toddhosfeld

My Feedback: (2)

Hi, I was thinking about buying a GP Spectra Select and was wondering how everyone else liked/disliked this plane. I like the idea of powered sailplane flight, seems to be an easier way to launch than hi-starting/winching. How does this model seem to fly? How long can I expect the battery to last for the motor? How about aircraft strength/weakness? Any feedback on this plane would be great. Seems like the setup radio combo looks pretty good. Thanks



Hos

rscarawa

I have the Spirit which is the non-powered version of the Spectra. It is a good flying machine, but it does have room for improvement. Many people with Spirits will increase the vertical stab area by 50% and sheet the leading edge of the outer wing panels as an important mod. Since you will be carrying extra weight, the stall speed will be higher. This may mean that you will not have to change the vertical stab area, but I would still want to sheet the upper leading edge of the outer panels. This will keep the plane more controlable as you approach the stall speed which will be important in tight turns or slowing down on landing.

I am thinking of getting just the fusalage to convert my Spirit to electric. For run time, I am guessing that you can run full throttle for 5-6 minutes. If you are good, you will only need to use the motor for 1/2 of that and thermal the rest of the time. If you want to run off the motor instead of thermal, get a nickel metal pack. It should go almost 2x as long between charges.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

The Spectra Select is reported to fly very well. The power system is adequate to get it to thermal soaring height so you can chase thermals. Over time you might want to add a gearbox or a brushless motor, but the stock motor gets the job done.

AS far as strength, it is plenty strong for flying. Now, if you nose it in from 100 feet, you will have a nice repair job on your hand. If that is your plan, get some kind of foamie, like an Easy Star.

Here are the electic glider I recommend as firsts:

Easy Star - RTF -
This is a Park Glider - can be flown as parkflyer or glider
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Discussion Thread on Easy Star
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258656

Ascent - this is a park glider ARF
It can be flown as a parkflyer or a glider
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=EFL1075
Review
http://rcgroups.com/links/index.php?...at=237&id=4233

Spectra - 2M - RTF
78" wing span - perhaps too large for a parkflyer, but a good first e-glider
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXVJ51**&P=ML
Spectra ARF -
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXADK2&P=7

Electra - 2M ARF
78" wing span - perhaps too large for a parkflyer, but a good first e-glider
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDJB2&P=7

Balsa Steel

My Feedback: (3)

The Spectra Select was the plane that got me hooked on sailplanes. Mine's been through 3 ($7.50) motors so far. In stock form, the plane is good for 2-3 climbs depending on all the weather variables and it climbs at an adequate rate. Like everything else, you can upgrade batteries, motor, etc. and get different results, but I'm keeping mine simple and cheap and I have no complaints. Considering the heavy wing loading, it thermals surprisingly well, and the resulting faster speed gives it good authority on the stick. Don't try to stretch the glide out too much because it will drop a wing without warning, and it doesn't recover quite as quick as you would think. The only problem with the airframe is the horizontal stab attachment. Somebody needs to tell the manufacturer that glue does not stick to covering. It is not safe, glue some triangle stock to the bottom before your first flight. My shortest flight ever was yesterday at 16 minutes and my longest was just over an hour back in October. When this one finally bites the dust, I'll order another exactly like it, and fly my Bird Of Time till it gets here

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Why not remove the covering where you are going to glue so you glue wood to wood. That is standard procedure.

Balsa Steel

My Feedback: (3)

It's an ARF, it's already glued.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Sounds like a mfg error. Remove it, remove the covering and glue it.

Bet you already did that, right?

Balsa Steel

My Feedback: (3)

Yes, but even if they had trimmed the covering before they glued it, it's still a pretty weak design. The triangle stock will cure the problem completely though. If I were any kind of a builder, I would have noticed the weak spot upon assembly. Unfortunately, I don't fit into the "builder" category. The last time I tried to build a plane, it came out looking like a giraffe, only it didn't fly as good.[>:]

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

You sound like me. 90% of my planes are RTF/ARF or I got them built from someone else. Many were damaged and the original owner didn't want to fix it so he gave it to me. Most of my building has been around repairs of this type.

When I purchased my Spirit Select RTF sailplane it was all ready to go. Put in the battery, balance, check trims, launch. Shortly after I picked up a spirit kit to hold for the spare parts I knew I would need. Turned out to be an excellent strategy.