. Perfect!

Next week I'll attempt to fly a marathon - 42km (26mi)!

See you next week!

-Trent

Raptor 140b Stats:
Weight: 1780g
Max Flight Time: 80min
Max Range: 75km
Stall Speed: 30kph
Cruise Speed: 95kph
Max Speed: 135kph
Radio Range: 1.5km
Energy Carried: 10,000mAh
Power: 850w

The equipment used---
Raptor 140 airplane: http://store.mygeekshow.com/product-p/raptor-140-kit.htm

Radio Tx: ParkeFlyer Turnigy 9x Tx: http://parkeflyer.com/
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Laptop: Compaq Presario CG57

Flight Controller: APM2.6 https://store.3drobotics.com/products/apm-2-6-kit-1
Reciever: 6ch FlySky http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-r6b-receiver.html
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Battery: (2) 5.0Ah 20C Turnigy Lipo: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9184__turnigy_5000mah_3s_20c_lipo_pack.html
ESC: 60A Brushless http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__32820__TURNIGY_Plush_60amp_Speed_Controller_USA_Warehouse_.html
Motor: 3542 1450kv brushless http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=38700
Prop: 10x7 Carbon Fiber Folding http://www.hobby-lobby.com/10x7_carbon_fiber_cam_blade_798_prd1.htm
Servos: 11g digital http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=42620
Onboard camera: http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-V2-Lens-D-808-Key-Chain-Video-Camera-/380627482427?#ht_5755wt_1149

Learn More:
Raptor Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/theairplanes/Raptor140.html
USA Trip Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/usatrip/

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Filmed, Edited, Produced and Published by Trent in Arkansas, USA

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Comments

  • Hi Trent very nicely done keep it up flying wings are the best!!! Would you please share your Parameter file I assume you are using 2.76.

  • Mark: I was worried about it at first, and tested it a few times while the prop was spinning slowly, but after a few a tests and watching the slow motion video I feel confident it isn't going to be an issue. I apply power (about 1/4 throttle) basically as soon as I can get both hands on the throttle, and then I don't power up to 1/2 - 3/4 throttle until its clear of the bungee.

  • Moderator

    Do you worry about the bungee fouling the rear-mounted prop?  When do you apply power?

  • @ctech4285: The Raptor flies great at slower speeds, and has a stall speed of about 25 - 30kph. The "sweet spot" I am optimizing for is 100kph.

    @Stephen, I'm messaging you additional details now.

  • Trent, you've gotta post the airfoil(s), root and tip chord lengths, quarter-chord sweep angle, and washout angle! I'm going crazy wanting to compare the performance your getting with other wings to see what works best!

  • oh very nice, I can see that the prop velocity is around 200km/h, good match for 135km/h flight speed. I am curious what the range would be if this was setup for endurance, eg low rpm large prop for optimized for the 30-45km/h speed.

This reply was deleted.