Welcome to this edition of the Thermal Circle in this edition the F3Q Rules edited from the FAI website and new products from Multiplex as provided by Model Flight also known as OMP in this all new Thermal Circle!!!!

F3Q Thermal Soaring Rules

Definition of an Aero Tow soaring contest An aero tow soaring contest is made of successive rounds comprising a speed and a duration task. The gliders are towed up to 200 metres altitude by a model aircraft tug. The two tasks of any round must be performed with the same glider, without any change of component; the model weight must be identical for the two tasks. The model glider must be flown by radio by a pilot staying on the ground. The competition must take place on a reasonably flat and horizontal airfield with very low probability of slope or wave lift. As soon as the model glider is hooked to the tug aircraft, the competitor must use his radio equipment by himself. He is entitled to one helper in the course of any task from the beginning of the take-off run.

5.Q.1.2 Models and equipment

5.Q.1.2.1 Aerotow gliders

a - The models shall have an appearance similar to full-size gliders.

 b - The fuselage shall have a transparent canopy, similar to the ones in use on full-size gliders.

c - Aerotow glider characteristics:

i Maximal mass in flight order .................. 5.0 kg

 ii Minimal wingspan ................................... 3.50 m 

iii The fuselage width at the master cross-section, not including the wing fillets, must be at least equal to 3.2 % of the glider's wingspan (example: 400cm x 3.2 % = 12.8 cm).

iv The fuselage height measured at the master cross-section must be at least equal to 4% of the glider wingspan (example: 400 cm x 4 % = 16 cm).

d - The variable geometry models must be in accordance with the rules in any configuration.

e - Any change of geometry or area must be actuated at distance by radio control.

f - The glider must be fitted with a towing device working with a simple nylon loop and located not more than 10 cm behind the model glider's forward point.

g The glider must be fitted with a wheel providing a minimum of 1 cm clearance at take-off, measured with the glider on a horizontal surface.

h Prefabrication of the model aircraft.

Paragraph B.3.1 a) of Section 4, Part 2 (builder of the model aircraft) is applicable to this class. The only models allowed are those built by the pilot from ready-made parts and in which he installs the equipment. I Technical control : every competitor shall declare that his model glider(s) conform to the Sporting Code. If the competitor uses a glider which is not in accordance with the rules, he shall be disqualified

5.Q.1.2.2 Aerotow model aircraft tug a The organiser shall make tugs and pilots available to tow the gliders up to altitude. The tugs shall be able to tow the gliders up to 200 metres of altitude in less than 90 s. The tug model aircraft shall be in accordance with the Sporting Code and the pilots shall have the required qualification and accreditation.

 b The towing cable must be 25 metres long and must be fitted with a nylon loop at each end. A red pennant shall be attached to the cable to improve visibility.

c The tug must be fitted with an altimeter. The tugs' altimeters must be calibrated at the contest's opening and at the beginning of every day of contest. In the course of the day, the Contest Director may ask the tug pilots to perform a calibration flight in order to verify that releases are made at identical altitude.

5.Q.1.2.3 Radio equipment a Every competitor must have at least two different frequencies available with a minimum 20 kHz spacing. The contest director shall decide which frequency shall be used by the competitors in order to establish flight groups of four pilots (or a minimum of three). Class F3Q– R/C Aero Tow Gliders SC4_Vol_F3_Soaring_13 Effective 1st January 2013 Page 44 

5.Q.1.3 Officials required for an F3Q contest For organisational purpose, an official may simultaneously hold several functions.

 a - Contest Director: He runs the contest, manages the officials, and ensures the smooth running of the contest in all respects, especially regarding compliance with rules and safety.

 b - Timekeepers: They time the tasks and flights duration.

 c - Field Marshall: He watches the model gliders at take-off and landing (tugs and gliders). He manages the whole runway security/safety.

 d - Aerotow Pilots: They are in charge of towing the gliders up to release altitude. 5.Q.2 Contest technical and sporting rules 5.Q.2.1 Definition of a round a A round is made of two tasks, each of them scored as a percentage of the task winner's 1000 points.

