24-Sep-23 - 04:11 AM

Recommended Sailplanes - F3J

Written by Hayden Daley - 14 September, 2007.
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 Prestige 2PK PRO

 

Many pilots have been asking us for a long time whether we are preparing a new model.It is not our habit to produce a new model often just to increase the sales of our models. We believe that every new model must be better, more powerful. The customer should not be disappointed with the performance and improvements.. There is a lot of pilots that very often buy every new model that comes on the market hoping that it will have a miraculous feature just because it is new. In order to achieve peak performance, a pilot  should fly with one type of model for a long time and become "fused" with it. Of course, the biggest credit for all the changes and improvements goes to our designer Philip Kolb. We really thank him for that. We also thank Benjamin Rodax, who designed more models for us with Philip Kolb .

 

We have had countless responses from pilots who have "switched" to the Prestige 2PK and their performance have increased rapidly due to the performance and very friendly features of the model. He would never design a model for us that he was not sure would not improve upon the previous model. That this is true is also evidenced by the first reactions of some top pilots who had the option to try the Prestige 2PK PRO and enjoy flying with this novelty. We probably don't need to mention that the entire model is produced in electrically heated aluminum moulds, which are produced by very precise CNC machines.

The wings, rudder and elevator are manufactured using the latest FRC (Full Rohacell Core) Technology. The fuselage is also inflated at high pressure in electrically heated aluminum molds. Which guarantees high strength at low weight .PRESTIGE 2PK PRO will use all its advantages in all categories of F5J, GPS light and F3J. After some time ago other manufacturers practically stopped the development of new F3J models, the Prestige 2PK and Prestige 2PK PRO are the only top models on the market for the F3J category. We wish to all Prestige 2PK PRO users much success and only the best experiences.

Therefore, the first measure in the design of the Prestige 2PKPro was to increase the wingspan to the maximum 4000mm allowed. At the same time, a careful redesign of the airfoil section promised further performance gains. For this purpose, it was necessary to make the aerofoils even thinner in order to save additional drag, especially in the medium lift coefficient range. Over large extents of the outer wings, the airfoils are now 0.3 percent thinner than on the Prestige 2PK, culminating in a tip airfoil being only 5.8 percent thick anymore. This measure mainly results in better legs thus performance gains when hunting for a thermal or coming back home from far downwind.

For aircraft which are primarily operating in the higher lift coefficient regime this is a very effective tool to mitigate tip stall tendencies without the necessity to use wider chords close to the wing tip. A wider chord on the wingtip can also mitigate tip stall tendencies without the need of using thicker airfoils, but will have the disadvantage that more mass has to be built into the outer wing panels due to higher component volume – and this higher mass certainly will negatively affect the planes` agility. Concerning the washout twist distribution, it was quite astonishing that twisting the central area of the wingtips was clearly more necessary to avoid tip stalls than the outermost tips. Hence the washout twist distribution was chosen non linear.As a result to this, the Prestige 2PK Pro shows better performance values up to a flight speed of 70km/h than the Prestige 2PK.

With the resulting longer span and higher aspect ratio of the Prestige 2PK Pro wing it was also required to rearrange the tail moment arms in order to keep similar tail volumes as on the Prestige 2PK.As the vertical tail volume is reduced by a greater portion than the horizontal tail volume while increasing the wing span without changing the tail moment arms, both tail moment arms were increased by different numbers. Thereby the fin was moved 92mm more downstream and the stabiliser 65mm more downstream to reach equivalent tail volumes as on the Prestige 2PK.

As Samba Model is able to really build light tail feathers, it will still work to keep the inertia values of the tail units low. The big advantage in this matter, when elongating the tail boom, is that the spiral stability values of the aircraft will increase. Consequently the Prestige 2PK Pro should be able to perform steeper thermal turns without any tendencies of the plane to spiral in.

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Shadow 2 F3J Xtail

The new Shadow has been called invincible for F3J competition with a lineup of major contest wins, it may be true!

