Wonderful to see the old spirit of R/C soaring and even free-flight coming back to life in the F3-RES class. The prototype and inspiration for this class is Mark Drela's "Allegro Lite" of some 20 years ago, though it needs a wooden pod and perhaps a lighter wing to compete. These models have proportions and weights similar to Nordic A/2 i.e. FAI F1A free flight gliders, but with different aerodynamics for much higher glide ratios to allow such gliders to fly far to find lift, and to penetrate to return to the landing zone. Polyhedral and large rudders allow tighter turns in lift than the free flyers are designed for. Histart launching (15m rubber, 4kg pull) is so much simpler, cheaper and fairer than winch or foot (F3J, F1A) launchng, and retains the pure glider concept, unlike the electric F5J. Furthermore, the built-up wooden wing requirement avoids the cost of moulded composite manufacture (F3K, F3B, F3J, F5J, even F1A) and encourages self-building, an essential aspect of aeromodelling somehow lost in contest flying since the 1980's. It also encourages innovation within the class rules.
I am returning to flying from a break since around 2002.. previously all power but really fancying soaring and F3RES seems a great class for me. As I liked building, this looks ideal. Wish there were some more videos on the class..
That is the real spirit of this hobby... wins the one who flies and builds better, not the one with the best bank account...
Wonderful to see the old spirit of R/C soaring and even free-flight coming back to life in the F3-RES class. The prototype and inspiration for this class is Mark Drela's "Allegro Lite" of some 20 years ago, though it needs a wooden pod and perhaps a lighter wing to compete. These models have proportions and weights similar to Nordic A/2 i.e. FAI F1A free flight gliders, but with different aerodynamics for much higher glide ratios to allow such gliders to fly far to find lift, and to penetrate to return to the landing zone. Polyhedral and large rudders allow tighter turns in lift than the free flyers are designed for. Histart launching (15m rubber, 4kg pull) is so much simpler, cheaper and fairer than winch or foot (F3J, F1A) launchng, and retains the pure glider concept, unlike the electric F5J. Furthermore, the built-up wooden wing requirement avoids the cost of moulded composite manufacture (F3K, F3B, F3J, F5J, even F1A) and encourages self-building, an essential aspect of aeromodelling somehow lost in contest flying since the 1980's. It also encourages innovation within the class rules.
I am returning to flying from a break since around 2002.. previously all power but really fancying soaring and F3RES seems a great class for me. As I liked building, this looks ideal. Wish there were some more videos on the class..
Howdy AMA and Glidermang! this is Captain Canardly! :D Great video Greg!
ok, saluti dall'Italia.
where do we find plans or kits for this class of glider?
1:53 lol
😂😂