Glider Platforms

I thought I`d start a thread up of glider platforms suited and proven very successful for FPV use. They are spacious easy to repair and are fairly forgiving for dumb thumb moments ( remember altitude is your friend ;) )

First off the most common : Multiplex Easystar

Available through many stores but normally on back order, it can house a lot of FPV gear easily, comes with fuse split for ease of installation. Many mod`s for it are available online to make it more nimble, fly faster longer etc It does not come with ailerons but they are easily added if required. A great easy to fly package ideal for the beginner. Purpose FPV pods can be bought online making installation a breeze

The next common platform is : Axn Clouds Fly

This bird is a copy of the Easystar basically, but smaller and has ailerons already fitted. It does not have a split fuse though so more careful equipment installation is required but is a very effective airframe none the less. At half the price of the Easystar it has to be considered as an option

If an even larger airframe is what your after then consider : Multiplex Cularis

As apposed to the first two rear mounted motor pusher aircraft the Cularis has a front mounted motor with fold-able prop to lessen drag and aid soaring. Due to its much bigger size space is never a problem during installation as it has plenty. This would not be so suitable for a first time bird but if a larger better performing glider is what your after then this could be a smart choice

There are other options so I’ll update as and when

The other option of course is Glass Fibre platforms :ASW-28

The ASW-28 is a 2.53m wingspan glider available as a pure glider platform or electric conversion. Its fibre glass fuse is very light and lightweight balsa wings aid wing loading values giving impressive results. Its fuselage is very spacious and ideal for spacing out FPV equipment. As with all glass fibre airframes fitting equipment externally or fitting into fibre glass must be carefully thought out, much more than foamie equivalents. RF penetration through glass fibre is also not good so mounting antennas internally is also not advised. Most of the glass fibre airframes do need additional strengthening to cope with harder landing. But not the end of the world. Due to cockpit size and positioning a lot of flexibility is available for camera mounting.

DG-1000

The DG-1000 is again a 2.6m real replica glider, as with the ASW-28 also available as pure glider or electric. Much the same as the ASW the flight characteristics are pretty much matched apart from a much higher stall speed compared to the ASW. This to some is slightly off putting and while flying FPV could catch the user out and need some quick reactions. If camera positioning was behind the cockpit the camera would pick up the cockpit in its view which some might not wish. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but in my opinion its the better looking out of the two. Again additional strengthening of bottom and top of fuse is necessary especially when FPVing. As depth perception through goggles isn’t great harder than usual landings are inevitable and splitting of the fuse is possible.

Salto H101

The Salto H101 Fibreglass Glider has a 2.68M V tail configuration. The Salto is a very capable glider and also suited to FPV flying,its canopy placement lends more flexibility to camera positioning than the others. More room is available under the cockpit too again being of a good benefit. The V-Tail is a love or hate affair and one of the deciding factors for buyers. No particular gain or loss compare to others, just down to personal taste. Again, additional strengthening is advised with 8oz glass fibre cloth to stop seams from splitting.

Supra Pro Carbon

Depending on how deep your wallet is and just how much performance you want from your glider you can opt for the Supra Pro Carbon. Not for the budget enthusiast. Its a good as it gets really. With its 3.4 meter wingspan this is a real big boy. Weighing in at a mere 1610 grams. This is the pinnacle of FPV Glider airframes but costing a massive £1000 + not a practical or affordable solution.

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