. A speed flight task over 1,000 metres distance made up of two laps, each of two 250 metre legs, between two parallel imaginary vertical planes 250 metres apart. ii. A duration task of an 8-minute flight ending with a precision landing in a rectangular landing box 20 metres wide and 40 metres long.

5.Q.2.1.2 Organisation of a round a The tasks may take place in any order within a round.

b The previous round must be completed before beginning a new round.

c The competitors’ starting order is established by a draw before the beginning of any round.

d The aero tow tugs release the gliders at 200 metres altitude. This altitude is automatically measured by an onboard altimeter.

e The competitors are allowed two model gliders during a contest. f The two tasks of any round must be carried out with the same glider, without any change of elements, except in the case of a collision with another model glider in flight. However, the pilot can assemble a model made of components from the two gliders, provided the resulting model glider conforms.

5.Q.1.2.1. The competitor must inform the Contest Director whenever he changes to another model glider. This change must be registered in the results list.

g While on the ground, the only allowed changes are switching radio frequency, model wing and empennage angle of attack and centre of gravity position.

h In flight, lifting area, angle of attack and centre of gravity may be altered by remote control.

 i Any in-flight altitude measuring device (altimeter or variometer) is forbidden.

 j During aero tow a competitor may chose any flight path he wants and shall instruct the tug pilot accordingly, provided the safety guidelines set by the Contest Director are followed.

 K Any competitor not taking part in a round receives a zero score for that round

5.Q.2.1.3 Timing a The flight's timing shall be done by one timekeeper with two stopwatches used simultaneously.

b An official times a 2 minutes preparation time, starting the moment the competitor is called for his flight

5.Q.2.1.4 Processing The weight of the model gliders must be checked at random before and after the speed and duration flights of each round. The gliders to be processed shall be chosen by means of a draw. The selected competitors shall be instructed at the end of a flight that they have to bring their glider to the weighing station. A minimum of 20% of the gliders must be checked during each round.

 

5.Q.2.2 Speed task 5.

Q.2.2.1 Definition of a speed task a The speed task is flown over four leg 

5.Q.2.2.1 Definition of a speed task a

 The speed task is flown over four legs between two parallel, virtual vertical planes (‘A’ & ‘B’) 250 metres apart The glider must cross the virtual vertical planes 5 times from initial entry to final exit for the flight to be valid.

b Speed flight definition The glider crosses the start plane ‘A’, toward ‘B’; crosses the ‘B’ plane, flies back to plane ‘A’ and crosses this plane to complete a first lap. It then repeats this sequence to complete a second lap. The flight is complete at the moment the glider crosses plane ‘A’ out of the course at the end of the second lap. The flight is valid, even if the glider Class F3Q– R/C Aero Tow Gliders SC4_Vol_F3_Soaring_13 Effective 1st January 2013 Page 45 touches the ground during the timed part of the flight. A vertical plane is deemed to have been crossed when the nose of the glider has flown through it. c At both ‘A’ & ‘B’ vertical planes, a sighting device is used to assess the moment the glider nose crosses the vertical plane. An acoustic or optical system signals the crossing to the pilot.

A virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the turning planes limits the flight space. Flights must on the safety plane side defined by the Organiser and nobody shall be allowed on that side. If any part of the model crosses the safety plane in flight, the flight is scored zero. Base A Base B Timekeeper Timekeeper Flight area Speed task (view from above) Pilot & helper Safety area Overflight forbidden Safety limit 5.

.Q.2.2.2 Speed task organisation a Competitors are allowed a 2-minute preparation time before take-off from the moment they are called for their flight. The attempt shall be deemed to have taken place if at the end of the preparation time, the model glider is not ready to take off.

b Only timekeepers are allowed to tell the glider's position relative to the starting plane at the competitor's request.

c The glider must cross the starting plane ‘A’ towards plane ‘B’ between 10 and 120 seconds after release from the tug. The timed part of the flight begins when, after release, the glider crosses the starting plane ‘A’ for the first time towards plane “B” and ends when the glider crosses the starting plane out of the course when completing the second lap.

d A timekeeper times the flight and may inform the competitor of the time remaining for crossing the starting plane A for the beginning of the timed portion of the flight..

