Well I had the first flights with the DG and all I can say is its Superb! - What was a perfect flat calm evening down Towneley the model was all set as per the instructions and I fitted a slightly larger lipo a 2200mah by removing the glued nose weights to give it a perfect balance point and a longer flight time.

Flick up the motor system (see below) and away, more  than enough power on climbouts but there is a knack to closing the motor down. Thottle back dont fly too slow or the prop wont windmill round and not catch the prop stop in the vertical - and it closes. The cg shifts back slightly making the perfect glide angle, and this thing really floats, on a thermally day it will be away with the eagles!

The controls are well balanced and not a sign of any nasty tip stalls even when flown slow, its a light model and is only designed for light condtions and would be ideal on those difficult days up Pendle.

After around 30mins worth of flights the lipo was all done, the landing was flat and long so might need the use of crow braking adding to the setup, especially for when up on the hill. 

Pictures to follow..

Looks like a great model for down Bowley ....

Based on the classic DG1000 glider, this gorgeous model is accurately moulded in impact resistant EPO foam, even those sexy wing tips! The wings are removable for easy transport by just releasing one screw and are re-inforced with carbon tube to ensure rigidity and strength. The aileron servos are pre-installed, as are the servo extension leads and each aileron hinge is formed by the EPO foam for best efficiency.

The fuselage is also moulded in EPO foam with carbon fibre re-inforcement and the elevator and rudder pushrods pre-installed and connected to their respective servos. Just bolt on the tail and the assembly is done!

Now we come to the clever bit! Not only do you get a powerful, 1500kv, outrunner brushless motor, propeller and ESC as standard, you get a unigue motor retraction system to fold it away into the fuselage. That system is servo driven and cleverly controlled by a special mixer unit (supplied).

Closing the throttle stops the propeller and motor before fully retracting and closing the doors. This all operates from the throttle stick alone. Just nudge the throttle open again and the motor swings up before operating.

If you use the optional switched channel, you can opt top keep the motor out and just control the throttle as normal. When the motor is away, the model becomes highly efficient and will stay aloft in minimal lift conditions.

Just fit a 3S 1300mah Li-Po battery plus receiver of your choice and you're ready to go. The power is sufficient for a pretty rapid ascent and you will get many climbs from one charge.

From opening the box to going flying will take less than one hour!   

£139.99 RRP, any current RVMSA Member  £125.00 - see more pics as well...

Some aerial footage

From a Multiplex Funjet via a Flycam One v2...pointing backwards through the pusher prop

Second run...

Take 2 - Its looking like a good evening to be going down to the Bowley site, light winds and a warm evening is forcast. If your going down, please book yourself in at the wardens office "before" you go down to the field.

An unusal cross between glider and sand yatch, and its British dont you know ! .... www.greenbird.co.uk

On the morning of March 26th, on the ‘dry’ Lake Ivanpah, The Ecotricity Greenbird driven by British engineer, Richard Jenkins smashed the world land speed record for wind powered vehicles. The Greenbird clocked 126.1 mph (202.9 km/h) , eclipsing the old, American held, record of 116 mph , set by Bob Schumacher in the Iron Duck in March 1999 at the same location.

More details to come including fantastic high-res imagery and HD video footage. Plus comments from Richard and Dale on this terrific accomplishment.