3DHobbyShop Aspera

[CraigBos]

I'm surprised there isn't anything about this plane on WattFlyer yet.

This is a 400-500W, 46" wingspan, 3 pound pattern ARF. The airframe with carbon fiber landing gear and hardware goes for $149.

http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/images/3DH-ASPERA46-ARF.jpg (http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/detail.aspx?ID=1950&src=hsi&WT.svl=hps2)

I've got one of these on the way and plan to use it to learn to fly pattern. I can't wait!

Here are a few links:

New product thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=631056&highlight=aspera
Build thread of a prototype: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=649867&highlight=aspera
Awesome videos, including one of the Aspera: http://higherplaneproductions.com/
3DHobbyShop's Aspera page: http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/detail.aspx?ID=1950&src=hsi&WT.svl=hps2BTW, I'll be flying it in this series: http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=56

Can't wait!

[SilberIgel]

Craig,

Any more info on your Aspera?

[CraigBos]

Craig,

Any more info on your Aspera?

Oh yes.

Ordered, shipped, delivered, built and maidened!

Pics and video to follow.

UPDATE: Pics and video are in Picasa here http://picasaweb.google.com/cbcbcbcb/AsperaBuild. Watch this space for a build thread with captions.

/cb

[CraigBos]

I'm going to post a build thread here, but first I want to give some background on myself and what the plane is for.

I've been flying RC for less than a year. My main flyers are a Mini Ultra Stick and an AK Models Spitfire. There are a few other planes I've either killed or allowed to fall into disuse. Toward the end of last year I wanted to get a bigger and better performing plane but didn't really know what kind. I also found myself getting a little bored just flying around. I needed direction.

Along comes another newbie RC flyer, Steve Dente. Steve was also looking for new challenges, but unlike me, he took action. Next thing I know, there's a whole new Electric IMAC aerobatics competition series down here in San Diego, complete with trim clinics, workshops, and a whole pile of new planes and pilots. See the series forum here: http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=56

The first event was in February. I went as a spectator and was astounded. There were more than tewnty flyers in two classes, great airplanes, great flying (and some not so great), great food. It was fun just to watch, but I knew what I needed to do next.

I started practicing with my Mini Ultra Stick and looking for a plane. I even flew the MUS in the March competition with excellent results (which means no one was injured :)).

For the plane, I wanted something affordable (which to me meant even .40 size would probably be out of reach), a good flyer, more of a pattern look to it rather than scale, and small enough to manage in the 1/2 of a garage bay I use for a workshop. My goal for the plane would be to take me through the Basic class and into Sportsman.

I made inquires to several shops about the series, planes, setups and sponsorship. Ben Fisher of 3D Hobby Shop was excited about the series and having a new flyer like me use a new 46" Aspera to learn pattern flying. I'd be a good test case for the Aspera, and the Aspera looked like a great fit for me.

I was very excited about the selection and couldn't wait for that container to get to Fredericksburg Texas.

So here is my build of the 3D Hobby Shop 46" Aspera, a beginner's entry into the world of pattern aerobatics.

[CraigBos]

After a lovely morning launching rockets with the Webelos on Fiesta Island, I came home to find this happy pair of boxes. Shipped Priority Mail from Texas on Thursday and at my door Saturday. Nice! That meant there would be a shot at a maiden this weekend.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcr_oLBabI/AAAAAAAAArM/WxtkVUR2J_w/s400/IMG_1218.JPG

The airframe was double boxed.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsJ4LBacI/AAAAAAAAArQ/u7u6nEubGLU/s400/IMG_1219.JPG

No, wait -- TRIPLE boxed.

http://lh6.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsMYLBaeI/AAAAAAAAArg/mwFYXPrFXi4/s400/IMG_1221.JPG

And it was impeccably packaged -- lots of individually bagged components, taped into position.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsN4LBafI/AAAAAAAAAro/q57Fh3zklqw/s400/IMG_1222.JPG

The other box contained everything else, also very nicely packaged.

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsPILBagI/AAAAAAAAArw/WTLgJVkVB48/s400/IMG_1223.JPG

Next: Incoming Inspection

[mmmdowning]

Just ordered mine. Really like the looks of this plane and the forums on the other sites.

[CraigBos]

Good on ya, mmmdowning! You're going to have a blast with your Aspera.

