Jason Arnold

Not too many photos of the Allure in flight available but here's one which looks like on final approach...

Jason Arnold

Looks like Bryan has fitted the Contra Drive to the prototype Allure. Word is that it will fly this weekend.

Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Cheers,
Jason.

Jason Arnold

Both Allures ready to fly but did the rain hold off?

Jason Arnold

Hey Guys,

It looks like the rain cleared just long enough to fly the Contra Allure. Looking forward to seeing some video....

"Bryan and Scott flew the Allure Contra yesterday. The plane is absolutely amazing and far exceeded our expectations. Scott flew the plane for the first time ever and was impressed with the ease in which the plane accomplished each maneuver in the Masters sequence and how well the aircraft presented itself in the air. We will post a video this week of Bryan's first impressions after the first flight on the Contra. More flights today...."

Cheers,
Jason.

smcharg

My Feedback: (1)

We just finished uploading the "First Impressions" video on the Contra Allure. You can check it out at http://www.ckaero.net/blog/2014/09/0...t-impressions/

flyncajun

Ok Guys here is a small report I will do a detailed report on the CKAero.net

I have to admit I was shocked at the power and torque of the contra with the 9.89:1 gear set and the 20-2.5 prop set. it was really good match right off the bat. The airplane has the breaking built in to it. so I went with no breaking on the esc. To me and everybody watching it didn't need any braking beyond what the Contra/ plane combo provided.
Thanks to every body who offered advise and for Dave Lockhart who answered a lot of Text

The power curve tracked really close to the YS powered model I was already flying. Bear in mind I have about 6 flights on the glow version and now have 6 flights on the contra, I set them up identical. The thrust, inc. and throws were exactly matched . the only small difference I had was the Contra CG was 1-1/6" farther forward than the glow ( and where I wanted to run it on the glow anyway)

The power performance on the Contra was impressive. The main difference is like all electrics the speed surge on throttle was more jumpy than the Glow But that is due to the massive amount of Pitch in the props and low rpm/torque on the Contra, versus the pitch/higher RPM on the glow model. It was really easy to get used to because of the fluid feel of the design. The Allure never is zoomy and with the larger props and power we have with both systems, the airplane is a perfect match for either version.

There was absolutely no Yaw problems the contra version and It performed just like the Glow version. I could not tell any difference ,Both models have no pitch .roll, or, up line pulls and after being slightly tweaked, this will be the same for any knife edge demand, or integrated rolling maneuvers. I will have some flight videos posted on CKAero.net soon to demonstrate the performance.

THE CONTRA ALLURE EXCEDED MY EXPECTATIONS !
My hard work in the field Testing and working with the Shark and Valiant paid dividends on this model. I can now endorse the Contra Unit for my New designs. I look forward to getting it Back from Scott and tweaking on it, flying it, and trying all the gears and prop combo`s. I`m not sure he will be willing to give it back But , I know where he lives

Look us up at a contest and I will be glad to let anybody fly it. I`d have to say,
If I were flying Electric,, The Contra would be my choice without a doubt , it`s well designed. In the Allure on a 100 deg day with 100% humidity the unit and motor/esc ran cool with no baffling that really surprised me . So it seems the cooling cheeks and vent I have are a good place to start. I want to thank Brenner for sending this unit to me to work a design around . If you fly electric, and your on the fence ,jump off!
Buy a Contra put it in a good airframe and you will have a great Combo.

I know I`ve been cautious to join the fray when it comes to claiming the greatness of the unit, Because I don`t follow the leader. I also didn`t believe all the Hype about what it was responsible for aerodynamically. It seems ,I was proven right on one of those

Bryan



Bryan

smcharg

My Feedback: (1)

I'm moving Bryan. Sorry....

This is a good combination and I'm looking forward to flying it for a little while.

klhoard

My Feedback: (10)

What's a contra unit going for these days?

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

http://www.f3aunlimited.com/contra

klhoard

My Feedback: (10)

.
Wow . . .
.

drac1

My Feedback: (4)

Wow indeed. Add a motor to that and that's more than I paid for two YS185cdi's with Super Mounts.

Malcolm H

Yes but one of my Contras has done 300+ flights with nothing more than regrease. Let us know when you reach that with a YS

Malcolm

drac1

My Feedback: (4)

I wasn't trying to start a YS v Contra war, just saying that the Contras are expensive and you can't argue with that.

