Build Updates

Welcome to the Build Update Page...

This page is designed as a supplement and/or update to the DVD’s that come with each FSD kit. Simply scroll down to the kit that you received and look for any changes, updates or recommended improvements to the building of your sloper.

Please email FSD with any questions that you might have or if something is not covered in the DVD.

Raptor 36 SL

Raptor 48 SL

Raptor 60 SL

The Raptor 60 SL has been re-released as of mid July. The R60 received many of the same updates that were previously applied to the R36 and the R48. This included rounding the fuse, a more secure tail section and better bays for installing gear.

In addition, The Raptor 60 SL has a beefier spar system. This system includes .201 CF tubes as opposed to the standard CF ribbon spars that are featured in the smaller kits. Extra long wing joiners have also been added which also serve as spars for a stiffer wing.

Notes:

1)The CG for the R60 SL is approximately between 1.50” - 2.00” back from the leading edge at the root. I would recommend that the initial setting for the CG be approximately 1.50”. It is easier to fly a plane that is a little nose heavy than nose light.

2)On you initial flights, try and pick a day when the winds are at least 12 mph and the lift is good. While the R60 can fly in lighter winds, it is best to start out your maiden flight with decent conditions.

3)When installing the wing spars be sure not to press down on the spar itself once it is in place. It is best to press the wing against its top bed and hold until the epoxy is cured (about 5 minutes).

4)Hot glue is used to install the spars on the Raptor DVD. While this is just fine for the smaller Raptors, I suggest using 5 minute epoxy to install the R60 wing spars. In fact, 5 minute epoxy is excellent for installing the wing spars for all three Raptor kits (R36, R48 and R60).

Please note that the first part of the Raptor DVD (Part 1 - Installing Wing Spars) is not as clear as the rest of the parts throughout the DVD. This was due to the loss of files and their eventual replacement.

The CG for the R36SR is set at 1.50” from the LE at the root.

Please note that the first part of the Raptor DVD (Part 1 - Installing Wing Spars) is not as clear as the rest of the parts throughout the DVD. This was due to the loss of files and their eventual replacement.

Orbus

No updates.

Cobalt 45

Suraci

1)It is recommended that the tail section be reinforced with additional CF tubing or ribbon spars. Additional CF tubing will be included on future kits.

2)Duel rates are recommended for the first few flights. Keep the throws on low until the CG and trims have been set. It is strongly suggested that you fly the Suraci at high rates in order to get maximum performance.

3)The Suraci likes speed. Keep the air speed up until you locate the full speed range of the plane.

4)When attempting complex maneuvers or long combinations of “freestyle” flying, be sure to practice these moves from higher altitudes in order to have time to recover. Many maneuvers will kill your air speed and stall your plane. You will need enough altitude to recover safely.

Axis 50

1)It is recommended that the tail section be reinforced with additional CF tubing or ribbon spars. Additional CF tubing will be included on future kits.

2)Duel rates are recommended for the first few flights. Keep the throws on low until the CG and trims have been set. It is strongly suggested that you fly the Suraci at high rates in order to get maximum performance.

3)The Suraci likes speed. Keep the air speed up until you locate the full speed range of the plane.

Kaze 40

Posted - 9-17-08

Like all plank type slopers, dialing in the Kaze is not easy and can be frustrating. Keep experimenting with the throws and nose weight until it flies as intended.

The instructions call for the CG to be set at 1 3/4” back from the leading edge at the root. Further test flights indicate that this may be a little nose light. For your initial (maiden) flight, it is suggested that you error on the side of being too nose heavy. This will at least insure some stability. You can always remove the weight on subsequent flights.

If your landing area is rough, consider taping the fuse prior to Gooping. The area between the canopy and the wing is considered a weak area and could be reinforced.

Posted - 9-19-08

The question came up regarding why hot glue is used on all aspects of gluing except when attaching the wing to the fuse, where 5 minute epoxy is used. When attaching the fuse, 5 minute epoxy allows you time to adjust the fuse and align it properly before it sets. Hot glue would not give you this time. In addition, 5 minute epoxy is a more secure adhesive for this critical part of the build. As mentioned in the DVD, wherever hot glue is used, you can choose to use 5 minute epoxy instead.

Posted - 11-17-08

The Kaze will retain the canopy system. In order to insure that the Kaze’s nose remains strong, two additional CF spars are now installed in the sides of the nose. These two additonal spars are now included in all FSD kits.

Study the diagram to the left to see where the additional CF spars are placed and where the Rx battery is placed.

All three spars are pre-installed but ARE NOT glued in place. Using 5 minute epoxy, install all three CF fuse spars (as shown in diagrams A and B to the left).

Please note that the diagram shows the receiver installed over the wing. This is an optional placement. Typically, the received will be installed under the canopy of the Kaze.

Kaze 24 (Pocket Kaze)

Posted - 12-31-08

Until a separate build DVD can be created, the Kaze 40 build DVD is more than sufficient as a guide to building the Pocket Kaze. As a general rule, the Pocket Kaze build is only different in the approach, which is to build as light as possible. Aside from that there are other differences that are noted below.

The Pocket Kaze does not have a sub-trailing edge (drag spar). This was done to lighten the overall weight.

The Kaze 24 does not include fuse spars for the sides of the fuselage nose. They are not necessary for stiffness.

The Pocket Kaze kit does not come with plastic servo covers/protectors. However, there is a scrap piece of ply provided to cover the servos for a cleaner finish.

The elevons and the vertical stab are made of 3/32” balsa. Future kits will include a 2mm coroplast vertical stab.

The Rare Earth magnet provided in your kit is more than sufficient for holding the canopy on.

The CG setting for the Kaze is “around” 7/8” from the leading edge at the root.

Elevon settings for the Pocket Kaze is standard with most all Kaze versions. Up and Down (pitch) is set very low, at around 1/16” to 1/8” throw.

Please Note: While the Axis 50 is still available as it is, a second version of the Axis is being designed to replace it.

4)When attempting complex maneuvers or long combinations of “freestyle” flying, be sure to practice these moves from higher altitudes in order to have time to recover. Many maneuvers will kill your air speed and stall your plane. You will need enough altitude to recover safely.

August 2, 2008

Please note that the Axis 50 video has a missing segment in the section called “Mating Wings Together.” The missing segment is the gluing of the top root which comes directly after installing the wing joiners.

Kaze 55

Posted - 1-11-09

Here are the preliminary settings for the Kaze 55.

The CG measured from the LE at the root is: 1 9/16”.

The AUW for the Kaze 55 is approximately 21 oz.

The Elevon Settings are as follows: (based on percentages of total throw)

Aileron (Left-Right) - 75%

Elevator (Up-Down) - 15%

Posted - 1-11-09

The pine wood spar system has been replaced with a CF tube system. Two separate CF tubes are connected together with an insert allowing for one long CF spar that spans the entire wing.

Segway

Posted - 3-6-09

Please note that until the Segway Instruction Video is produced, the Kaze DVD will be included with each kit. The builds are virtually identical.

The CG setting for the Segway is 4” from the Leading Edge at the Root.

Posted - 4-6-09

All Kaze 40 kits now come with a longer fuselage. This fuse is essentially the fuse from the Kaze 55. The longer fuse will allow for less balancing weight.

Sherpa

Posted - 1-21-10

The Sherpa CG is set at 1.56” from the LE at the root. However, I have found that the Sherpa performs best at 1.38 from the LE at the root. I would suggest starting out a little nose heavy and work the weight back until the Sherpa performs to your liking.