Wingspan: 143 in. (3.625m)

Wing Area: 1135 sq.in. (73.22dm2)

Wing loading: 8 oz/sq.ft. (24.4g/dm2)

Airfoil: HN501M1

Length: 62 in. (1.575m)

Weight: 58-60 oz (1644-1700g)

Controls: Ail-Rud-Elev-Flap

Shadow 2 came to the scene in 2006 and the main goal of development, was to create a competitive model to suit all weather conditions. Currently available only in cross tail version. This design is using new HN507M1 airfoil by Norbert Habe. The airfoil has a very wide speed range.

Since the release in 2006, numerous updates were made, most recent is new version of cross tail fuselage which improved handling. The wing skins are carbonline spread tow, same as the most winning model ever, the Xplorer. Super light, and agile this model offers more bang for the buck than anything out there!!The kit is supplied with: - Carbon fuselage - Fully molded composite wing panels - Fully molded composite tail - Full accessory pack

Suggested Accessories:

Servos: MKS HV6100 MG six are needed

Servo Frames: Servo Frames for DS6100 servos with bearings (pair), order one pair

Also available in Electric F5J version!

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Explorer 5 4.0m

Explorer 5 GPS is a giant leap to higher performance!

Whether scratching for altitude in light lift conditions or speeding through sink to the next thermal, Explorer 5 GPS gives you a BIG advantage! State-of-the-art construction methods combined with maximum airfoil camber flexibility and efficiency, plus Explorer's sleek, low drag airframe optimized for “GPS-Triangle-racing” combine to make this exclusive sailplane impossible to beat! The Explorer GPS has a 2.4 friendly nose cone and additional ballast tubes in the wing.

Wing is IDS friendly and wing servos are moved as close to the center of the wing as possible to improve handling of the plane at low altitudes when it matters the most to work out tight thermals. Weight savings are mostly achieved in construction of the wing and amount of material used. The model is suitable for F5J use only.

The kit is supplied with:

Carbon fuselage, 2.4 friendly nose

Fully molded composite wing panels

Solid core composite tail

Full accessory pack

Recommended Motor: NeuMotor 1105/3Y/5.8 (P22)

Recommended ESC: YGE 65A

Recommended Battery: Tattu Battery 1300mAh 3S 75C Lipo

Recommended Spinner: GM 30/6mm Spinner

Recommended prop: GM 17x10 Prop.

Recommended Cover: Explorer Covers 4.0 V-Tail

NAN models in Bulgaria represents their continued dedication to producing some of the finest, best value models in the world. The Explorer raises the bar to a new level with ever-higher quality, superior fit and finish into a lighter, stiffer airframe. Nikolay has been working hard on the production of this new model for some time, and once again, he has come up with a winner!

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Plus X F5J and F3J Plus X- the World best F5J wing from Joe Wurts:

  • The best thermaling and penetration performance combined in one wing;
  • 6 servos give the best combination of aileron and flapperon differential for the highest climb performance during circling in thermals;
  • Wide flap has extremely smooth airfoil in all flight mode;
  • Extremely possibility for brake due 6 servos wing;
  • Plus X/5 has five short parts wing for easy traveling with luggage limit size box;
  • Plus X light- strong version with FAI limits weight;
Plus X – unique easy-taped-assembly two part fuselage
  • Two short parts of the fuselage for easy traveling;
  • Easy and reliable ballasting fuselage;
  • VM famous snap fixed system for carbon canopy;
  • Unique light weight and strength due Carboline preform for the boom and pod;
  • Easy mounting system for servos, inside the tail boom;
  • Carbon pushrods for tail servos is installed already;
  • The ability to trim the nose (on 54mm) to diameter of 38mm to get the right CG with a heavy motor;
Plus X – extremely low drag, high efficient and light tail
  • High aspect ratio fin with unique efficient thin airfoils from Joe Wurts;
  • Extremely rigid and light elevator and rudder control system;
  • Easy mounting fin and stabilizer;
  • Amazing high strength and light weight of the tail.

