Hi all,

I'm considering picking up a Tower Kaos 40 while they're on sale. Something about that plane just looks right to me... dunno exactly why that is, but I keep coming back to it. Weird, huh?

My question: I have an OS 40 LA that I could move into said Kaos if I bought one. Will its performance with this engine be disappointing to someone like me who is just getting into pattern? Or does it really need a .46 or so?


Thanks!

The 40LA will fly it but IMO you will be happier with a 46AX if you can swing it.

Especially off grass.

chondar,
bruce is right, the 40 la will fly it but not well. I put a tower 46 in my Kaos, after pulling alot of hair getting that tower motor to run right, I have a nice flying airframe. Stay with a 46, and not the 46 la. Bigger motor but still not a powerhouse. .46 AX or equiv., maybe even a .55 AX, what do you think bruce?

The 55 would fit but you don't NEED the power and you could start running into prop clearance issues.

I'm putting a GMS .47 in mine.
chopper man

A .46 it shall be, then. Thanks guys!


--Jay

I'm putting a norvel 40BB on mine. I'm 2-3hrs from having it finished. Pics and flight report soon.

That 2-3 hrs will take at least a week. It ALWAYS does.

I figured it would take me about 6-8 month to build my TF Arrow. 1 year and 4 months later I'm closing in.
chopper man

Oh good: it's not just my speed of building, then!

Looking forward to that flight report...

Most times, I'd agree. This time I REALLY want to fly it with the Norvel. The thing screams. All that is left is to take an iron to it and install the canopy. I'm going to fly it wednsday. Or maybe tomorrow if I can't stand it. I need to get at leat 4-5 more tanks of gas through t.

Me too. Hopefully soon
chopper man

The Kaos flies great. The recommended 20 turns on the aileron horns yields a trainer like roll rate. I'll be doing another 20 turns and then report back. The Norvel is winner. It can turn quite a bit more prop than the 10x6 I have on it. I think I'll try a 10x10 APC. The covering sucks.

Edit:

I only got another 9 turns before it was maxed out. We'll see how it goes tomorrow. I'll try to get some pics or video tomorrow.

The good news about the covering that you don't like is that it will soon start peeling off in sheets and you will then be able to recover the plane to your liking!

Glad to hear that you're happy with your Norvel engine, too.

If I may make a suggestion...

Great Planes just announced a re-issue of their 40-size Ultra Sport which is basically a Kaos with a face-lift. It's a better looking, better flying airplane. and PERFECT for entry-level pattern flying.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJ583&P=7

Can the Ultra Sport be built without the turtle deck? I.e., is it just for looks or is it an integral part of the plane?


Jay

Well, it CAN be, but the turtle deck was added to give a larger profile which makes for better Knife-Edge performance.

If you were going to take it off, you might as well build a Kaos

Ah, that makes sense. True.


So I'm browsing .46 engines last night as recommended... is the OS 46 AX worth the extra ~$40 over the OS 46 LA?



Jay

Absolutely. Definitely spend the extra $40, you won't regret it.

Ken

Yep-yep-yep. Better carb, bearings and much more power.

Ditto, the LA series is definitely lacking power.

If you really needed to save some bucks, you could go with the Thunder Tiger Pro 46 or the Evolution 46, but avoid the LA series

I think I'm going to build an Utter Chaos 60 next. It has a better looking wing. Is this the original airfoil on the Kaos wing? I have a hard time believing that it is.

Will do. Thanks, guys.


--Jay