Hi Guys,

I know that this may be more suited for the electric or profile airplane categories but I thought many of you 3D/precision fliers might appreciate the video found through the following link...

http://www.team-rebel.org/GRH_E3D_001_0004.wmv
It's a fairly large file so a fast connection is preferred.
My friend Bill Higgins did an amazing job on the video compilation and I truly think you'll enjoy it.



The airplane is called the Tribute 3D V1.7 and it is designed specifically for the Hacker B20 line of brushless motors. Currently I'm using the Hacker B20 26S with a 4:1 gear reduction, APC 11x4.7 prop and the new PowerfLite Lithium-Polymer batteries. This combination allows 3+ minutes of hovering (T/W >=1) along with 10+ minutes of normal flying. The wingspan is roughly 40" and the empty weight is 10-11 oz.

This is the 7th iteration of the Tribute design and great care was taken to insure that the airplane's performance and handling qualities were up to the standards expected from a seasoned 3D/precision aerobatic pilot.

The airplane was designed to be a 3D trainer for one to learn the basics of 3D flying without the fear of crashing a more expensive model. The thrustline and roll damping were setup to provide a very neutral/damped feel in pitch and yaw while also having enough roll damping to keep the torque roll spinning at a docile rate thus allowing the new 3D pilot more time to think before being forced to make corrections.

We actually went so far as to predict the aerodynamic roll damping as a function of the wing planform shape and balance this damping moment with the motor torque such that the steady state spin rate would be less than or equal to 180 degrees per second. This extra damping allows you to lean the airplane off vertical only a few degrees and prevent the torque roll from ever happening.

It's also capable of fairly steady elevators/harriers and high-aoa rolling circles. The airplane is quite crash resistant and we've yet to destroy an airplane completely. Typical crash damage is quickly repaired with Scotch tape or a new prop. Only once did we render the airplane unflyable when we were flying out a gym door in knife edge and accidentally hit the door frame.

I currently have no plans to kit the airplane because of the hassle, but I expect to see a major hobby distributor bring it, or a variant, to market in the near future.

Respectfully,

George Hicks
Team JR