I have always had a love of sub 3m models. After the success of the Saker I was keen to use some of the design innovations and improvements to produce a new high performance model.
The Wyvern’s planform follows my design
philosophy that an easy to fly model is one that you can fly fast and
accurately.
The Wyvern’s wing is a composite of a number
of different sections. Closer to the
fuselage these have a similar thickness and camber to that of the Saker. The
section progressively changes towards the wing tip. Aiming for that combination that gives you
the agility delivered by smaller models combined with the efficiency provided
by longer wing tips.
An evidence of the new wing section is when
you come to fit the aileron servos. 8mm
servos are a great option.
The strength and performance that the ‘air
scoops’ deliver in a model fuselage have surprised and impressed me since I
introduced the innovation in the Saker design.
With the high set v tail this all combines to a very strong and
predictable model.
First winter
I do not believe in using the first customers as beta testers. Being the first to fly a design is a very rare and special moment that helps to motivate me to be out flying in all conditions. I Whilst I might not be the fastest pilot, a winter of my flying and landing means that designs and lay ups are thoroughly stress tested. Throughout
the testing I have been struck by the natural pace of the Wyvern. The joiner now has been designed to take
ballast, in addition to the same fuselage mounted ballast tube from the Saker. I’ve just never used it, despite flying in 50+mph
winds.
My preference has edged towards a CG which
gives a more rounded turn rather than trying to ‘ping’ the model in the turns,
you can do these turns but I’ve chosen not to. The flexibility of the planform was proven
when, after a cartwheel landing, a few flights later I realised that around 25g
of lead had come out of the nose.
The winter weather and my weekend commitments
means I’ve not been able to put the Wyvern against the clock yet- I just hope I
don’t hold it back too much!
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