Frequently Asked Questions.
Q- How fast is the Blue Ray?
A- We estimate the full throttle speed of a race legal Blue Ray to be 40 to 45 mph. It will take about 2½ seconds to fly pylon to pylon. A ten lap race will take between 1 and 2 minutes flying time.
Q- Do I have to use the scoop? <insert your aerodynamic or thermodynamic arguments here>
A- Yes. It is part of the Blue Ray character. Think of it as the under wing radiator on a P51. You could omit it and you have seen models without it, but it does not look right. The CD's ruling is that a minimum acceptable scoop must allow a US dime to fall through the opening under it's own weight.
Q- Why is the weight 11 ounce minimum? I can make the Blue Ray much lighter.
A- The intention is to make this a fun pilots race. There is no real advantage to expensive lightweight components or sophisticated building techniques. The higher weight will also hold down the speed somewhat.
Q- My radio does not have exponential. Do I need exponential on the Blue Ray?
A- It's very easy to "over-control" a small, fast plane like the Blue Ray. Exponential reduces this tendency. If your radio does not have exponential, install the servos in the wing in the "stand up" position and attach the servo arms on the aileron and elevator servos 45 degrees relative to the pushrod to give you mechanical differential (more "down" than "up" control on the ailerons and elevator). Also reduce the maximum control surface throws by 1/3 to make the Blue Ray less susceptible to over-control.
Q- How big of a carbon fiber spar do I need for the wing?
A- You do not need any carbon fiber to build a Blue Ray. Common filament reinforced strapping tape 2 to 3 inches wide applied to the top and bottom of the wing core make the wing plenty stiff.
Q- How can I tell my Blue Ray from the others?
A- You may make your Blue Ray look unique with low temperature covering, colored packing tape or paint.
Q- How many Blue Rays per heat?
A- Four or less. Heat sizes will be adjusted based on the total number of entries with, as much as possible, an equal number of aircraft in each heat.
Q- Will my "XYZ" brand motor work?
A- The motor cannot have a stator diameter larger than 22 mm and the KV rating cannot be more than 1800 KV. A list of motors is listed on the "Race Rules" page. If you have an unlabeled motor or a pilot challenges the legality of another pilots motor, the the following test will be made: A known legal motor is run for thirty seconds and the rpm recorded. The prop and battery are transferred to the Blue Ray in question and the rpm recorded. If the rpm of challenged motor is greater than 105% of the known motor, it is ruled to be illegal. The determination of the Contest Director is final.
Q- The kit has a wire cut wing. Is the fold over wing shown on the original plans legal?
A- Yes.
Q- Should I sand the wire cut wing to smooth it out?
A- Your preference. We recommend using the wing as is. There is a re-melted skin from the cutting process that is destroyed if you sand the wing. The remaining surface is then very soft and easily dented in handling.
Q- What's the best strategy for winning the race?
A- Consistent flying and tight turns wins races. You don't need to have the fastest airplane or quickest launch to win. The winners fly 10 consistent laps and turn within 10' feet of the pylons. It's better to fly a little slower and maintain control around the race course than to fly fast, over-fly the pylons and make wide sweeping turns.
Q- How does the Blue Ray fly outdoors?
A- Great! Change the battery to a 3S Li-Po and change the prop to an APC 6.5 x 6.5 Pylon prop and you will have a great flying outdoor aircraft, but watch out - it's really fast!
Q- Who do I contact if I have questions?
A- Contact the CD, Stan Sweet [sweet@cfu.net] or by phone at 319-277-3584
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