Vortex 4: FAQ Vortex

Should I order a 2 or 4 servo wing?

The weight penalty for a 4 servo wing compared to the 2 servo wing is app. 12-14 gram in total.

The weight of the components is installation is about 20 gram (assuming KST06’s which are vastly superior to D47) but a mitigating factor is the fact the servos and wiring are installed just a bit forward of the CG so you need to remove about 2-4 grams on nose weight depending on your equipment position.

Another mitigating factor is your ability to change the flap servos to lighter servos as well, saving another 2-4 grams. This means about 12-14 grams are the weight addition you need to consider when going to a 4 servo wing.

A 2 servo wing provides a bit more simplicity in building and setting up as well as reduced weight for extremely light conditions.

A 4 servo wing provides better handling, higher efficiency when manuvering and better control during landing. Overall it is easier to fly clean and precise which translate to better climb rate for its weight.

The 4 servo wing really shines in turbulent air and wind by climbing faster in the thermal.

How are the ailerons and flaps controlled?

The ailerons are “Top drive” controlled. 

The flaps are internally actuated by an auto-mating system in the fuselage (4 in a pod).

Should I order the light, standard or strong version?

The 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.

2 servo wing:

Light – All Up Weight  app. 210 gram, max ballasted weight – 300g

Standard – All Up Weight  225-230 gram, max ballasted weight – 350g

Strong – All Up Weight 245-250 gram, max ballasted weight – 400g

4 servo wing:

Light – All Up Weight app. 225 gram, max ballasted weight – 300g

Standard – All Up Weight app. 240-245 gram, max ballasted weight – 350g

Strong – All Up Weight 265-270 gram, max ballasted weight – 400g

What layup have the wings?

All wings have a vertical web in the spar 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. 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.

Can I choose between a fuselage with top or bottom elevator?

The Vortex 4 is only available with a bottom elevator fuselage

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 V4 nose is FAI legal.

How many servo’s are in the fuselage?

The Vortex 4 has 4 servo’s in the pod:

Elevator – control with pull string system

Rudder– control with pull string system

Flap left – control with carbon rods to flap linkage system

Flap right – control with carbon rods to flap linkage system

The V4 have the same internal pushrod system as the V3 (with slight modifications) so the added drag of 2 aileron servos will be similar to a standard 2 servo top drive wing like other popular models.

Which servos’ should I use?

The kit is prepared for:

Rudder: KST X-06

Elevator: KST X-06

Ailerons: KST X-06

Flaps: KST X-06

Which “servorahm” can I use for the ailerons:

Most pilots glue the servo’s in the wing. Wrapping the servo’s in tape makes it possible to swap it in case of a malfunction.  It is possible to use mounts for the servos but this adds weight and requires opening up a bigger hole in the wing Rohacell

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 are the typical weights of wing and tails?

The typical weight of the tail set is app. 12- 10 grams.

Elevator weight: app. 5.5 gram
Rudder weight: app. 5.5 gram

What is the optimal CG for the Vortex 4?

The CG range on the V4 is fairly wide 65 mm – 75 mm. we recommend staring around 67-71 and experimenting until you find your preferred position.

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 and  servo tray 

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 (weight app. 14-15 grams) and 250-350 2S battery for 2S (weight app. 15-16 grams).

Should I order a normal or a T-peg?

The T-peg is both offset and curved making it a very comfortable peg. The T-peg is glued to the wing spar making the installation strong with minimal additional material to the wing.

The T-peg reduces about 1.5-2 grams of weight due to the removal of the hard points and additional reinforecements to the tips.