5.Q.2.2.3 Speed task attempt a The competitor may choose to abort his flight and to make a second attempt at any time between the glider's take-off and the beginning of the timed part of the flight.

b A flight is considered to have been attempted if : i The glider is not ready to take off at the end of the 120 seconds preparation time; ii

The aero tow is interrupted for any reason due to the competitor; iii Every competitor is allowed two attempts. If the first attempt is not successful, the second attempt is the one to be validated, whatever the result.

 5.Q.2.2.4 Speed task re flight A re flight may only be allowed by the Contest Director. The flight is then repeated if: a The flight has not been properly timed by the timekeepers.

b The aero tow is interrupted for any reason outside of the competitor's responsibility. cont/… Class F3Q– R/C Aero Tow Gliders SC4_Vol_F3_Soaring_13 Effective 1st January 2013 Page 46

5.Q.2.2.5 Speed flight cancellation The flight is cancelled and the task is scored 0 (zero) if:

a The glider is not ready to take-off at the end of the second attempt preparation time;

b The glider in flight crosses the safety line; c The gli5.Q.2.2.5 Speed flight cancellation The flight is cancelled and the task is scored 0 (zero) if: a The glider is not ready to take-off at the end of the second attempt preparation time;

b The glider in flight crosses the safety line;

c The glider does not complete the two laps;

d The glider loses any part during the timed portion of the flight.

5.Q.2.2.6 Speed task scoring a The time to complete the two laps course is recorded and rounded to the lowest tenth of second (example: 32.48 seconds = 32.4 seconds).

b The best result from a group is awarded a 1000 points score. Other times are scored relative to the best score over a 1000 points scale (rounded down to one place after the decimal point).

 

c If a speed task lasts two days, scores are computed separately for each day.

d The partial score (PS) for each competitor's speed task is : ? PS = (1000 x BT / CT) ? BT = Best time ? CT = Competitor's time Example : Best time (BT) = 32.0 seconds ? The competitor timed 32.0 seconds scores 1,000 points. ? The competitor timed 32.6 seconds scores 981.60 points (1,000 X 32 / 32.6). ? The competitor timed 43.0 seconds scores 744.20 points (1,000 X 32 / 43). 5.Q.2.3 Duration task

5.Q.2.3.1 Duration flight The aim of the duration task is to fly for 8 minutes after release from the tug aircraft at 200 metres altitude. Landing must be in the same direction as take-off in a rectangular landing box 40 metres long and 20 metres wide. The glider must not rotate more than 90° from the landing box length axis at touch down.

5.Q.2.3.2 Duration task organisation a Competitors are arranged in groups of 4 pilots. Groups of 3 competitors, but not less, may be setup to complete the roster.

b The aero tow duration between take-off and glider release must not exceed 90 seconds.

c The time span between the first and the last glider releases of any group must not exceed 10 minutes for a group of 4 competitors or 7 minutes 30 s for a group of 3 competitors.

d Definition of the landing box : A 40 m x 20 rectangle marked on the ground and with its length parallel to the runway axis.

 

e Definition of the landing point : The point located directly under the model nose after landing.

 f Definition of a correct landing : The glider must approach the landing box over its downwind side (see drawing). 

g Once the glider comes to rest at landing, its nose must be inside the landing box

 

h After landing the glider must point to the take-off and landing direction and must not have rotated more than 90 ° relative to the landing box length axis. The landing box diagram appears over.

5.Q.2.3.3 Duration flight attempt a 

A competitor may elect to abort his flight and make a second attempt at any time between his glider take-off and release.

b A flight is also considered an attempt if : i

the glider is not ready to take-off before the end of the 2-minute preparation time;

ii The aero tow is aborted for any reason due to the competitor.

5.Q.2.3.4 Duration task reflight A re-flight may only be allowed by the Contest Director. The flight is repeated if : i The flight has not been properly timed by the timekeeper.