PLUS X
Length 1764 mm (69.4")
Wing span 3973 mm (156.41")
Wing area 77.2 sq dm
Wing airfoils original by Joe Wurts
Wing aspect ratio 20.4 %
Horizontal stabilizer area 7.98 sq dm
Horizontal stabilizer aspect ratio 7.76
Vertical stabilizer area 5.15 sq dm
Vertical stabilizer aspect ratio 3.17
Control surfaces ailerons, flapperons, flaps, elevator, rudder



PLUS X Wing

Plus X- the World best F5J wing from Joe Wurts:

  • The best thermaling and penetration performance combined in one wing;
  • 6 servos give the best combination of aileron and flapperon differential for the highest climb performance during circling in thermals;
  • Wide flap has extremely smooth airfoil in all flight mode;
  • Extremely possibility for brake due 6 servos wing;
  • Plus X/5 has five short parts wing for easy traveling with luggage limit size box;
  • Plus X light- strong version with FAI limits weight;
  • Wing mounted receiver with one wire connection due SBus/ XBus hub in the fuselage;
  • 8 channel receiver possibility due Y-cable for flaps.



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Simitri F3J Information The Simitri F3J is the newest addition from the maker of the Euphoria. They had honed their skills on the Euphoria, making it one of the best flying models and values out there! Simitri is a step above the quality of many of the models we have seen. The fit and finish are A quality, and the execution of carbon line spread tow, and the composite is top shelf. The wing is carbon line fabric, with a new spar technology that is very strong, and very lite. The polyhedral wing circles excellent with the trilerons, launches well and will hang with the best of the best! The wing linkage has LDS installed, ready to install servos of your choice, we like the MKS 6110's and 6130s in the flaps. The Rohacell CNC tails are flawless and very light. They can be removed for transport, and with the 3pc wing, this model is great for breaking down well. The fuse pod is kevlar 2.4 friendly too Features

  • New platform gives better penetration and tighter circles
  • Extreme power in the elevator
  • Harder pings off launch
  • Precise turnovers
  • Lower-positioned nose helps in the landings
  • Shape, airfoils, tail and fuse cross-section means better strength and lower drag
  • Lighter fuses and wings
  • New materials improve circling at low speeds
  • Moulds and building techniques make parts lighter, stronger and with better finish
  • Ailerons at the end of the tip give you an even more agile model
  • Stronger stiffness and resistance with high pressure production technology
  • Wing, fuselage, rudder and elevator are full carbon
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Pike Prestige

First of all thanks to Philip Kolb for constructing an exceptional model in the F5J world. He was not influenced by various fads in the F5J world and used all his knowledge, experience and best available software to construct the amazing PRESTIGE 2PK.To this we added the full rohacell core to the design, the whole model is made in heated aluminum molds to a very high temperature. This technology creates a light, strong and stable platform for years of flying.It is worth mentioning a few properties we have found very nice after flying this model for a while.

In circling the model as expected did not have a need for extreme dihedral joiners since the aerodynamic design and airfoil changes does that work in a better way than increasing dihedral. It was first produced with 6 degree tip joiners and then we added an 8 degree alternative. It has also been flown a lot with 5 degree joiners with good success in low altitude thermalling at EC F3J 2019. There should be no need for extreme joiners though this is again a personal preference. Circling camber can be extreme (5-8 degrees) while still maintaining speed during because of a new tail design that keeps the energy better (less drag). This means high bank angle is possible and yet still keep the high lift in a tight thermal.The large and newly designed rudder makes it possible to yank the model into any thermal you find.

As you will find described in the designer Philip Kolb’s writeup the penetration in all camber settings is very good because of the new tail design. Now you can change camber at any point without losing flying energy like we see in many airfoils. The model now just speeds up to the desired speed/camber setting and keeps that for a trip over the whole airfield thru lift and sink. Night and early morning testing have shown sink values as good as 0,35-0,4m/s in distance mode (1mm up along the whole trailing edge and measured by altimeter). That means search mode for thermals is very efficient and a fantastic glide ratio. Flying in full camber in the same conditions gives values in the range of 0,25-0,3m/s but less area is covered.

