Derek.Koopowitz

Sorry about the delay in getting back on here... had husband duties last night which meant going out to dinner with a friend that flew in from New York last night.

Matt K: The engine compartment is not finished (fuel proof) - but is easy enough to do with thinned epoxy.

Weights are as follows - please bear in mind this is a pre-production prototype and based on feedback to the factory in the next 3 weeks will effect the production version:

Fuselage (includes rudder and canopy) - 1290g
Upper wing - 605g
Lower wing - 630g
Stab and tubes - 210g
Left wing strut - 65g
Right wing strut - 75g
Center strut - 40g
Landing gear - 110g
Wheel pants - 40g
Assorted connectors/wheels/tailwheel etc. - 220g

Total is 3285g.

I weighed my 170 with header and it weighs 1000g. So I have about 715g for all the servos, fuel tank, pipe, switch, battery, etc. Based on my spreadsheet that I use I will end up being around 73g over but I suspect it will be around 125g or so over.

I think the wings are a little on the heavy side and can be slimmed down and the fuselage can definitely lose a lot more as well. The Element 170 ARF that is available now - the fuse weight is around 1182g so I definitely think they can get it down to that or less since this fuselage is not even close to the size of the Element 170 ARF.

Derek.Koopowitz

I think if I went electric on it then it would end up being even more overweight. Based on my spreadsheet I'd end up at 5723g not 5073g - all relative. Since there isn't much I can cut out to save weight either on the plane - I can trim down the motor mount beams but that certainly won't save that much weight. I'm thinking that the next one will definitely be much more easier to convert to electric and should make weight too.

patternflyer1

My Feedback: (11)

If they were to build an E version that didn't need to withstand the banging around of the glow motors, it would be much easier to go electric as it could be built lighter.. I doubt we'll see this make weight as an electric Derek. Look at the Euphoria, it's a challenge and it's composite. But then again, I didn't think I would get the Element under..

This did look really good when we opened her at the show. Quality looked good.. Not just saying that. I'm not affiliated with Fliton.
Keep em coming Alex..

C

Derek.Koopowitz

I agree. The quality is great on this kit. They definitely went all out on it. I've emailed Fliton and hopefully they can do something. If they can get the fuse weight to what yours was (actually less than because this is a much smaller fuse) then they've got it made.

patternflyer1

My Feedback: (11)

I think they should work on getting the wings lighter. The fuse also. The Beryll weights that Jon sent me the spreadsheet on were fuse and rudder 1118, r wing 370, l wing 376. Stab and tubes were also 210.. That's a huge difference in the wings. 489g.. Fuse is only 172g more.

Hope they can. It sure looks nice!

C

patternflyer1

My Feedback: (11)

Man, we really got to get a job Derek!! lol

Derek.Koopowitz

Why?

Jeff Boyd 2

BUT . . the Beryll is a Monoplane. So THE "wing" on the Beryll is 646g (total) ? . . verses 605g for the top wing and 630g for the bottm wing. Each wing on the bipe would be smaller, so there would be potentially some more weight to be shaved off there somewhere, I guess . . but it aint going to be dramatic, I doubt.

Cheers, JB

patternflyer1

My Feedback: (11)

To me JB, and I took it out of the box with Derek, the wings are small and heavy. I know they could be much lighter. Not saying they are going to match the Beryll. Just throwing the weight out there cuz it's all I had besides the Element 170. It's been pointed out to me that the Euphoria is 2400grams for the same stuff listed as Derek's. I don't know this for a fact, it was just brought to my attention. Does this mean anything? No, absolutely not. This plane doesn't cost 5 g's.. Can I afford a Euphoria? No. Heck, I can't even afford the Element Bipe right now.. lol
I just used it as a weight chart sorta. The Beryll I have is weight legal, but by a mere few ounces. So I was comparing basic weights is all.

Chris

kochj

so right now it comes in at 11lbs even?? (added up all the pre-production stuff including engine seros ect/// 5000g's)

Derek.Koopowitz

I'd say a little over 5000g... I'm installing the equipment now - gear/wheel pants are done, wings are done, rudder is done, stabs are done and mounting elevator servos now and then the fuel tank mount and assorted plumbing. I should have it completed by the end of next week.

kochj

Look forward to the build...

Derek.Koopowitz

Pics of the plane before the 1st flight this past weekend. Unfortunately I had some technical difficulties and the flight was too short - I couldn't resume flying that day is it was getting late in the day. My next chance for flying will be in several weeks so a true report of the plane will have to wait until then. Quick impressions - very quiet with the 170 and not much vibration at all. The plane flew very smoothly - I can't wait to wring it out and to find out exactly how it performs.

AmericanSpectre505

I like it Derek,.....hope to hear more about in the near future!

Best Regards,

Bill H.

woo

Hi. Derek
Steve Kaneshiro�. Hi had Element 170 Bipe. test fly past weekend.
Your Bipe is looking good...How about your flying?

AmericanSpectre505

Woo,

When is the next batch coming into the USA?


Bill Holsten

Advantage Hobby & Fliton Field Rep, Duralite Batteries, Custom Airframes of America, Dragon Fire Customs, Guardian America.

Derek.Koopowitz

Alex,

I won't be able to fly it until next weekend (not this coming one). It is ready - had a very short flight the 1st time. I'm going to put the YS CDI in it now.

-Derek

Gregg G

My Feedback: (7)

Derek,
What is the weight? Just wondering if you can stay under with the CDI motor.

Greg Grigsby

Derek.Koopowitz

Greg,

I'm already overweight since this is a prototype so adding the ignition isn't going to hurt too much.

-Derek

Gregg G

My Feedback: (7)

Thanks Derek,
It looks like it is going to be a fun airplane to have.

Greg Grigsby

vellum2

My Feedback: (2)

Heya Derek,
Any updates on your Bipe? I have one on order, but no clue on when it will actully show up. Would be nice to have it before the Nats!

Joe

Derek.Koopowitz

Been raining here on the weekends... [:@]

It's a good rolling/snapping plane, Joe... just haven't had the time to really trim it out yet. Hopefully over the next month or so I can get to play some more with it.

vellum2

My Feedback: (2)

Well let me know Derek. I'm excited to hear more!

I just got a note from Fliton that mine has arrived and is ready to ship. So hopefully I'll get to fly it in a few weeks.

vellum2

My Feedback: (2)

My Bipe arrived a few weeks ago - yay! But I can't find the time to put it all together.. Booo.

It's almost done though. I swear! Spent today figuring out how to work the 12X...

Joe

vellum2

My Feedback: (2)

Mine is detailed a little different than Derek's...
Joe