Vortex 3: FAQ Vortex

What is the difference between top or bottom mount elevator if flight?

Top or bottom elevator fly pretty much the same on this model so either is fine. It is more a personal preference

Is the fuselage 2.4 friendly?

All new fuselages are manufactured with 2.4 friendly noses.  All 2.4 friendly noses are dyed black so they are hard to notice but are made of a combination of Kevlar and fiberglass and are super strong.

Are the dimensions of the nose legal for FAI contests?

The V3 nose is completely legal, even passed the FAI processing at the last world champs

Should I order the light, standard or strong version?

Standard version is the best all-round layup, light enough for calm conditions and strong enough to carry ballast if needed. The light version will carry less ballast and come at a price of reduced durability. The strong version is the most robust and will take heavy ballast for the most extreme conditions.

Light – 200-210 gram RTF, max ballasted weight – 300g

Standard – 225-235 gram, max ballasted weight – 350g

Strong – 250-260 gram, max ballasted weight – 400g

Is the joiner permanently installed in the one wing half, or is it completely removable?

The joiner is permanently installed. The idea was to save the weight of a joiner box in one of the wings by continuing the spar material from one wing to the next with reinforcements just where it is needed.

What layup have the wings?

All wings have a vertical web and rowings in the leading edge to improve strength, stiffness and durability. 
In addition to differences in skin thickness and amount on UD in the spar caps, the difference between light, regular and strong is also in the amount of carbon in the web and the number of tows in the leading edge. This means durability and stiffness of the wings is high, even for the light layups.  

What is the difference in layup of the wings?

All wings have a spar with a vertical web and UD carbon in order to achieve the best strength and stiffness for the weight of the spar. The amount of carbon varies between the versions with the strong having the most amount of material.

The leading edge of all versions has rowings in the leading edge to improve strength and durability. The light has the least amount and the strong has the most amount of rowings in the LE. This means durability of the wings is high, even for the light layups.

The Strong version has a reinforced skin made from Textreme to increase strength and durability.

What are the typical weights of wing and tails?

The typical weight of the tail set is app. 11- 10,5 grams (elevator+rudder)

Typical weights of the wings:

Light wing – 85-90 grams single piece and 90-95 grams for a 2 piece wings

Standard wing – 100-105 grams single piece and 105-110 grams for a 2 piece wings

Strong wing – 115-120 grams single piece and 120-125 grams for a 2 piece wings

What is the optimaal CG for the Vortex 3?

The CG is not critical on the Vortex 3. Most pilots prefer 62 mm – 66 mm. we recommend staring in this area and experimenting until you find your preferred position

Which servos’s should I use?

The kit is prepared for KST08 v5 servo’s. Also Bluebird A10 and MKS DS 65k work great. On 1S the spec comparison between the 2 show the Bluebird A10 is slightly lighter, faster and with more torque than the KST08 v5’s. The MKS 65 are a bit slower but tighter, the KST08 are faster but with more backlash in the gears. Both are strong enough for the application, especially with the designed mechanical ratios. We have used all servo’s successfully, so it depends on your personal preference.

You also can use D47 but need to be very mindful of the installation. To use D47 you need to use the innermost hole on the servo arm and plan the install carefully so to have enough throws. You get slower moving tails because you end up using 120% servo movement. Stronger servos allow for more flexibility and faster tail surfaces. We used D47 for years with great success but have moved on because we really like faster response in the tails. Using faster servos as well is highly recommend.

What is in the KIT?

The kit is very complete. The wing comes with gap seal and aileron horns installed, just need to install the throwing peg according to your personal preference to complete the wing. Tails have plug in features for quick assembly. The fuselage comes with most of the automating system preinstalled and requires servo tray installation and gluing on the ruder for completion. Accessory kit includes, pre-cut horns for the tails, pre-bent springs, pull cables, launch peg, servo tray (x2)

What size battery should I  use?

You could use 1S or 2S batteries. Depending on your preferred CG and radio system parts weights, a 500 to 650 mAh flat battery is usually required for 1S and 250-350 2S battery for 2S.