By Geoff Barber. A V-tail design that’s fun for everyone. Photos and video by Geoff and Anna Barber. Full review in the Spring 2015 Park Pilot.
Specifications
Type: RTF glider Skill level: Beginner Wingspan: 53.15 inches Length: 33.46 inches Weight: 19.4 ounces Price: $269 Info: openhobby.comFeatures
• Optimized aerodynamic-designed airfoil • Two ailerons available for brake function • V-tail system • Carbon tube offers improved wing strengthPilot's Choice Product Review
Throughout the years, a few people have asked me to teach them how to fly. Some have approached me with their first airplane already purchased. They bought something because it “looked cool,” but rarely are these airplanes good trainers. Airplanes for beginners have a few common features that make them good for new pilots, such as low wing loading, forgiving flight characteristics, and long flight durations. In addition to these features, I like a durable airframe. No matter how successful a student is, he or she is bound to be rough on his or her first airplane. A question that usually arises from beginners who haven’t purchased a model is, “What do I need?” That’s when I like to recommend an RTF (Ready-to-Fly) setup. RTF aircraft usually include everything required to get the aircraft flying. One great example is the new Graupner V-Venture HoTT Glider RTF. The V-Venture is a powered glider with a mid-mounted wing and a V-tail. The three-channel aircraft can quickly be assembled by even the greenest modelers and comes with almost everything needed to get the airplane in the air. The only additional purchase required is four AA batteries for the transmitter. Assembly starts with reading the instruction manual. The V-Venture comes with manuals in French, German, and English. I studied German in high school, but that was a long time ago, so I grabbed the English manual.
The wings securely lock together like puzzle pieces. Compressing the lugs on the left wing before installation helps the wing halves slide together.
The Graupner V-Venture HoTT Glider RTF includes the mz-10, five-channel 2.4 GHz transmitter with servo reversing, two aileron servo settings, and even a delta wing setting!
The LiPo battery fits snugly under the canopy thanks to foam ribs molded into the fuselage.
The assembly process is simple. Most of the work is done at the factory, leaving only wing installation. After removing the canopy, I started by pushing the right wing into the fuselage, making certain that the aileron servo wire went into the receiver/battery compartment. With the right wing in place, I slid the carbon-fiber wing tube into the installed wing. I then slid the left wing onto the carbon-fiber tube and locked to the installed right wing. According to the instructions, compressing the left wing’s locking lugs makes it easier to slide the wing halves together. With the wings installed, I connected the aileron servo wires to the GR-12L receiver, bound the transmitter to the receiver, and checked for proper control surface movement. The transmitter I received was set for Mode 1 control, so I had to reconfigure it for Mode 2. This was a simple task when following the provided Graupner mz-10’s operator manual. Because the brushless motor, ESC, and propeller were preinstalled at the factory, basic assembly was complete! I secured the 2S 2,200 mAh LiPo battery under the canopy and checked the V-Venture’s center of gravity. The glider balanced properly with no changes, so I was ready to fly the plane with the help of my trusty assistant, my 13-year-old son, Jonathan. The maiden flight couldn’t have happened on a nicer day. The breeze was blowing at a scant 5 mph, the sun was shining, and the air temperature was close to 35°. Jonathan has been flying for several years, but he has always had airplanes with landing gear. I hadn’t thought about it before this day, but he had never made a hand launch. Although he was a bit nervous, he pushed the throttle to around three-quarters and gave the V-Venture a light toss into the breeze. It immediately became apparent that the 18-amp ESC and brushless motor had plenty of power to get the glider airborne, and Jonathan had his hand back on the right stick in a second or two. The V-Venture maintained a fairly straight heading as it was released! To our surprise, the V-Venture required no trim adjustments to fly straight and level at half throttle. Two circuits around the ballpark had Jonathan feeling comfortable with the glider, so I told him to switch the dual rates to high and have some fun! With the rates on high, the ailerons and elevator (the V-Venture has no rudder control) had plenty of authority to guide the glider though loops and rolls. At roughly the 10-minute mark, Jonathan pulled the throttle back and gently guided the V-Venture back to the ground without incident. The flight characteristics are so inherently gentle that the glider will nearly land itself!
This glider nearly lands itself.
With the V-Venture nestled in our warm van, I checked the battery. A 10-minute flight had used less than half of the 2,200 mAh battery! Had the temperature been warmer, Jonathan probably could have continued flying for another 10 minutes! Although the V-Venture is geared toward beginners, I think every pilot will enjoy this glider. Beginners will enjoy the light wing loading and relaxed flying characteristics, while seasoned pilots will have fun with its looping and rolling aerobatics. I’m certain that everyone will enjoy the quick, easy assembly and long flight times. Way to go Graupner. The V-Venture RTF is a perfect 10!
Flight Video
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