Which FPV platform to go for??

[Monkeys lips]

Hi all

I've been using multis now for a while and I've decided I want to go out a bit further afield. I want a fixed wing A/C that's capable of doing up to 10k (20k round trip) or around an hour flight time. I've been looking at the bixler v2 and the ritewing zephyr Z2. I like the bixler because it's cheap, but like the overall look of the zephyr. I won't be using a gopro on it but will have a head tracking cam on board.

Which would you all recommend the best for flight times and performance?? Or is there another plane out there that would be worth looking at??

Thanks
Monkey  :)

[hase2]

The Bixler is a solid performer and very affordable. Not overly fast, but stable and easy to fly. Also comes together fairly quickly.
An hour flighttime is achivable in good conditions.

The Zephyr is pretty much at the other end of the spectrum - way faster, a bit harder to fly, but the build is a lot more involving. It's also significantly more expensive.
Flighttimes are between 15-35minutes depending on how you fly.

For longer range stuff (10k ish) popular choices are:
Skywalker
Skywalker X8
Finwing Penguin

These are the ones I have personally seen doing 10k+.

[BlueFlyer]

can't go wrong with a Skywalker if I'm honest.

Thing with the bixler series of aircraft, is that they require modifications from stock in order to function as FPV aircraft, whereas the likes of the Skywalker and the Zephyr etc... they're designed from scratch for the specific purpose of being FPV planes.

[electricmick]

The skywalker will do that out the box and much easier to build, launch and fly than a Zephyr II.

Mick

[friesianflyer]

or there is the Phantom FX61......

mine is on its way to me as we speak, similar size to a Zephyr, but a much slower flyer.....

One has just done a 114km flight (built for extreme efficiency), so 10km should be achievable  :D

[Monkeys lips]

Thanks guys. Thanks for the help. I quite like the look of the wings, just need to find the best flight time, airspeed, setup etc.

Electricmick, do you still have the X8, zephyr etc??

[electricmick]

Yes, still all in good shape. The Skywalker and X8 are my planks of choice for everyday FPV, both stable, easy to launch and fly. The ZII gets the least airtime as I don't like launching it, it is clearly an acquired skill that I just haven't got yet. Once airborne it is superb, very fast and great fun.

I have also flown FPV off water using an E-Flite Beaver, have a look at my YouTube channel.

Mick

[Monkeys lips]

I know its a bit cheeky but would i be able to have a look at your X8 and skywalker?? I think im only round the corner from you

[Jake Bullit]

Just don't ask to look at his wife's beaver 😃

[Monkeys lips]

Lol. Thanks for the advice guys. I decided to go for the X8 in the end. Looks a great piece of kit with some excellent flight times.

Just need to choose a decent autopilot now with RTH mode  :)

Thanks
Monkey

[Spookfish]

I'd go with a Skywalker for that kind of flying, with a pan and tilt so I can enjoy the scienery. I love the ZII for blasting around close in, low level.  :P

[rob.thomson]

Agreed. 

Skywalker is a superb way to get involved.  It is easy to fly, and has loads of space to play with.

[electricmick]

I know its a bit cheeky but would i be able to have a look at your X8 and skywalker?? I think im only round the corner from you

Yep, no problem. I will send you a pm with my mobile number.

Mick

[dogzilla]

SKYWALKER! Just incase you weren't sure....

Yes great platform. I love mine to bits. I think everyone who's into fixed wing FPV should own one.

It is possible to squeeze an hour flight time out of a 1900 wing. Just. But have you ever flown an hour non stop?  come 40 minutes I'm ready for a break. That and after coming back from 10+ km you just want a cup of tea. Well I do anyway.

[Monkeys lips]

Looks like the X8 is perfect for me then  :) I wont be flying far out all that often but want the option to for when i do. I ordered one and its just turned up and looks like a beast, plenty of room to fit everything and more!!.

Do any of you guys use use an autopilot with RTH on one of these?? This is the next thing on the list to get and would like a good one without going too mad on the price