Landing the Prestige 2PK is easier than ever. No aileron setup is needed (aileron goes to neutral when brakes applied). Only flaps and elevator compensation. Still the model slows down to a crawl and pushing over is easy as the new elevator keeps the energy well even with full flaps applied. The rudder is also better and bigger and with the new high dihedral middle and aerodynamic airfoil changes it corresponds well to rudder input and is not as much affected by sidewind as earlier models. Though it should be said that the lightest layup has very light tips and heavier tips (inertia) might be preferred if the landing area have lots of sidewind and/or turbulence.The nose is removable. It is made longer than needed and can be shortened ( max. 100 mm) according to engine weight and lipo. Install equipment and shorten nose to fit preferred CG. The original nose has a diameter of 32 mm. It is designed to fit cheap and reliable outrunners for lighter versions. Very soon we will produce a nose cone with slimmer diameter of 30 mm.The servos and receiver are located in the fuselage under the center wing therefore there is enough space in the front for the motor, controller and lipo. Battery size from very small and up to 2300mah can be used as much care is taken to a very thin but almost square fuse in the front area.

The complete wire harness is built into the center panel and the central connector is ready installed. Wire harness for fuselage is also delivered ready made.Servo compartments in wing are laminated on all sides with carbon fabric, so a very strong box has been created in which the IDS system can be mounted. We recommend to install IDS for KST X10 mini, JRDS 181 or 189 for flaps and MKS 6110HV in the tips. For fuselage are suitable servos size like MKS 6110 HVIn the future will also produce a V tail version Although it is a new model a few pilots had it before WCH F5J 2019 and only had the chance to test for a short time.So in the biggest F5J competitions of all times the pre contest 4th WCH World F5J Challenge only 3 pilots flew with the Prestige 2 PK. All 3 was pilots were in Flyoff out of 190 pilots. Robert Bonafede won the 4th World Challenge and finished 3rd at the World Championship that followed.Other pilots with the Prestige 2PK achieved a lot of podium positions in a lot of other F5J competitions. We wish everyone who purchases Prestige 2PK many great experiences and sporting successes.

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Euphoria F3J

The Euphoria is a magnificent full-carbon thermal glider that features the latest advances in aerodynamic design. It builds upon the strengths of successful gliders to create a model where pilots can grow their skills in F3J and Thermal Soaring class competition. The moulds for the wings and tail surfaces have been created using CNC milling machines to ensure superb accuracy. Furthermore, the four-piece wing section is carbon-skinned for additional strength and stiffness. This four-piece construction allows for larger ailerons to give you great roll control. All the wing control surfaces are large, making camber changes effective. Additionally, the large flaps allow the glider to be spot-landed very slowly and precisely.

This wing design allows for great turn ability and landing control. You will also notice the excellent glide angle and low sink speed. The Euphoria's wing, in addition to its tailplane, are made of spread carbon construction, making the model durable and light. This wing has a large spar, allowing you to perform great aerobatics and strong launches if you so desire. In keeping with current trends, the tailplane has been mounted on a small pylon in front of the fin. The tailplane comes with a separate elevator to give it precise pitch control. The carbon fin features a large film-covered rudder to reduce tail weight.

The pod is made from Kevlar and features a precise snap lock canopy, under which you can easily accommodate a 2.4GHz radio system. This pod is solid, yet lightweight and comes with a carbon fibre tube as a tail boom. The rudder and elevator are also lightweight and are made from CFRP shells. The servo bays can accommodate servos up to 16mm in width for the ailerons. The Euphoria also comes with a ballast tube, allowing you to adjust the weight for windy conditions. The Euphoria has a brilliant finish, with all fittings, locks and joiners coming pre-assembled. All parts slide into place perfectly. The Euphoria comes with pushrods, control horns and linkages. You will need to glue the tailboom to the pod (a jig is provided). Other necessary small parts are included.

