The Giant Soaring Team Raffle is almost over as we prepare to attend the Worlds in Romania. There is still time to get tickets in this monster raffle with 3 F3J MODELS AND $1,000.00s in prizes for you to win!
Soaring USA has been the primary Team Sponsor for many years and many lucky ticket buyers have won F3J models donated by Soaring USA. Bob Breaux has once again committed to be the Major team Sponsor and is donating some amazing Xplorer goodness for lucky Ticket buyers. Yes – the Super Grand Prize will be an Xplorer and there may just be more than one!
Kennedy Composites and Barry Kennedy will also donate a Competition Supra for the a very lucky raffle ticket buyer. Barry has been amazing in his support of the USA Team over many years and we appreciate his generosity. The raffle draw will take place in August 2018 after the World Championships and will take place “live” on the RCGroups official thread.
The extreme generosity of the many donor companies in the soaring community makes this fund raiser possible so please support them by visiting their websites and purchasing sponsors goods. The tickets are now on sale! Please check back here regularly as the list of prizes is still growing. You can buy tickets from here and they are priced according to the chart below. The tickets are generated electronically online after your purchase and the ticket numbers will be emailed to you.
• 1 for $5.00
• 3 for $10.00
• 7 for $20.00
• 20 for $50.00
• 50 for $100.00
• 125 for $200.00
• 400 for $500.00
• 1000 for $1000.00
Tickets are available to purchase via credit card now.
- SUPER Grand Prize Number 1. – THE WINNINGEST F3J SAILPLANE IN THE WORLD – The all new X3 Xplorer ST Lite 3.5 from Bob Breaux of Soaring USA. There is no more winning sailplane than this sweet model. What more could you ask for. Never has there been such a sought after Grand Prize as this.
The New X3 3500 F3J Lite features a brand new airfoil and lighter Spread Tow lay-up than ever before. This new Lite layup offers improved torsional strength, improved overall stiffness, and a significant reduction in weight!! The Spread Tow Lite Lay-up is the choice of the top contest pilots around the world due to it’s amazing strength to weight ratio. Nikolay at NAN Models has been working hard on the production of this new model for some time, and once again, it has proven to be a winner! Thanks Bob… Your support of soaring in USA is simply amazing.
Wingspan 149″
Wing Area 1176 sq. in.
Airfoil NAN F3J
Length 64″
Weight 60 oz
Jody is seen here at the F3J in the Desert contest recently providing an X3 with some excellent landing training.
- SUPER Grand Prize Number 2. – A THOROUGHLY TRAINED AND VERY SKILLED 4M XPLORER 3 FULLY FITTED OUT WITH THE LATEST MKS HV SERVOS donated by Team USA F3J supported by SOARING USA. This beautiful model will be flown in Romania at the World Champs and brought home just for you. Just add your Rx and go fly. If you happen to fly the same radio as Neal, Bob or Jody they may even provide you with their special Worlds programming including their Rocket launch presets and landing mixes. This is your chance to own the most carefully built model with the famous tight linkages as only Jody Miller can build. Never has there been such a sought after Grand Prize as this.
The Team Pilots will collectively donate this model for you the supporters of our Team via this amazing raffle. Jody Miller will build and fly the model in competition and one of you will get to own it after the raffle draw upon our return. The model will feature the lightest layup as used by the Team and the 6 MKS Servos will all be the latest HV units provided by MKS Servos USA.
- SUPER Grand Prize Number 3 – THE SAILPLANE – The New Vladimir Models Supra Expert! – This model has been donated by Barry Kennedy of Kennedy Composites and the USA F3J Soaring Team. Barry’s support of USA soaring over the last decade is legendary and we thank him once again for stepping up and contributing to our Raffle with this famous model. Vladimir Models creations have won all over the world and Joe Wurts has not only assisted in the development of some of the finest sailplanes available but wins consistently with them also. Please thank Barry for bringing in these great models and for his kindness and support of our Team.
