In a message dated 00-06-09 15:12:56 EDT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > What about high aspect ratio? Your latest design did not converge to a > Spectre > like planform - did Don S. make a mistake (unlikely) or did you use > different objectives/assumptions/etc? While I can't comment on the aerodynamics or assumptions behind the Shpectre, I did observe that it's performance in flight was nearly as good as any other "latest & greatest" ship at the IHLGF. However (a BIG however) the SpectreVR fails spectacularly in the practical department. Strength and durability are it's downfall in a contest. Several failure modes manifested themselves under normal contest abuse. Wing skin delamination around the aileron servos. Wing seperation/breakage from aileron root diagonally forward. Wing flex and flutter under full power launches, particularly in wind (even after liberal stiffening with carbon cloth/epoxy at weak areas) These comments based on two seperate planes and pilots with identical problems and similar time in service, but also consider that this service was in a very grueling contest (the Handlaunch World Champs!). To DJ Aerotech's credit, the problems are easily fixable. Mark Navarre - RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