The Euphoria is an outstanding competition glider that will deliver championship performance.

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Egida F3J

The EGIDA is the latest design from Jaro Muller. He designed the EGIDA to incorporate the successes of his past designs, while developing a model to take advantage of the latest material enhancements. Jaro successfully made the EGIDA 63 ounces full strength with better handling than the RL, a better hang rate than the competition, and legs and L/D like the Satori. In our opinion the EGIDA is Jaro's greatest design to date.The EGIDA handling is much improved over the RL, the EGIDA is very easy to fly and while in a turn it required very little rudder, and can completely be flown with the right stick. This is because of the extra dihedral built into the tips. This creates a very user friendly model, and allows you to focus on the air more than flying the plane. The aileron area is also increased and they are extended all to the tip allowing for a less drag in a turn and increased roll rate. The most surprising part of the design was the effectiveness of the V-tail. Jaro put a very large V-tail on the EGIDA.and in the past V-tails where undersized and had some nasty characteristics like snapping and bad landing control. We were pleased to find that the EGIDA did not have any of the bad habits. The V-tail actually had more landing control at slow speeds than the X-tail Espada RL with big stabs. Also during tests we tried to snap the model and giving the model full up in a turn did not snap it, and also full up and full rudder did not snap the model. The EGIDA is a very stable platform, it grooves and locks into a thermal turn very well. The flap size was also increased compared to the RL. This allows for very slow landings and steep approaches. The big difference that we saw with the larger flaps was when a thermal came through on landing. In that condition the pilot needs to dive to stay at the same altitude, but with other models this greatly increases the approach speed.

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Vixen F3J

The Vixen was designed by Daryl Perkins as a no compromise F3J model. Everything about the Vixen was well thought out for the task. It was designed to be easy to build light, and to keep the weight out of the extremities - note the V-Tail and two piece wing. There is no joiner box structure or joiner weight at half span which reduces weight out at the tips. The section choices are designed to have a wide speed range, pull hard on tow, and slow down well for a slow controlled approach. Many of you will question the six servo wing - it must be flown to be believed! The control surfaces are quite short, enabling the use of very small and light servos and less prone to twist or flutter. The largest benefits here are in the landing circle and the ability to slow down, controllably, and work the clock for that last 10th of a second. F3J contests are won on tow, and in the LZ. The Vixen is optimized for both." "The Vixen was designed by Daryl Perkins as a no compromise F3J model. Everything about the Vixen was well thought out for the task. It was designed to be easy to build light, and to keep the weight out of the extremities - note the V-Tail and two piece wing..”

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Pike Perfection F3j

Perfection in name and design, the Pike Perfection from Samba Model is a superb glider. This F3J RC glider is built upon the foundation of Sama's Perfect and Perfect ET gliders, with the new platform giving you better penetration and tighter circles. The Pike Perfection has a new tail to give you extreme power in the elevator, with even harder pings off launch and precise turnovers to hit those vital landing points. The lower-positioned nose helps in the landings. The new shape and airfoils of the tail, combined with a better cross section of the fuse, gives you better strength, lower drag and better penetration. Thanks to the new platform, the fuses and wings are lighter and the new materials in the skin ensure that the weight comes down and centres in the model. This gives you improved circling; especially at low speeds. Together with ailerons at the end of the tip, Samba Model have created a more agile model.The moulds are completely new and Samba Model have used new building techniques that were not possible with their older moulds. This ensures that the Pike Perfection is not only lighter and stronger, but also has a better finish. The stiffness and resistance of its parts are stronger, thanks to the new materials and high-pressure production technology. Full carbon material is used in the wing, fuselage, rudder and elevator. This is consistent across all versions of the Pike Perfection.

