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| Calypso RC Glider |
The 73" Calypso electric powered glider is available in 4 different versions.
RX-R meaning receiver ready ( Includes brushless motor and ESC- Electronic Speed Control with servos)
RTF meaning ready to fly (Includes Tactic TTX 404 Transmitter)
ARF meaning almost ready to fly (allows the purchaser to use the equipment of his or her choice)
TX-R meaning transmitter ready glider. With this package a 6 channel SLT 2.4GHz Tactic receiver is pre-installed, awaiting a bind using either a Tactic 2.4 GHz transmitter or the new Tactic AnyLink SLT 2.4GHz universal radio adapter- ( Compatible to most major brand radios).
This transmitter ready package takes about 30 minutes to assemble with no glue necessary.
APPEARANCE
The color scheme is really nice, bright, and easy to see. Aero-Cell foam( EPO and CA safe) is used for the construction of the Calypso, providing a smooth flying surface, expertly molded and durable.
ASSEMBLY PROCESS
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| Calypso Parts before Assembly |
A few items will need to be assembled and installed, the tail and wing will need to be assembled, the electronics will need to be installed.
Tail Assembly- Before assembling any of the components it is recommended that you work and flex the rudder and elevator at least 100 times to free up the hinges, as you work them they become easier to flex, this decreases the torque required by the servos.
The horizontal and vertical stabilizers are easily fastened with one bolt. The vertical stabilizer slides down into the horizontal stabilizer. The 3 step tail install ends with a well designed tight and molded fit.
Wing Assembly- The wings on the Calypso rc glider are large and deliver incredible lift. The two piece wing design is joined with a carbon spar. A unique feature is used to keep the wings together with locking bolts.
The process requires installing the spar, and sliding the wing halves together and tightening the locking bolts.
The last step is to connect the aileron servos to the receiver. ( Servo leads are long - Nice ! )
Fuselage- The 47" fuselage is straight and precisely molded, the length of the fuselage adds some flight stability. The streamlined fuselage has a large area for housing the electronics, with a magnetically attached canopy, with a nice tapered sculpture transition to the tail section. Plastic sleeves house all the linkages with a bolt securing the clevis.
Under the cabin of the fuselage is a large wheel is installed to protect the Calypso from any damage upon landing. A cooling exit port is integrated on the bottom of the fuselage also. A skid plate is included on the nose along with a folding prop (9 x 5).
The servos are glued in place and the 2.4 GHz Tactic receiver is attached to the sidewall.
Radio installation with the TX-R AnyLink
Link for more information on AnyLink
With the TX-R AnyLink you should be able to bind most brand name radios, included in the package are the transmitter module and two sets of cables.
The cost of the TX-R AnyLink is around $25.00 dollars
Following the directions you should be able to set all the parameters necessary to fly and mix the tail to ailerons. Dual rates and expo are also included in the setup.
After centering the transmitter sticks, you can adjust the control surfaces, with the settings provided in the instructions in degrees, mm, and inches.
It is recommended that you calibrate your throttle stick (Applies to RX-R and Tx-R versions) to insure synchronization between your throttle and ESC.
Be sure to take your time centering the control surfaces, do not over-tighten clevis.
Remember the first flight setting is in the third hole, not the outer hole.
PERFORMANCE
Flying
The electric powered Calypso is a great soar plane, fully capable of gliding ! Note: Not the case with all powered gliders.
How do you know ? Cut the throttle and be assured that the Calypso is a superb soaring plane.
The Calypso is capable of handling high winds and actually hovers extremely well into the wind.
Penetration is good, and lift is strong.
The Calypso RC Glider is very stable in flight even in gusty strong crosswinds, and control is easy to maintain.
Under power the Calypso tracks true and straight with amazing vertical performance.
This model is capable of handling the elements of flight on those windy days.
Takeoff and Landing
A simple hand launch is enough to get the Calypso airborne. It climbs out well, landings do require a long final approach, the lift even in a slight breeze keeps the plane from wanting to land. Upon landing the roll out can be virtually zero into a fairly high wind. Flaps can be a great addition. (Optional flap kit sold separately).
Aerobatics
The Calypso is limited to loops and some inverted flight, the large wingspan tends to negate even aggressive aileron input to get a good roll started. Be cautious while flying inverted, getting the Calypso rc glider inverted is not difficult as you are inverted at the top of a loop, but trying to get out of the loop the Calypso wants to nose down coming out rather than climbing.
Make sure you have some air under the glider before attempting inverted flight. Rolling out is slow !
CALYPSO OVERALL
Great performer ? In my opinion and others who have flown the model I would say, Yes !
It is a good RC Glider for beginners ! Being a parkflyer this is one that is very fun to fly. Altitude changes are slow and easy to control. Actually all levels of pilots will enjoy the Calypso, beginners that are not skilled in finding thermals and lift can still get several climbs at full throttle.
Flaps can provide quite a change in the experience, and really slow the glider down, the increase in flaps can provide lift in mild winds.
Advantages
With a little assistance beginners can fly this plane
Variety of versions available - to meet your needs and budget
Bright graphics - easy to see
Great flight characteristics - smooth, forgiving
Assembles with 3 screws ( no glue required )
Disadvantages
Recharging Batteries - approximately 1.5 hr per charge
For more information on the Calypso RC Glider visit our website at airarmorrc.com
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