The Southern Area of the British Model Flying Association

Indoor 08/09

Indoor - Outdoor aerobatic Foam - a model for next winters indoor events?
The application of foam into our hobby has had a major impact over the past few years but today its prime use is in the ready to fly market place where it has made a niche for itself with low production costs and moulded model applications. Foam has also generated a new breed of models namely shockies that im sure most of us have all at one time or another owned and flew. I can honestly say that I have only ever had one shockie and I was less than impressed with its ability to fly - that was a long time ago and I will not repeat that mistake. The problem was the model was to flexible, lacked rigidity in flight and did not fly well at all. In the last 2 years I have watched with interest the growth of F3P both in aerobatic and aeromusical guise - these models do fly and fly exceptionally well. If you have never seen such a model or video of there flight then please go visit the following links -

http://stlflyer.com/
http://www.fancyfoam.com/default-old.htm
http://www.stlflyer.com/Indoor_Videos.html
http://www.expressfly.org.uk/index.php?cPath=1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ldRaYq19YDI&feature=related

Cool - Videos from 2. Qualification for German F3P Championship

Just a few videos from the Qualification Contest for the German Indoor Aerobatics Championship 2006:

Hold control and click the link for the videos to play.

http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-A_Martin.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-A_Stephanie.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-A_Benoit.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-A_Dennis.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-A_Torben.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-AM_Martin.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-AM_Benoit.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-AM_Markus.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-AM_Daniel.wmv
http://airtoimedia.nl/web/upload/JurgenHeilig/F3P-AM_Dennis.wmv

Enjoy!
Jürgen

The links supplied by Jurgen will show you models flying at German national events and will provide a true reflection of how much progress has been made with the design and performance of indoor aerobatic models made from foam. The models shown are all of European influence and although biplanes did reign supreme monoplanes have made an impact in the last 12 months. The models use lipoly cells of 400 mah capacity and 7.2 volts ( 2 cells ) . The motors are outrunners generally AXI 2203/46 size and the props are GWS slowflyer of sorts so nothing expensive .The challenge is to develop model designs that are light, can fly in small confines but are also responsive and accurate in flight . Most use depron reinforced with carbon tubes in strategic places . In April this year an event called ETOC 08 took place in the states and reports from this event can be gained from higher plane productions on the web . One model that took my eye was the Vrolet from fancy foam , this model appears in 2 forms namely freestyle and also F3p versions . Such was my interest that I ordered one of each and 10 days later received 2 kits . Total cost of 2 models plus shipping was £83 - I enclose pictures below of these models -

Without doubt both these are true aerobatic models and there flight performance far exceeds that which one would consider a couple of sheets of depron could provide. Both models use axi motors , penta pro receivers and also JR S185 high speed 6 gramm servos which have transit times of 0.08 secs at normal voltage but can run on 6 volts to increase to 0.06 sacs . Both models are approx 36 inch span and weigh approx 4 ounces with battery . I fly these models outside in the evenings - taking of from my garden- at least 4 times a week and continue to be impressed with there performance . If you wish to only fly indoors then you can buy the milled out versions where the foam is removed to a depth of 2mm in strategic places and this will save a further 0.5 ounces over the total weight , my versions are the standard indoor and outdoor variants . There are other models available in the UK and one model that has a considerable pedigree is the CLIK . This model can be bought from expressfly ( see web link above ) and Richard Boyd will offer any help required if you decide to go this route .Richard is my source for the JR servos as well as several bespoke motors for F3p , give him a call if interested . He also stocks lipoly cells , carbon tube and numerous other goodies for F3p - none of which are expensive . I also suggest a search for ETOC 08 where you will find videos of the top contestants at this year's event . Also youtube has action by a pilot called Brandon chitty ( ETOC 08 videos will find this plus others ) and this provides footage that demonstrates the potential from these models . So if you're looking for a model for that quick flying session locally or something to fly at next winters indoor events then hopefully I have broadened the range for you to choose from , I will be submitting another order before September to Fancyfoam so could increase quantity if you are interested .

One last link for you to visit - EZONE is the gold standard web mag for electric flight - go into discussion and then page down to indoor F3p aerobatic - you will be impressed .

One more link for you - http://mefeedia.com/entry/pharao-rc-indoor/6231544/, this is of Martin Muller who has been at the leading edge of development . The model is approx 3rd generation development but shows again how well these models can perform .



Vrolet demonstration video is at http://www.fancyfoam.com/Vrolet%20Freestyle.htm and click on Jason Noll video - designed of the Vrolet

Last one - http://www.pauzuolis-rc.com/Videos/Turin/SynchroDonatasGernot.wmv
Real treat but may take a while to load