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Maxa 4 EL Long Tail

Maxa EL 4m Long – the newest version with wingspan 3.925m.The main advantage of long booms is to improve longitudinal stability of the model.Hypersensitivity to flows, improved handling model, especially on small landing speeds (this also make more accurate landing), will allow you to fully realize themselves, and enjoy the flight.The use of our proprietary, made in-house, high strength Spread Tow carbon laminates resulted in a glider with world lowest wing loading.Wide selection of colors allows you to customize your model to reflect your unique style.You can select the version, which best fits your needs, using the following table.The ability to make a more accurate landing, will allow you to fully realize themselves, and enjoy the flight. The use of our proprietary, made in-house, high strength Spread Tow carbon laminates resulted in a glider with world lowest wing loading.Wide selection of colors allows you to customize your model to reflect your unique style. You can select the version!!!

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Maxa 3.5

Maxa is a combination of ultra-modern aerodynamic design by Joe Wurts and optimal structure from Vladimir’s Model. The design satisfied four main goals. The soaring duration was increased by new aerodynamic solutions from Joe Wurts and reduced weight of the new structure from Vladimir’s Model. The landing accuracy is improved by reducing the plane inertia, increasing the efficiency of the control surfaces at very low landing speeds, and the shape of the pod, which stops the plane as soon as the nose touches the ground. High speed dynamic launches are greatly improved due to low drag of the wing and other part of the plane as well as by the increased stiffness, which is especially important at high speeds of the launch. Penetration, the ability of the glider to return from distant thermals without loosing much altitude, is improved by the exceptional aerodynamic properties of the new model.Maxa 3.5 is the universal soaring leader for any weather.This glider takes advantage of even the weakest morning thermals, thanks to its light weight. High structural stiffness and novel aerodynamics allow ???? 3.5 to easily climb and return from distant thermals even in the windy weather.Efficient wing mechanization permits accurate control of the flight speed not only on landing, but also during the search for thermals.Increased area of the light horizontal stabilizer improves the control and guarantees “bull eye” landings.

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Explorer 2

If you want the best F3J model, look no further, the Explorer2. It has a Wing Span of 3800mm a Fuselage Length of 1630mm and a Wing Area:81.5 dm. The Airfoil is the NAN-F3J and the model has a Tail Area of 8.8dm Flying Weight of the model is from 1950g. This is the latest update of the Nan Models Explorer and with a very light weight is a fine addition to the Nan Models range of High Performance sailplanes and competition models, this model is available now and in the country from Airstrike/ Hyperion Australia.

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Orca 3.390

The smaller Orca, this version would make an excellent heavy weather F3J model in full carbon, and could be combined with its larger counterpart to cover all conditions. The wingspan is 3390mm, it has a wingarea of 69,2 dm2 and the average chord is 204,2 mm and has an aspect ratio of 16,6. Weight is from 1940gm in light weight versions and can also be ordered in full carbon layup. The airfoil is the M2385t and is available in cross tail and Vtail versions. Combined with a larger model the Orca would make an excellent heavy weather F3J sailplane and the design utilises modern f3j design trends and promises excelllent performance. Contact David Pratley at Airstrike for more information on this well desinged thermal duration sailplane. I really like the look of this model it is supurb!

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Orca 3.63

The Orca 3.63 is a new F3J sailplane brought to Australia by Airstrike. The wingspan is 3630mm, has a wing area of 72,28 dm2 and an average chord of 199,1 mm. The Orca's aspect ratio is 18,2 and weight starts at 1960gm complete. The Orca can be ordered in cross tail and aso availble with a V-tail. The wing airfoil is the M2385t and Vtail is symetrical 8%. This is an excellent F3J model utilising current trends and will be a fine, efficient modern F3J sailplane for Australian conditions. Look forward to supurb F3J action from this well designed sailplane.