Here's how the pieces parts came out of the packaging.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsU4LBajI/AAAAAAAAAsI/wFC-yQkx4HA/s400/IMG_1226.JPG

Beautiful laser-cut construction with lightening holes everywhere.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsV4LBakI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/L2CReNZR-N8/s400/IMG_1227.JPG

Right thrust built in.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsW4LBalI/AAAAAAAAAsY/rU6znIHVm24/s400/IMG_1228.JPG

Down thrust too.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsX4LBamI/AAAAAAAAAsg/-GU6yUxCyxg/s400/IMG_1229.JPG

Ultra-spiffy carbon two-piece gear.

http://lh6.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsbYLBapI/AAAAAAAAAs4/yafC0mK_0bk/s400/IMG_1232.JPG

Plywood-reinforced fiberglass wheel pants.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcscoLBaqI/AAAAAAAAAtA/amukmRibM_s/s400/IMG_1233.JPG

Lightweight hatch.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsgoLBatI/AAAAAAAAAtY/sCd-G4txh5A/s400/IMG_1236.JPG

Note the tabs which locate and lock the hatch to the fuse.

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsiILBauI/AAAAAAAAAtg/RujV521DbRY/s400/IMG_1237.JPG

Gorgeous fiberglass cowling.

http://lh6.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsjYLBavI/AAAAAAAAAto/Xa87bmQ2LZY/s400/IMG_1238.JPG

The cowling was packed with a cardboard insert to prevent crushing. Clever!

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcskoLBawI/AAAAAAAAAtw/WkZNKKPO-Dc/s400/IMG_1239.JPG

To be continued!

[CraigBos]

Very complete hardware package.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsmoLBaxI/AAAAAAAAAt4/yP2KSDs2Afg/s400/IMG_1240.JPG

Beautiful wings with great top/bottom contrast.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcsn4LBayI/AAAAAAAAAuA/4sOccrDs1Es/s400/IMG_1241.JPG

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcspILBazI/AAAAAAAAAuI/VcauNgs38ng/s400/IMG_1242.JPG

The tail feathers continue the top/bottom contrast.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcsq4LBa0I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/DBcPpFDhwbc/s400/IMG_1243.JPG

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcssILBa1I/AAAAAAAAAuY/YuQjP_9sJ-E/s400/IMG_1244.JPG

I also got a full power set, flight pack and AR7000 receiver.

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsRILBahI/AAAAAAAAAr4/ObjxtnyliJg/s400/IMG_1224.JPG

The Hyperion 16C 4S battery looked good as shipped.

http://lh6.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgcsTYLBaiI/AAAAAAAAAsA/wRZEfkczbbI/s400/IMG_1225.JPG

It took 853 mAh on the first charge.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcs0oLBa6I/AAAAAAAAAvA/6SpNsnmFkVA/s400/IMG_1249.JPG

And it had a nominal first discharge.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgoEBEGEEiI/AAAAAAAAAyI/JMX6OZ545sQ/s400/Hyperion%204S%20first%20discharge.jpg

Next: Building!

[rcers]

Wow - very nice.....

[CraigBos]

The build was very straightforward.

First I glued the aileron hinges. It looked like they were already glued in on one side, which made it easy. Same thing for the elevator and rudder.

The servo wire guide strings were placed in the wing with handy little plywood tabs.

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcs4ILBa9I/AAAAAAAAAvY/VzP7EbG1Um0/s400/IMG_1252.JPG

Just pop them out to use the string.

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcs5ILBa-I/AAAAAAAAAvg/gOatjCLKVdg/s400/IMG_1253.JPG

Dig out holes for the horn.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcs8oLBbCI/AAAAAAAAAwA/JzEO1c5q4Eg/s400/IMG_1257.JPG

Epoxy in the horn.

http://lh6.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgcs9YLBbDI/AAAAAAAAAwI/1mI9aPKhpQM/s400/IMG_1258.JPG

And hook up the control rod.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgszh0GEErI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/pYFhEOmbXCQ/s400/IMG_1290.JPG

The tail feathers just slide into place and are held with a little epoxy. The control horns are the same as on the ailerons.

http://lh4.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgszfEGEEoI/AAAAAAAAAy4/Qv0JeIb-S54/s400/IMG_1287.JPG

Easy axle, wheel, and wheel pants installation.

http://lh6.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgszjkGEEtI/AAAAAAAAAzg/0WYNPEor9Ss/s400/IMG_1292.JPG

And easy gear installation. The carbon fiber is totally cool. Note the reinforcement bulkheads epoxied forward and aft of the gear.

http://lh6.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgctDYLBbHI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Pjq00n7JY28/s400/IMG_1262.JPG

Next: Motor and radio installation

[CraigBos]

The laser scribed lines on the firewall made it dead simple to locate holes for the T-nuts. But the nuts were a little long for the firewall. What to do?