 The aero tow is interrupted for any reason outside of the competitor's responsibility.

 iii The glider collides with an other model. In this case, both models must land in order to check their structural integrity.

iv All the gliders of a group are not released within the allowed time span. In this case, the Contest Director may decide whether the entire group may start again immediately or at the end of the flight task. The group starts again for a single flight with no other attempt allowed.

v If one competitor is responsible for the group reflight, his score is the one achieved in the reflight. The other competitors from the group score the best result from the two flights.

5.Q.2.3.5 Cancellation of a duration flight A flight is cancelled and the task scored 0 (zero) if :

a The glider is not ready to take off for the second attempt within the allowed preparation time.

 b The glider overflies the safety areas at low altitude.

5.Q.2.3.6 - Duration flight task scoring

a The flight time recorded is rounded down to the lower full second (example: 7:59:99 scores 7:59 s). 

b The timekeeper times the flight, from the glider release from the tug until :

i The moment the glider comes to rest after landing;

ii The glider collides with a fixed obstacle while in flight; iii The glider disappears from the timekeeper's eyesight and it becomes obvious that it will not reappear. In case of doubt, only one of the timepieces may be stopped. cont/…

Class F3Q– R/C Aero Tow Gliders SC4_Vol_F3_Soaring_13 Effective 1st January 2013 Page 48 c Flight scoring :

 i Only full seconds of flight are taken into account up to a maximum of 480 (8 minutes).

ii Twenty additional seconds (bonus) are awarded if the landing is performed within the prescribed limits (5.Q.2.3.2.d, e & f). 

d No landing bonus is awarded if, in addition to (b) above, the glider :

 

i Comes to land into the landing box over a long side; ii Touches the pilot or his helper during landing;

iii Comes to a rest inverted;

I

v Rotates more than 90° from the landing box length axis. e Deducted time :

i When the flight duration exceeds 480 seconds (8 minutes), 1 second is deducted for every full second of flight in excess of 480 s (example: 8:10s flight scores 480 - 10 = 470 seconds).

f Penalty points i 200 penalty points are deducted from the score if the glider lands and comes to a rest more than 100 metres from the landing box centre.

ii 200 penalty points are deducted from the score if any part of the glider is lost during the timed part of the flight.

 

g Calculation of the task s c Flight scoring : i Only full seconds of flight are taken into account up to a maximum of 480 (8 minutes). ii Twenty additional seconds (bonus) are awarded if the landing is performed within the prescribed limits (5.Q.2.3.2.d, e & f). d No landing bonus is awarded if, in addition to 

(b) above, the glider : i Comes to land into the landing box over a long side;

ii Touches the pilot or his helper during landing; iii Comes to a rest inverted; iv Rotates more than 90° from the landing box length axis. e Deducted time :

i When the flight duration exceeds 480 seconds (8 minutes), 1 second is deducted for every full second of flight in excess of 480 s (example: 8:10s flight scores 480 - 10 = 470 seconds).

f Penalty points i 200 penalty points are deducted from the score if the glider lands and comes to a rest more than 100 metres from the landing box centre.

 

ii 200 penalty points are deducted from the score if any part of the glider is lost during the timed part of the flight.

 g Calculation of the task score : i The best result from a group is awarded 1,000 points score, other results are scored as a percentage of the best score over a 1,000.0 points scale (down to one decimal). ii Penalty points are deducted from the competitor's task score. Points = (1000 x (TC + LB) / (BTC + LB)) - PP CT = Competitor's time LB = Landing Bonus BTC = Best time of the group.

Multiplex Heron

 

The radio-ready Multiplex Heron 2.4m electric glider boasts smooth looks and outstanding performance. Just add your receiver and battery.

