Review at a Glance

by Jim Walker of RC Groups

The Original Raptor R36 was conceived as a close in, highly aerobatic, and maneuverable slope glider using forward swept wing technology. As if that weren't enough to grab a slope flyer's attention, Paige Anderson has already upgraded the model to the Raptor R36 SL. The main improvements to the Raptor are the level of prefabrication and the inclusion of lots of carbon fiber. Nearly all the cutting and shaping of the EPP is already done. Even the slots for the CF laminates that provide the stiffness for this all-foam model are already created. This brings the kit to near ARF status, in my opinion. A week of leisurely evenings will get the Raptor ready for the slope. Or if you're really in a hurry to toss a Raptor off your favorite ridge, then check out Paige's speed build thread.

Once at the slope with a Raptor R36 SL, hold on to your hat, and I don't say that because of the wind! The Raptor is one of the fastest slope gliders of this size I've seen. It really moves out when flying parallel to the slope face. No worries though, when you're ready to come back, the Raptor bangs turns almost as well as a DS plank. High wind speeds are not a problem for this glider. More wind equals more fun in the Raptor equation.

Finally, the Raptor just simply looks great. One gets the impression while flying the Raptor that it's a bird taking advantage of the slope lift and you're just a spectator. But hiding under those great lines and clean looks is tough EPP foam that can take a pounding and still fly. If you're as excited as I am now, then read on for the full story!

Salgo Reviews

I am really impressed with the speed of the Salgo. In 25 its fast and agile. In 5 it floats and carves with great energy. DS at 50 feels like 150 with the size to scale. The best part is it fits in the front seat of my car!  I am more dialed in on the CG and inverted is like 2 clicks up and normal flight is stable and not twitchy.

Dan Linde flying his Salgo in the cold winds of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Here are a few from the air! Flies great! Rolls well and carves even better. Cg at 4" is nice. Flies Much bigger than it is. DS’s Well with any surprises. 20+ mph wind at times. I was hoping that this one would be a small hill DS plane and it is!

Dan Linde

Rapid City, SD

The following are comments from some who have enjoyed the Raptor

Just an update on the glass Raptor 48.

I just can not get yesterdays flying out of my head. I have gone over every minute of the Glass Raptors flight over and over. I now have 19 flying slopers of one kind or another even one carbon but none of them gave me the thrill of flight that I got yesterday.

NO FOAMY of any kind out there could touch it for speed and maneuverability.

The first flight was in about 10 mph at LB with ok light lift and it flew great. Somehow I got it perfectly trimmed 1st try and what a joy to fly. It would pump more than the stock Raptor(retain its energy), I just couldn't believe how well it flew in that light lift with so much weight.

Fred Eichenberger

Fresno, CA

...The Raptor is my new favorite, I love it. Simple build, flies fast, flies in 4 mph as well as 20 mph wind with authority. I was fortunate to fly it 4 days this past week. The last time at the slope there was another guy there with a combat wing that landed as soon as I launched the Raptor so he could check it out. He was really amazed and asked me several times what it was and what the website was where he could check it out. Sounds like a winner."

Mike Stitzer

Lancaster, PA

What a SWEEEEEEET bird!

After just one day, she is my favorite of the nest!

She was very easy to setup and trim. At 14.4 oz "Rappy" flew in everything from 6 to 15 mph winds. I really liked her speed range and aerobatic qualities. I'm ordering another.

THANKS Paige for a great bird!

Todd Jurhs

Huntsville, AL

"This plane has got to be THE fastest 36 inch flying wing I've ever seen on the front side. My Raptor flys inverted just as well as it does right side up, I don't think I've ever been able to yank anything around so hard and still maintain ridiculous amounts of speed. I've found that you can "park" the raptor right on a ridge and walk over and pluck it out of the air. Its like its frozen there and stuck inside a box."

Justin Gafford

San Marcos, CA

"So far so good! I am enjoying the Raptor thoroughly and with each tuning flight I am getting it to do even better for me. If you're on the fence, get one! Hard to go wrong...the price is right and the kit is very complete. The build is straight forward and the flight performance is very satisfying."

Glenn Morimoto

Torrence, CA

I think the Raptor will be a nice addition to my slope quiver, particularly for the slopes in this area. March and April usually bring some decent lift for some of my heavier stuff but the rest of the year seems more like Raptor-conditions.

Tank

RCGroups.com

"I know that it will be a plane that lots of guys will want to have for those light days or for when the lift is good too. Easy to build and a great flyer too. I am planning to keep this one in the truck for those times when I see a spot I might want to try out."

Tim Connoy

McMinnville, OR