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgctMILBbMI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/HtVqyjhgm7M/s400/IMG_1267.JPG

What was really needed was a countersink in the aluminum spacers for the protruding bits of the T-nuts. It was short work with a cordless drill.

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgctIoLBbKI/AAAAAAAAAxA/DELZkHM0bAw/s400/IMG_1265.JPG

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/Rgszd0GEEnI/AAAAAAAAAyw/cktTXgwWZ6k/s400/IMG_1286.JPG

The fuse is narrow, but has plenty of room for radio gear. I placed the secondary receiver up against the sheeting aft of the canopy. The battery is in a position to make the CG very close to 4 3/4 inches.

http://lh5.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgszZUGEEkI/AAAAAAAAAyY/dj-lHNBFYmw/s400/IMG_1283.JPG

Lay on a few stickers and we're ready to maiden!

http://lh3.google.com/image/cbcbcbcb/RgctNoLBbNI/AAAAAAAAAxY/M03sP9gVmLE/s400/IMG_1268.JPG

Next: Maiden!

[ElectricFlyGuy]

Craig, I must say that you are doing a very nice build thread here and you are being so thorough that I could build one just by looking at this thread and without looking at my instructions. That is what I call a great build THREAD!!!!! I just might run out and buy one of these! Starting with the packaging is a plus!!! WTG Craig and keep up the great work! Sincerely, Scott.

[CraigBos]

WTG Craig and keep up the great work! Sincerely, Scott.

Shucks, Scott. You're gonna make me blush.

:o

[CraigBos]

The maiden went great!

The weather was overcast with 8-10 MPH wind from the northwest, crossing our east-west runway.

I set the rates to low and taxied out. The takeoff roll was straight and the climb was brisk. I made a few right-hand laps around the pattern then climbed to do some slow flight. One thing led to another and I decided to go ahead and do a full stall. The break was so pretty, I just had to make a 1.5 turn spin out of it. It was the best spin I've ever flown.

I did a few more orbits, then a some moves from the Basic pattern. The plane makes straight lines and good constant speed in both uplines and down lines. It pulls a bit on the downlines, so I'll have to move the CG back a little.

I did a couple of missed approaches to get a feel for landing then brought her in. I didn't make the best landing ever, but the trick carbon gear took in in stride. Once I get a feel for the angle of attack the Aspera likes on approach, I'm sure I'll be greasing them in.

Here's the video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4126067745789887100

Based on the maiden and a couple more flights I made that day, I can tell the Aspera is going to meet all my goals:


Looks great
Flies great
Manageable size (and cost)


And I have every confidence I'll be able to use the Aspera to improve my flying skills and have a lot of fun in the local electric pattern competition series (http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=56).

Excellent work, Ben and the crew at 3D Hobby Shop! This thing is a winner!

(Now I need to go practice!)

[sun.flyer]

Your Aspera looks terrific Craig. Great idea starting a build thread here. :) This really is an excellent flying airplane, it tracks extremely well, will KE flight all day long, and has some of the cleanest snaps I have ever seen. Congrats and wishes for many successful flights to come. ;)

Tim

[CraigBos]

Your Aspera looks terrific Craig. Great idea starting a build thread here. :) This really is an excellent flying airplane, it tracks extremely well, will KE flight all day long, and has some of the cleanest snaps I have ever seen. Congrats and wishes for many successful flights to come. ;)

Tim

Thanks Tim!

I'm going to have to take your word for it on knife edging for a while. I did do a couple of snaps, but I really don't have the technique down. Do you use high rates for those, or can you get good ones on low rates?

[CraigBos]

After three flights on maiden day I brought the Aspera back to the workshop to give it some postflight inspection.

I took the cowl and canopy off and examined the motor mount, fuse and gear. I also checked motor bolts, the nuts on the backs of the EZ connectors and the control horns. Everything looks great. I'll try to get into a routine of doing this inspection before every contest at least.