 

Features

• High performing electric glider
• Four-flap wing, with 2.4 wingspan
• Powerful Permax brushless motor
• 1.1m in length & 1.3-1.5kg in weight
• Control your glider with 5 channels
• Functions include elevator, rudder, ailerons, flaps, throttle for short landing approaches
• Only takes 15 minutes to put together!
• Fly for up to 40 minutes, without thermal support
• Detachable wings for ease of transport

The Multiplex Heron features T-tail, sophisticated wings, and flowing fuselage lines that reacts well to thermals. This means whenever you’re in the air, you’re performing at your best – because you’re flying with a Multiplex Heron.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the skies, or you’ve earned your stripes, you’ll have fun flying the Heron.

Cruise slowly, or perform energetic aerobatics… you can do it all with the Heron. And the four-flap wing makes it possible. It’s super strong with its aluminium tubular spar technology – setting it apart from other 2.4m gliders. Landings are easy, too. Pick your point and land – right on the spot.

If you’re looking for a glider that you can enjoy slow flight on, as well as get aerobatic, it’s no other than the Multiplex Heron. And it’s detachable wings and tailplane make it simple to transport. The sky is the limit, with the Heron. Order yours today.

What you need

• Radio & receiver.
• LiPo Battery
• Suitable charger

Specs

 

Wingspan:

2400mm

Overall length:

1100 mm

All-up weight:

approx. 1500 g

Wing Loading:

33-37.5 g/sg.dm

Wing Area:

41.3 sg.dm

RC functions:

Elevator, rudder, ailerons, flaps, throttle => Butterfly (crow) for short landing approaches

Flight Time:

approx. 40 min. without thermal assistance

Channels equired:

6-7 channel radio and receiver is required

7-channel DR receiver with telemetry function

A high-quality 7-channel receiver built in state-of-the-art SMD technology in MULTIPLEX 2.4 GHz M-LINK technology for all types of models. Thanks to the compact dimensions with in-line plug configuration, it also fits into models with cramped installation conditions. As a dual receiver, this receiver has two complete, parallel-operating receiver circuits (receiver diversity). This is combined with a special signal pre-amplification for maximum sensitivity and thus for excellent reception quality and maximum system range.

What you need

• Prime RC Multiplex to Dualsky DC3 ESC Adaptor

Specs

Width

34 mm

Height

12 mm

Length

49 mm

Weight

0.019 Kg

Transmission type

M-LINK

Telemetable

Yes

Servo channels

7

7 Channel MULTIPLEX 2.4 GHz M-LINK

7-channel receiver with telemetry function

High-quality, telemetry-capable 7-channel receiver built in modern SMD technology in MULTIPLEX 2.4 GHz M-LINK technology.

The right receivers for pilots who do not want to do without telemetry data even in smaller models The inline connector arrangement on both the front and rear sides results in particularly compact dimensions. This means that these receivers are predestined for installation in smaller models with confined installation conditions.

Typical applications: 

• Sails and electric sails up to 2.50 m span 
• Small to medium-sized RC helicopters up to 1 m rotor Ø) 
• Electric and combustion models up to 1.60 m wingspan 
• RC Cars 
• RC boats 

Specs

 

Width

23 mm

Height

12 mm

Length

54 mm

Weight

0.013 Kg

Transmission type

M-LINK

Telemetable

Yes

Servo channels

7

MULTIPLEX COCKPIT SX 9 

 

The MULTIPLEX COCKPIT SX 9 sets new standards in the field of 9-channel hand-held transmitters. 

 

Features

• Future oriented 9channel remote control 9 fully proportional control channels
• 32 bit ARM7 processor
• 2.4 GHz MLINK transmission ensures ultra fast, digital signal transmission with real time telemetry
• Analog and digital servo mode
• IOAT antenna integrated radiation optimized antenna technology with extremely high range
• 3.5 "new TFT colour display with telemetry display and DAY / NIGHT switch, natural daylight
• 4position ball bearing billet units (mechanics of the PROFI TX)
• Fully equipped with all necessary controls and switches
• Voice output (D, E, F) via loudspeaker or earphone jack
• USB socket (charge transmitter charge, PC interface for firmware updates, data management
• Modern, ergonomically optimized housing design
• Low weight
• 2.4 GHz transmission technology MLINK integrated
• ?SD card for model storage
• Long operating time up to 24h

The MULTIPLEX COCKPIT SX 9 sets new standards in the field of 9-channel hand-held transmitters. 

