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

Updates:

•  The Suraci release date is set for April 1st.

•  Pre-orders for the Suraci will begin around March 26th.

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.

1. • Suraci Version 1.5 - 50% complete.

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.

1. • Instructional DVD starts Wednesday or Thursday

1. • Experiment with RT/3M90 method using PU Glue

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

1. • Next, gear installation

1. • Maiden, possibly Sunday

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

WOW! i was really enjoying this..snappy rolls,outside loops,in your face, right on the face slope acrobatics. It flew like it was very light..it was 33 oz...if you can tell it what you want done it'll do it...can’t wait for the production line to get fired up..this one was the 1.5 version prototype..THANKS PAIGE..what a kick in the pants to fly.

                                                    -Dave

                                                    “Slopepilot” on RC Groups

Also...the Suraci comes with considerable prefabrication that some have called near ARF.  This will not only get you into the air faster but it makes the Raptor one of the best values for your flying dollar.

Each Suraci kit comes with a comprehensive instructional video.  This is a $20.00 value, now free with every kit. 

Click below to see the new Suraci Video

NEW SURACI VIDEO!

All kits are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which takes two to three days for delivery.