Like a Bixler, but bigger and with a cool nose dome for a forward-facing camera. $120, now available from HobbyKing.
Details:
The Sky Eye is a large plug and fly glider designed for the FPV pilot who is looking for all the benefits of a larger model that is also fast to get into the air and won't break the bank!Make no mistake, the Sky Eye is a biggie! That said, it is also really practical and features a 2pc plug in wing and huge magnetic canopy for easy camera and Lipo access. Being a plug and fly model, the Sky Eye is really quick to assemble, the heavy duty mini servo's are all pre-installed, as is the powerful 35mm brushless out-runner motor and ESC, in fact setting up your camera in the supplied transparent camera dome is going to be the longest job of the build!As the old saying goes, the bigger they are, the better they fly and with a 2 metre span, the Sky Eye provides a high lift, stable and virtually un-stallable camera & FPV platform thanks to it's generous wing area and effective pre-installed flaps. The powerful brushless outrunner and 8" prop combo offer an excellent climb rate while the effectively sized four channel control surfaces offer absolute control at all speeds. This fantastic model offers a fun and easy to fly glider and FPV/Camera platform in a simple & fast to build format that is totally affordable and perfect for pilots of every ability, the Sky Eye offers something unique and familiar rolled into one great priced package!Features:• Tough EPO Construction• Plug and Fly Format, Simply add Battery and Reciever!• Large Size Ideal for a Stable Flying in a Variety of Weather Conditions• Unique Nose Mounted Transparent Camera Dome• Pre-Installed Landing Wheel• Pre-Installed Flaps• Large Magnetic Canopy• Plug In 2pc Wing for Easy Transport• Powerful 35mm Brushless Outrunner• Large Payload Capability• Large CF wing TubeSpecs:Wingspan: 2000mmLength: 1100mmWeight: 1350gWing Area: 46.3dm2Wing Loading: 29.2g/dm2Servo: 6 x Mini 17gESC: 30A w/BECMotor: 3536 Brushless Outrunner 900kvProp: 8x6
Comments
Putting mine together at the moment....
Did anyone try to mount a downward facing camera on this frame? I guess it would take cutting a hole in the bottom. Is it doable? Any experiences?
There comes a point where some airframes are flying faster than they are supposed to... My SSS is really only designed for the 20-25 knot range. At higher speeds the foam control surfaces do nasty things. Something like the Techpod cruises at 32 and maxes out at 55 so right away you can go out on windier days. Then of course you have the issue of bigger motor more power need to keep the speed up higher amp draw.
Bixlers/SSS/ everyones forgotten the original real one the Easystar are all designed to be fairly benign for beginners and as such have aerofoils and handling to match. The Bixler is just the ticket for my nine year old to learn to fly but living at 4500' with 30+ C days it can be fast.
We are moving towards mass market efficient airframes I think six hours is the new 40 minutes that everyone strove for, an hour plus is simple with the SSS but I only have a 110g payload that does not stick out in the wind.
I am looking forward to build logs for this one though. As I said before just the mod to the nose for fitting stuff makes things easier and is a step in the right direction.
@Sam: Same problem with flying my Bixler today, sunny day and the wind picked up, and just not enough power and too light for the wind. Only escape was to land fast before drifting into no mans land :(
Sadly, only EMS shipping is available to the US, bringing the total up to about $160. Still, that's a pretty good deal for this much plane if it flies well!
The stock motor on the Bixler 2 seem to be under powered, I got in to some 5mph wind and almost lost it, I upgrade to a 2836 with 40esc, it will cruise now.
The fuse looks identical, there is a better SSS clone with stronger mount and servos already on the tail can't remember the name of it. Folks are fitting huge motors and props I'm not sure this is entirely the right way to go flown lightly the SSS is a much nicer airframe than the Bixler II.
I wonder if the aftermarket adjustable motor mount for the SSS will fit?
This would allow for larger, more efficient props.
-Mike
I have one of the slightly bigger Super Sky Surfer (2.4m) from Banana Hobbies the fuselage on this looks identical from the root back. Really like what they did with the nose on this. The only mod I would make is mount the servos for rudder and elevator at the back. Otherwise Roberts your fathers brother its a good size. Oh on the SSS the stock main spar is heavier than most gliders I have ever flown so a proper carbon spar, whilst probably costing more than the kit it will save a heck of alot of weight.
I predict these will replace the Bixler as the standard platform (if they fly as well as the SSS)
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