I am looking to replace a Phoenix Extra 330S running a DLE20 with another 20cc airplane. I like to do some 3D- harrier, hover, flatspin, waterfall etc but I do want a sturdy airplane. Someone suggested the 3HDS 68" Velox. How is this airplane? Any issues / problem areas?

Earlier, I had problems with 3DHS due their high shipping costs but now someone has offered to bring in the box. Otherwise I could get the AW Extra 300 60-90 or a GP Extra 300 kit but neither are very 3D capable

The other options are 72" AJ Slick and Extra 330SC both of which are too large for the DLE20

Ameyam

You can't go wrong with the velox

Yes but they informed me they dont have it in stock. Are there other makes I should look at?

Ameyam

The Velox can be flown with either the DLE20 or 30. From what I've heard 3DHS is doing a redesign on the Velox and it will be returning this year. The Slick 72" will need a 30cc due to the extra weight. The 20cc size is a tough one for 3D, kind of hard to find one, I'd say stay around 8-9 lbs rtf and you will be ok on power. That said there are several 3D profiles that folks are putting 20cc on if you want to consider those. Let us know what you decide on. DG

It seems to be very difficult to find a 20cc 3D capable airplane.

I liked the AW Extra 69-90 and the advertised weight is 7.19lb. However, everyone says it closer to 8lb (3.6-3.7kg). Witha a wing area of 690sq.in, that would be a 28-30 oz/sq.ft loading which is not 3D. Most of whom I asked said that it very good for pattern but not for 3D. I also did not like that it does not have airfoiled tail feathers, even my Phoenix Extra that costs half as much has those. This, of course, doesnt mean that it will perform badly, just that its not the way I want.

I already have a 30cc AW Extra and it has 990 sq.in area for a 11lb airplane at most, thats closer to 25oz/sq.ft. Its just a bit bigger than my Phoenix Extra, so that may be the way forward. The only issue there is that it requires a 30cc. Then I could look at putting the dle20 on my Topstar (ucd60)

Ameyam

Well, the velox just isint available and getting the EF 330SC is also quite expensive. How do these airplanes compare to the GW MXS-R 30cc?

Ameyam

You might consider a Funtana for 20cc play. They're over 1000sq. in. and pretty popular with the guys flying them. Many are built 30cc and of course they are just nuts on those, usually weighing under 10.5 lbs. Point is, the 20cc Funtana should be well under 10lbs with any care.

The 20cc profiles pretty crazy too, but I would want one 900 inches or bigger. The Chinese offering I keep seeing (under several brand names) is closer to 750. FWIW

The Velox will be in stock before long.
I had to wait awhile before my Edge came in.
These are just so popular that 3DHS just cannot seem to keep them in stock.
Now while the Funtana can 3D it cannot compete with the Velox

Well, that possibility is gone. I had a good friend going to the US and he had offered to bring in the Velox. But Emirates has caused us to give up that option.

Now, I already have a AW Extra 300 30cc, H9 Funtana 125, GW MX2 all in boxes. But all of these are 30cc and I cant carry them around just yet. I am flying a Phoenix Extra 330S with the DLE20 and I would like to keep that engine operating whire the airplane is falling apart rapidly. I am also restricted to around 62" length due to transportation issues. One possibility was to put the DLE20 on the Reactor Bipe and it has 1100sq.in of wing. But I am concerned with the CG location on that one. Since there are only a few 20cc airplanes, I just recently took the AW Extra with the intention to keep things around 62" with my gt33. However, it around 28" wide and 14" high at the tail and that could cause problems.

If ultimately its a 30cc to be taken, I would take the GW MXS-R locally which is half the price as anything else. I have reviewed the Redwing version extensively, am told GW is from the same factory and that its hardware is not as upmarket as the Redwing. That ok for me, I just want to know whether it includes the aluminium L-angles in the LG and whether there are other parts to reinforce. Its standard practice for me now to tristock all the bulkheads, fibreglass the firewall and reinforce the LG block, so there shouldnt be any problems there

Ameyam