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Tragi 801X Cluster

The newest member of the Tragi family, T801X "Cluster", is a high performance F3J thermal duration glider. It has been designed to achieve minimal sinking rate and maximum gliding rate at a remarkably wide range of speeds whilst keeping a low wing loading.The design of the 801X "Cluster" took off from the feedback and experience from competition pilots from many different countries. This information was then combined with full utilisation of state-of-the-art computer modelling and simulation. We have used up-to-date materials and technologies to produce this solid and stiff plane at a minimal weight.The wings of the 801X "Cluster" have a set of six new optimised HX 29 airfoils. As a special design feature, the airfoil has a wide peak, making it efficient at a wide range of speeds. The wing load of 26-27 gr/dm2, stall proof geometry, HX 29 airfoil and the efficient rudder makes the plane indicate thermals very clearly and execute slow flat thermal turns really well. The flaps are really effective as s proven during testing, it is a light, fast-launching, well-orbiting and thermal sensitive plane. In short - the top performance of this plane has been successfully combined with the utmost user friendliness.The Tragi 801X "Cluster" is offered as a complete set, containing all the necessary prefabricated parts including ballast and wiring loom. Radio equipment must be obtained separately.

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Satori F3J

The Satori is a new F3J model brought to Australia by Airstrike Australia. This sailplane has a 3-piece wing, 3.6 m span and a crosstail; with Carbon technology and optimized airfoils. The fuselage is 2.4 ghz friendly and pre-installed tow-hook, pre-installed cables and connectors, pre-installed horns for aileron and flaps and ball-bearing for elevator joiner. Lite version or Carbon version available and also a sleek Cross-tail fuselage. Flying weight starts at 1950g. Look forward to supurb F3J action from this model and further information available from Airstrike Australia.

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Xplorer F3J 3.7 meter update

The Xplorer 3.7 is a completely new design from manufacturers NAN Model based on the 3.5 meter Xplorer, the changes are to the wing tips and tailplane. If you own an Xplorer 3.5 you can purchase the wing tips and tailplane separately and change the span of your model to the new size. The F3J World Championships already prove this model is currently the best you can buy. If you want to be one first to purchase this model please contact Airstrike Australia and place yourself on the order list. The model will be available in V or X tail versions. The Explorer has a wingspan of 3700mm, a length of 1630mm and a larger wing area. The model features the NAN - F3J wingsection and the models flying weight is 2100 gm complete. Airstrike is the sole distributor of models from the NAN company and expect good thermal performance from this F3j World Championship winning design.

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Supra PRO F3J

The Supra PRO is an all new F3J competition model brought to Australia by the Airstrike Company. The Supra Pro has a wingspan of 3400ml the model uses the AG 43 wing section and is available in lightweight or full carbon version for heavier weather conditions. The dry weight of the lightweight version is 1400g, however I recommend the carbon version for Australian conditions. The Supra Pro is the latest Supra model, there has been other versions and this model has evolved into this design so expect excellent performance from this model. This model has been optimised for the new landing rules in F3J competition and the other Supra designs have been campaigned by many competitors and have achieved good results world wide. These sailplanes have landed they are available with different options from the supplier, Airstrike Australia.

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Xplorer F3J

The Xplorer is a completely new design from manufacturers NAN Model. The plane was pre released to a few of the best F3J pilots in the world and early results winning Eurotour contest's and The F3J World Championships already prove this model is currently the best you can buy. If you want to be one first to purchase this model please contact us and place yourself on the order list. The model will be available in V or X tail versions.The Explorer has a wingspan of 3500mm, a length of 1630mm and a wing area of 75.85dm2. The model features the NAN - F3J wingsection and the models flying weight is between 1850 - 2050. Airstrike is the sole distributor of models from the NAN company and expect good thermal performance from this F3j World Championship winning design.

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Supra F3J

The Supra is an F3J model brought to Australia by the Airstrike company. It was flown at Jerilderie 2008 by soaring champion Joe Wurts and he achieved third place at the event with the Supra. This model was also campaigned by USA soaring champion Daryl Perkins at the 2008 F3J World Championships. It has a wingspan of 3400mm, a wing area of 68,87 dm2 and the wing airfoil is the AG40 and AG43. The model has a built in ballast tube for windy weather and is available in full carbon and other versions. Overall a supurb F3J model with proven competition winning performance, available from Airstrike Australia.

