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Old 05-03-2004 | 10:09 PM
  #17  
tonystro
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From: Central, AR
Default RE: Low Wing 40 size plane?

ORIGINAL: hookedonrc

I am looking for the following in an ARF:

1. 40 size (Will be using the OS 46fx off of the Magic)
2. Low wing with some dihedral.
3. Can be a trike or taildragger.
4. Can be a trainer, but low wing is preferable.
5. "Semi-symetrical wing" this will provide the stability I need during practice.
6. Quality ARF (I know some consider that to be an oxymoron, but I don't want to get a kit right now.) I am finishing my Somethin Extra, and have the SIG Hog Bipe in the wings as my next one.

Am Considering:
1. Goldberg Tiger 2
2. Kaos 40

I have built and flown kit versions of both the Tiger 2 and the Kaos 40, and have flown other club members' ARF versions of both models. They both have semi-symetrical airfoils and trike gear. They have slightly different flight characteristics, but (IMHO) the better and the poorer characteristics of each average to about even. The Tiger wind is rectangular and the Kaos wings tapers to a narrow tip chord. The Tiger 2 has a slightly thicker airfoil and a bit more wing area, while coming out at about the same weight as the Kaos. Both are trike geared. Both penetrate windwell, and are easily controllable in reasonable cross winds. In my opinion the Kaos needs a bit more speed for take off and landing. While neither would qualify for 3D maneuvers, both aircraft are capable of performing most aerobatic manuevers reasonably well. The Kaos has a slightly faster and more nearly axial roll, and performs zippier snap rolls. Both models stick well on landing, and as mentioned the Tiger 2 has a controlable approach speed slightly slower than the Kaos.

I have only a very few flights with a Space Walker II. It also has semi-symmetrical airfoil, but is conventional gear. Although still a .40 class model, it is significantly larger than either mentioned above. The larger side area does offer more surface to cross winds, although not really a problem because the tail lifts quickly during power up and the rudder provides posistive authority during taxi, takeoff and landing approach. Definitely on the up side, the model does absolutely beautiful transitions from landing glide to touch down on the mains (we have a grass field) and slowly down on to the tail wheel. The one I've flown was a little sluggish when rolling, but easily performed slow rolls which drew praise from our usually wise cracking peanut gallery.

Summing up....all three of these models are great with 40-46 2cycle engines. In my opinion;
1. The Space Walker is a joy to fly, makes me look like a better pilot than I am, and with very few occurances of adrenaline surge.
2. The Kaos is a great flyer, with some zest, and easily performs some of the more aggressive aerobatics, like snap rolls and tight spins.
3. The Tiger 2 is also great flyer, with a flight envelope about in the middle of the other two. In my opinion it is the easiest to land, in calm, or with cross winds.