The Weasel from Richter R/C
Posted by Greg Smith on Oct 1, 2003, 22:36
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| Greg flying the Weasel at Big Bay Park |
Wing Span: 36 in
Wing Area: 375 sq in
Weight: 11.5 ounces
Controls: Elevons
Minimum radio requirements: Elevon mixing with dual rates and/or ATV (Adjustable Throw Volume)
Installed Radio: Hitec Electron 6 receiver, HS-81MG servos and 270 mah NimH battery. JR 8103 transmitter.
The Weasel is a breeze to build. It took me about 4 hours. I think I could have shaved a good hour off that but I used UltraCote (Oracover) to cover it. The tape method is faster although I much prefer the finish of the Ultracote. If you have built a foam wing in the past this plane will present no problems. If this is your first EPP plane then the instructions are some of the best I have seen. You can preview the plans on the flyweasel.com website.
What's it made of?
- The Weasel wing is made from 1.3 lb per sq/ft density EPP foam The wing set has the servo bays and spar notches pre-cut even the hotwire residue has been removed!
- The nose pod is made from 1.9 lb per sq/ft density EPP foam with factory-cut battery and receiver compartments.
- The balsa elevons are delivered pre-beveled for hinging.
- The kit also includes, wood spars, a Coroplast™ fin, a hardware package and a very thorough construction manual (also available on line at www.flyweasel.com this came in handy when I took the kit on vacation and forgot the instructions)!
As noted on the Weasel website: In order for the Weasel to maintain the flight characteristics, micro size radio equipment is required to keep the weight down. The Weasel is a very pitch sensitive aircraft and therefore requires dual rates or ATV (Adjustable Throw Volume) on at least the elevator channel (channel #2 in most cases). Most computer radios have this function. Unfortunately, the inexpensive 2 and 3 channel radios with just v-tail mixing do not have these sensitivity adjustments, making it difficult to fly the Weasel with them. So please invest in a radio with dual rates and/or ATVs. If you already have a Hitec Focus III and are determined to use it, there is a modification that you can make that will cut down the control throws on the elevator.
Flying the Weasel
Bottom line for the Weasel is does it perform? Yes! Michael Richter designed the Weasel as a lightweight flying wing that is extremely maneuverable, yet forgiving. The Weasel's design features give it a wide speed range, great hands-off stability, and agility.
I have flown the Weasel in winds conditions ranging from about 4 to 25 mph. One addition I still plan to do is make provisions for ballast. I have flown it on a lot of hills from 15 foot high "speed bumps" to 500 foot pristine slopes in South Dakota and it handles them all well.
The Weasel is very aerobatic in the hands of an accomplished pilot. Inverted flight is excellent, roll rate is fast loops are great both inside and outside. This is a super plane! With the control sensitivities turned down, and the CG moved forward, it can be great for beginners as well. It lets me fly when I otherwise could not and at slopes that are not suitable for any other plane. All this in a 36-inch span glider that stows anywhere!
Related Links
Richter R/C - www.flyweasel.com
Hobby-Lobby (Ultracote/Oracover) - http://www.hobby-lobby.com
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