One 185 has done 127 flights and the other 116 now and neither have been touched. I'll fit a set of bearings soon - $20. So by 300 flights that'll be 2 sets of bearings and a couple of plugs. Cheap.

flyncajun

The Electric guys remember the old YS motors things have improved greatly and the guys who know how to run them get longer service than normal. We get 300+ flights on the 175-185 on a regular basis no sweat! and even 400 flights is no trouble. I`m not talking 7 minutes at a time more like 12-13 Minutes! so our 400 flights is nearly double.

The Contra is a very complicated design to manufacture and a beautiful merger of art and Machinery for sure. I`m surprised the cost is so low really. But When I hear the reason for the switch to electric from glow has to do with money, and or the cost per flight, It gives me a Chuckle..

Jason Arnold

Brenner's Contra drive sure is a work of art. The initial cost is reasonably high but probably not much more than the equivalent glow set-up once you take into account the mount, spinner, pipe, header etc. it's fair to say that both options are pricey and have their advantages and disadvantages. Each to their own.

Cheers,
Jason.

drac1

My Feedback: (4)

YS 185cdi (including super mount) + Tru Turn spinner + APC prop + YS header + Naruke muffler + Nishioka exhaust mount = $1265 AUD. (approx.)

Brenner Contra drive + props + motor + mount = $1698 USD (approx.) = $1845 AUD. (approx.)

Just sayin'.

Yep, I agree Jason. Each to their own.

rcflyer4fun

Bryan did you modify the rudder at all before flying the Contra?

burtona

My Feedback: (50)

HiMaxx HC6330Pro-210 - $299.
1/4" aircraft ply for motor mount - $5.00+-
APC prop $15,,
Gator RC plastic Spinner - $16.50
Total $335.50

So, It's possible to fly at the highest level for less than 20% of what a contra or YS set up will cost if you choose to.
Not intending to bash the contra, it's a beautiful piece of engineering and construction, and the current generation of YS engines are remarkable, but if you are constrained by a small budget there are alternatives that are definitely cheaper on a cost per flight basis.
Dave.

flyncajun

The airplane is designed and built at the factory with a fin Flair , called an airfoil The rudder has a special feature on both versions, it has reverse flair on the trailing edge. I use this on the Alferma and the Allure.

The Contra Allure flew perfect right out of the box no mods needed whatsoever

smcharg

My Feedback: (1)

We've posted the first flight video of the Allure driven by the Contra at http://www.ckaero.net/blog/2014/09/0...-flight-video/. Bryan flew it and this was flight 4 or 5 on the plane with the Contra in it. Additionally, we took a ton of pictures of both the glow prototype and the contra prototype. They are at http://www.ckaero.net/gallery. They may take a few seconds to load as they are high definition pictures.

Yesterday, I spent the entire day flying this plane and put 11 flights on it. I have some pictures to take of the reverse flair and I will post my thoughts with the pictures soon.

Thanks,
Scott

Jason Arnold

Hey Scott,

Do you recall how many mAh you put back in for a P15 schedule?

Thanks for posting the video too. Great to finally see the Allure in flight and it looks great!

Looking forward to seeing the reverse flair too. Not sure what that is exactly but a picture will clear that up...

Cheers,
Jason.

smcharg

My Feedback: (1)

Hey Jason,

We were putting back in 3850 mah consistently through the P15 sequence and yesterday, I was putting in 3750 mah average through the flights in AMA Masters. I suspect F15 will take a little more. We used 5000 mah 25C 10s packs and as Bryan said, the 9.89 gears and 20.5x20.5 on the front and the 20x22.5 on the rear. Outside temps were around 35C and 70-80% humidity. Density altitude was approximately 3200 ft. Wind was 5-10.

I'll get those pictures taken of the rudder tomorrow at the field.

Thanks for all the support,
Scott

Jason Arnold

Thanks Scott,

Those figures seem to be about the norm for that gear set and prop combo. You may find that with more time you'll figure out the throttle management which will reduce consumption. Some of the guys are running the Throttle Tech product too which may also help reduce consumption.

Cheers,
Jason.

TonyF

My Feedback: (92)

You should try the 10.33 ratio and full length 22x20 front, 22x22 rear. IMO better then the APC clones on a larger model.

flyncajun

Thanks Tony We will try them.
Scott has the plane now , I`ll get him to try it.
The Small props seem to work so well , I could hardly ask more of the combo. breaks and throttle were a perfect effort. I did fly the airplane with the Larger props but the Brakes were way to much, and I had to stay in the throttle more especially in the back of loops, eights ect.
I did not change gear however.

Bryan