I put 4 more flights on the Aspera this afternoon, adjusting the CG back. Now it's very close to 4 7/8 inches. It barely (imperceptively, really) pulls in the downlines, and takes the smallest touch of forward stick on inverted 45 degree lines. That'll do for me for now.

I went through the Basic pattern about 7 times. I have to say first, every maneuver is better. All are far from perfect. But compared to the Mini Ultra Stick, my workload is far less, and the results are far better.

Aileron rolls are axial with very little elevator input. Verticals are unlimited. The tops of my reverse dragon's teeth are straighter and more positive. Loops are big and round. There is a clean stall break.

What more could a Basic flyer ask for?

(Time to practice, that's what!)

[sun.flyer]

Thanks Tim!

I'm going to have to take your word for it on knife edging for a while. I did do a couple of snaps, but I really don't have the technique down. Do you use high rates for those, or can you get good ones on low rates?

Craig,

Snaps can easily be done on low rates though not as quick an crisp as on high rates. I really like doing the high rates snaps as they just happen so quickly. :D I hope to fly mine again today as the weather looks to be a little warmer and with alot less wind. :cool:

Tim

[CraigBos]

More pics, and some significant setup changes are posted here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7403532#post7403532

Enjoy!

[Doc Austin]

I've got about 6 flights on my Aspera and the thing is just absolutely awesome. It's such an honest, stable, groovy airplane that after a few clicks of trim I went right into my routine. I was comfortable with the plane instantly. We took some video the other day in 25mphj winds, but it still came out pretty good because the plane handles the wind so well. As soon as my friend gets it edited, I'll try to post it.

[turbine50]

50+ flights now and it keeps getting better. I'm running 4S A123's/ PHX 60/ Hercules BEC/ APC 11X7 or 12X6. I changed to a Hacker A30 getting 420-450 watts and 37amps static. Brio 10 wheel pants...

[Doc Austin]

http://www.adchobbystore.com/pics-vids6.htm

[compflight]

This looks interesting. Is it available in the UK?

[Doc Austin]

This looks interesting. Is it available in the UK?

This guy ships internat5ionally and has all the stuff...............

http://www.adchobbystore.com/3dhobbyshop-aspera.htm

[QuietRCFly]

Very nice thread!

[QuietRCFly]

This looks interesting. Is it available in the UK?
I believe 3DHobbyShop will ship it direct interntionally as well.

www.3dhobbyshop.com (http://www.3dhobbyshop.com)

[jonesjj]

I see this thread is old one but I have the new v2 on the way when the BO arrive I hope it is everything the original was

[turbine50]

It's the same airframe, different colors. They added a hatch-latch and better hardware. My V1 is still going strong, otherwise I'd get one...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=649867

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6021355/anchors_6021355/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#6021355

[jonesjj]

Sounds good glad you like yours, those are some good links, Thanks
I am still undecided on a motor, are you still happy with your choice or would you make another choice at this time?

I have not bought any power for mine yet.

[dumpsterjay]

Sounds good glad you like yours, those are some good links, Thanks
I am still undecided on a motor, are you still happy with your choice or would you make another choice at this time?

I have not bought any power for mine yet.

Since 3D Hobby was running a special on the Reaper motors with the purchase of a airplane, I ordered a GR-35, thought I'd give it a try.

Also ordered one for my Helios 25e.

Jim

[jonesjj]

It is always nice to get special on things, I wonder when the V2's will be in?

[turbine50]

I tried 3 or 4 other motors before I settled on the Hacker A30-12L. When it wore out I sent it in for new bearings and bought an AXI 2814/16 1035kv and it flies the same. When the Axi wears out, I'll put the Hacker back on.

[rcers]

The Aspera is one of the best flying RC airplanes I have flown over my 30+ years....

A keeper for sure....

Mike

[dumpsterjay]

It is always nice to get special on things, I wonder when the V2's will be in?

I think I heard that the V2's will be in some time in Jan, but don't know for sure.

Jim

[jonesjj]

rcers what is your motor, batt, and prop combo

[rcers]

rcers what is your motor, batt, and prop combo

I fly it with a Hyperion motor - Z-3013 985 KV motor and ~3000 3s packs. So not terribly high power. IIRC I am at about 400w. It is light and flies wonderfully with that setup.

Mike

[dumpsterjay]

I read today that the V2's are on the water, should be in port the last of Jan. :)

Jim