predator
 

Wondering if someone knows for sure if Lanier has started shipping the so called new predator, the one with the so called fixes.. or is it just hear say??

predator
 

When I talked to Wayne at Lanier, he said they were shipping. They were not recalling the prior ones however, so you'll probably have to do some sleuth work to get one of the new ones.

Darrol Cady had already gotten some of the new ones, so that may be the easiest route. I'm going to call Tower and see if they have the new one.

predator
 

Tower could not tell me if they have the new one or not. It probably depends on how fast they are going through their stock, but the rep I talked to couldn't answer that.

Quantum Models said that their stock is no older than a couple of weeks. I think they will verify for the thicker firewall if you are ready to order. The newest ones are supposed to have plywood instead of hardwood for the wing hold blocks, also.

New Predator
 

I have obtained both. The newest versions were obtained directly from Lanier. There is no way to tell from the outside. Same product number, photos, etc.

Here are the differences I've noticed:
Firewall is comprised of three laminated pieces of 1/8" light ply for a total thickness of 3/8". It appears to have been toothpicked (2 on both sides. The firewall fiberglass is now on the outside and wraps around to the fuse (1/2") The wing hold down and gear plates are 1/4" light ply. There is 1/16" ply on both sides of the fuse where the tail mounts. I cannot tell how far forward it goes because a former is in the way. The tail is 110 degrees instead of 100. The tail tapers to a point more so compared to the 1/4" flat tail on the old ones. The covering appears to be thinner. I have not touched it with an iron yet to determine the correct temp. Old kits were high temp ultracote. The wing looks to be made from a single piece of foam instead of two pieces sheeted separately and then glued together like the earlier kits. No seam at center. The aileron torque rods are 4-40. The landing gear is now slightly larger and stiffer than the standard L-1 gear.

New Predator
 

Hi Kurt,

Thank you for your observations. As with any new product, there will be growing pains as improvements are made.

Just out of curiosity, how much did your first Predator weigh? Was it easy to make weight?

See you on the line at Airpark on Saturday!

early predators
 

John,

At our first race of the year, we had quite a few predators. Almost all of them were 1-3 ounces light of the 3 1/2 lb minimum. All of those predators were from the original batch. Not sure how the weight will be on the new ones.

Re: New Predator
 

kbozarth,

Sound pretty good. I guess I don't have to do a lot of modification anymore. However, I will still do the lamination on the firewall with carbon fiber reinforcement on the inside for true strength.

Do you know if Lanier change the Wing Bolts? Just curious.

Thanks for the info. update!

Thanks,
Sam S.

Predator weight and bolts
 

My first Predator came in about 1/2 oz light. It consisted of 3 HS-225 and a unknown brand mini for the throttle.

Added Note: The newer one I have just barely meets the minimum fuse witdth limit.

I will check on the bolts supplied with the new one. Regardless, I have already replaced them with standard 1/4x20s.