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Pike Perfect

The Pike Perfect was used by David Hobby in 2 f3J world championships with one victory and made the flyoff in the second event using this model. The wingspan on this model is 3550 mm and it has alength of 1625mm. The Pike Perfect has a wing area of 74,93 dm and a tailplane area of 7,81dm.The models aspect ratio is 16,81. This model was designed to be an allrounder, equally at home in windy conditions and calm air. It utilises the following wingsections, PK-91A,PK 91B, PK92, PK93. The tailplane section's are the HT 14 and HT 13. The models weight varies from 2050gm to 2300gm depending on the layup, I reccomend the full carbon version for Australian conditions. Overall an excellent performing F3J model.

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Pike Superior

The Pike Superior was used by David Hobby to win the F3J world championships. It has a wingspan of 3300mm and a wing area of 66.5 dm2. The wingsection used on this model is the supurb HQ/W 2,5/8 and the camber and thickness is gradually changed to the end of the wing. The weight of the model is 2180 gm. It has a ballast tube that can carry 1000gm and has a three piece wing. The Pike Superior is available with a cross tail or V-Tail. When purchasing this model I recommend the full carbon version for Australian conditions. This model is reknowned world wide as one of the best F3J/ Thermal competion models. Watching this model at Jerilderie it launched magnificently, thermalled surpurbly and is definitely worth considering for Australian conditions. If you purchase this model you will be surprised at the ease of flying this model, it has excellent handling characteristics. Overall one of the best thermal models ever produced.

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Espada RX

The Espada RX was definitely the best performing Jaro Muller model with wingspan of 3.242 meters, the wingsection was the HN-785JM a Norbert Hayes wingsection and a wing area of 62.7 dm2. The Espada has a dry weight without ballast of 2050g. During the rounds that I watched this model had a very broad speed range, launched exceptionally well and definitely stood out as a fine performing thermal competition sailplane. This model is exceptionally strong and stiff, a Victorian competitor launched this model higher than I had ever seen previously in winds of around 15 knots. There has been a rush in Victoria to change over to the Espada with many models on back order, both this version and the larger 3.7 meter models for light air, with many competition models being sold to sponsor this change.

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Espada RLX

The Espada RLX is a new model that I mentioned in RCMN as having what looked to be an exceptional design for F3J and as a light weather competition model. Watching this model perform at Jerilderie it showed exceptional performance, it launched well, thermalled superbly and has a very light weight for it size. The models wingspan is 3700mm it has a length of 1615 mm and the f3J version weighs 1950gm complete. The wing section used is the HN785JM and it has a wing area of 70,1 dm2, the elevator section is a symmetrical 9% section and the elevator area is 6,0 dm2, construction of the model is fully molded. In the last F3J world championships a junior U.S competitor achieved second place with this model. Overall this model is an excellent model for F3J and is way strong enough to take punishing launches up to 15 knots. I recommend to change to the smaller model in higher wind speeds. This model is a fine performer and if you are interested in an outstanding f3j/ light weather thermal model you will not be disappointed with the Espada RLX and this model combined with the smaller Espada make a formidable team. An Australian team member will be using this model in the next F3J World Championships.

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Shadow F3J

The Shadow provided exceptional performance in a well priced model suitable for F3J and as a light weather thermal model for general thermal competition. It has a wingspan 3.654 meters the wing section used HN507m1 from Norbert Hayes and has wing are 73 dm2. The fuselage is carbon/kevlar layup that will take punishing spot landings with ease. Watching this model, it pulled well on launch and was way strong enough to take punishing launches in winds up to 15knots. The model tracked well and with a weight aroung 2kg is light for its size and excellent value. The model has a number of time saving building jobs already complete and is good performing light weather competition model.

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