The Suraci Project has been in the works since September of last year when FSD decided to design its first “full-house” sloper. 


The idea was to produce a moderate weight sloper that retained a high level of aerobatic ability.  All of the control surfaces exceed the width requirements for a sloper this size and weight.  Particular attention is given to the elevator and rudder to insure that they will produce maximum deflection for outside loops and knife edge flight.

Early fuse and vertical stab designs for the Suraci.

The original design from last year called for a pod style fuse (similar to the Orbus) with a boom rod extending back to the tail feathers.  This design was abandoned for a one piece fuse.  Previous experience with the Cobalt 45 one piece fuse helped in making this decision.  In addition, this fuse differs from the Cobalt fuse in that it is somewhat narrower than previous designs.


After testing a variety of airfoils including the S6062 and the RG15, it was decided that the RG14 would offer the best compromise between lift and air speed.  The leading edge is straight across and not swept forward or back.  There is a slight forward sweep to the sub-trailing edge.  While the original design was for a 48” wing span, it was decided to go with a 60”.  Most recently this 60” design was cut down to 54” in help improve roll rate at slower air speeds.


These photos are of the first Suraci prototype which should maiden sometime during the week of March 24th.  Some of the changes that have already been considered is to further narrow the fuse and increasing the wing span of the horizontal stab.  After the first test flights, a list of changes will be posted.  Tentative release date for the production versions of the Suraci is set for the first week in April.


Part 1 - March 17

Part 2 - March 20

After some research and input from those in the know, I have made a few changes to the Suraci design.


The fuselage will be narrowed further and made slightly taller.  While it will not be an airfoil it itself, it should help support knife edge flight.


The stab/rudder design has been altered to increase deflection area/control surface.


The elevator design has changed to allow for increased deflection area/control surface.


The main wing airfoil has been changed from a modified RG 14 to a SB96V.  This was changed as a result of some suggestions and to improve inverted flight.

The above photos do not reflect the most recent changes. 


Construction will include an improved method of covering using roofing tape and 3M90 or light PU glue.


Also, glassing stabs will be employed.

Part 3 - March 25

The Suraci Project continues on schedule with the second version nearly ready for covering.


There have been a number of changes to this most recent version.  They include:


  1. •lowering main wing

  2. •extending root by 3/4”

  3. •enlarging vertical stab

  4. •new spar system

  5. •widening aileron to 2” at root

  6. •narrowing fuselage

  7. •new canopy (shallower)


All of this required generating new templates for the fuse.

Next, the fuse will have the internal bays cut, push rod housing access cut and CF fuse spar channels cut.


All required hardware will be gathered and a prototype kit will be created.  DVD build in the next day or two.

This is the Suraci Version 1.5.  This will be the version that will be used for the flight tests.  There were several issues that arose.  The extreme throw by both the elevator and the rudder required a couple of design changes.  The second issue was a weight requirement that I was trying to reach.  I was hoping for an AUW of around 26-28 oz.  A trial weight which included nose weight and all of the gear came out to be 23.5 oz.  When you add covering, Goop, push rods, etc. - it will be close.  I will install all gear tomorrow and hopefully maiden this prototype on Sunday.

Part 4 - March 28

SURACI SPECS

WINGSPAN                 54”

AIR FOIL                     SB 96V

WING AREA                472 sq. in.

WING LOADING         10.5 oz/sq. ft.

AUW                            28 - 36 oz.

SUGGESTED GEAR

RADIO

Electron 6 RECEIVER

4 HS-81 or HS-85 SERVOS

4 CELL 1/2 AA Rx BATTERY

The Suraci is a fully capable aerobat sloper that will definitely challenge the most seasoned pilot.  Capable of 4-Axis performance, this plane’s only limitation is the imagination and creativity of the pilot.  Enjoy performing nearly every aerobatic maneuver possible with the Suraci.  Outside loops, knife edges, snap rolls, and crazy cross control moves are well within the Suraci’s ability.  If you think you’ve done it all, put your hands on the control sticks of this highly creative sloper and challenge yourself and amaze your slope buddies.

All kits are shipped via UPS Ground, which takes two to four days for delivery.

$125.00

 

plus shipping

PPSur

Allow 7-10 days for delivery.

Intended for Intermediate and Expert pilots

1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10

Lift Ability

Roll Rate

Inverted

Inside Loops

Outside Loops

Penetration

Durability

Suraci

The Suraci Project

Copyright © 2010 - Perfect Spatula Productions and Future Slope Designs

Copyright © 2010 - Perfect Spatula Productions and Future Slope Designs

Each kit comes with the following:


  1. •     1.9 EPP pre-shaped fuse with precut canopy and receiver/battery bay and CF spars installed.

  2. •    1.9 EPP Wing Panels with wood drag spar and CF wing spars pre-installed and servo bays cut.

  3. •    Precut and sanded vertical stabilizer,

  4. •    Precut and sanded ailerons and horizontal stab/elevator

  5. •    Complete hardware package which includes: 

                               

CF Wing Joiners, Plastic Molded Servo Covers, Rare Earth Canopy Magnets, Push Rods, Clevises, Couplers, Elevator Spar, Control Horns Push Rod Housings, Push Rods and Threaded Studs.

                       

Additional Items:

Instructional DVD, Schematic Sheet, Decals and Welcome Letter