Touch and Fly! - Operation like a smartphone! 

This makes the COCKPIT SX 9 intuitive and easy to program through its app icons. The ideal remote control for RC surface models, RC helicopters and RC-Copter. 
The COCKPIT SX 9 is 100% developed and built in Germany. Quality Made in Germany! 

TFT colour display screen Clear, transitiveness colour display 3,5 ", 320x240 pixels, touch screen with meaningful symbols and large, easily readable digits/letters. Transmitter operating time up to 24 hours possible.

Simple and extensive programming possibilities via new model assistant 

Intuitive operation thanks to an ingenious touch concept with clear screens and many self-explanatory graphics. A comfortable model assistant with a wide range of options for adjusting the values via the touch screen. Easy adjustment via a slider, direct value input with alphanumeric keyboard, +/- and buttons for the fine adjustment ensure the simplest programming of your models. 

Super comfortable model memory management 

The COCKPIT SX 9 is equipped with 200 internal model memories, the model memory is stored on the internal SD card in the .xml format. A comfortable model memory management on the PC via USB mass storage is therefore easily possible.

Outstanding speech output 

With more than 450 words, numbers and phrases, it is one of the most advanced systems of its kind ever installed in a hand-held transmitter. 
The use of this system allows COCKPIT SX 9 pilots to take critical telemetry data and station functions without turning away the view from flying. The COCKPIT SX 9 will tell you the specific sensor values if necessary. Once an alarm is triggered, you do not have to look at the display to see what's going on, the COCKPIT SX 9 tells you.

Back channel / Telemetry

When a telemeter capable receiver is used, the current voltage of the receiver power supply is displayed on the display of the transmitter an adjustable minimum voltage is exceeded, an acoustic signal warns of a vacant receiver battery. Without a sensor, the connection quality (LQI) on the transmitter display can also be displayed in% values.
An additional security solution!
In addition, up to 8 telemetry data can be displayed on the display (depending on the sensors connected to the receiver, eg voltage, current, temperature, etc.) (application examples: motor temperature, drive voltage, current consumption of the drive).The storage of the telemetry data can be found in the model instead of in connection with the optional MULTIPLEX Flight Recorder (# 8 5420).Display of the sensor values in the display is freely configurable, dynamic adjustment of the displays

Wireless teacher / student operation

The COCKPIT SX 9 M-LINK can be standard as both teacher and student transmitter L / S-compatible M-LINK transmitters can be used as a student or teacher transmitter.The optional COPILOT module (# 4 5184) is required for the teacher operation COCKPIT SX 9 operates with selective L / S operation. This permits the transfer of individual control functions to the student, either individually or as a whole, depending on the learning progress of the student.Only by touching the sticks the teacher can take over the model again.

Dual rate and expo phase-specific separately adjustable
For 3 axles (cross, height, side) plus Expo for gas.

3 timers

• Timer 1: mm: ss start / stop switch selectable, alarm function, voice output, vibration
• Timer 2: mm: ss start switch selectable, alarm function, voice output, vibration
• Timer 3: hh: mm Transmitter operating time counter

You can find useful videos on menu navigation and programming at: MULTIPLEX FAQ Videos

Future-proof through software updates
MULTIPLEX is continuously developing the COCKPIT SX 9 software.With the MULTIPLEX Launcher you can always update your remote control at www.multiplex-rc.de free of charge.

Equipment: COCKPIT SX9

• LiFe battery 3.3V / 4000mAh 
• SD card 
• 2 Proportional Encoders 
• 6 switches 
• 2 buttons 

Specs

Width

210 mm

Height

60 mm

Length

190 mm

Weight

0.85 Kg

Transmission type

M-LINK

RC channels

9

Model memory

200

Language edition

Yes

Telemetable

Yes

Servo channels

9

Thats all from the Thermal Circle Happy Safe and Successful Soaring. Hayden Daley 2022