Wingspan 134″
Wing Area 1075 sq. in.
Airfoil AG 40/ AG 41/ AG 42/ AG 43
Length 66.9″
Weight 53.1 oz
- Major Prizes Number 4 and Number 5 – THE amazing Spektrum DX9 BLACK EDITION Radio. – The very generous folks at Horizon Hobby have once again stepped up to support RC Soaring in USA by donating two complete Radio systems in a limited Black Edition Aluminum carry case. This competition-level radio is at home in the hands of a glider pilot and F3A aerobatic champions alike. It features a 2000mAh 2S Transmitter battery, AR9020 9 Channel DSMX Receiver, an SD Card
and a 12V global Power Supply. The Sailplane Mode has 10mFlight Modes, Dual Rates and Expo, 5 wing types, 3 Tail typesFlap delay and elevator comp, Dual rates and expo plus 10 programmable Mixes. The Tx has Voice Alerts and a 250 Model memory with ModelMatch Technology. Dx9 includes a Timer, a Servo monitor and much much more.
The DX9 lets you keep tabs on important functions without ever taking your eyes off what you’re flying. You can program voice alerts to call out what flight mode you’ve chosen or report telemetry information on demand. You can monitor the model’s battery voltage, signal quality, engine or motor temperature, airspeed, altitude and more. If an alarm goes off, you won’t have to look at the transmitter display to see what’s happening. The DX9 will tell you. With the Wireless Trainer Link DX9 users have the ability to wirelessly link up with other Spektrum transmitters and specially-equipped Spektrum FPV headsets. Once bound to another transmitter or component, ModelMatch™ technology will allow the DX9 to re-link without having to go through the bind process again.
- Prizes Number 6 and 7 from Horizon Hobby are a pair of Spektrum™ AR9310 DSMX® 9-channel receivers designed for carbon fiber fuselage installations. Carbon fiber can create an RF shielding effect that can significantly reduce radio range when using conventional receivers and antennas. The AR9310 receiver features an antenna design that overcomes RF issues in these critical environments.
Key Features
• DSMX® technology
• Feeder antennas offer superior RF coverage mounted on the outside of the fuselage
• Streamlined case for installation versatility
• DuaLink® technology
• MultiLink™ technology
• QuickConnect™
• Molded antenna exit guides
• Flight log compatible
• Preset failsafe
• Includes DVD installation and setup video
- Prize Number 8 from Horizon Hobby is the Blade Theory XL 5″ BNF Basic race quad. This is a stretched-X FPV racing drone ready to scream past the competition, with no building, tinkering, or tuning necessary. The stretched-X design offers impressive stability in fast forward flight, and the 4mm frame thickness stands up well to crashes… ideal for a racing drone. New 2206-2450kv Thrust® motors and the 30 amp BLHeli ESCs make every maneuver feel smooth and locked-in. The fully-configurable F3 flight controller comes pre-flashed with Betaflight firmware and professionally tuned. A 200mW video transmitter with power switch and 700VTL CMOS camera provide clean and reliable video in any environment, while staying friendly to other pilots. With all the most popular components in FPV racing, the Theory XL 5″ BNF takes the headache out of getting ready for a race, simply charge and connect a 4S battery, and you will be zooming through gates in no time.
- Prize Number 9 from Horizon Hobby is the Convergence VTOL park flyer. It is both a versatile multirotor and a nimble sport plane. It’s even FPV-ready! Its exclusive flight control software makes transitioning between multirotor and airplane flight easier than it has ever been before.
Key Features
• Multirotor versatility and sport plane agility
• Designed by champion pilot, Mike McConville
• Exclusive flight control software makes it incredibly easy to fly
• Stability and Acro Modes provide a wide performance envelope
• Powerful brushless motors for outstanding speed and climb performance
• Super-simple transmitter setup – no complex programming required
• FPV-ready with camera and video transmitter mounting stations
• Durable Z-foam™ material
- Prize Number 10 from Horizon Hobby is the Radian XL 2.6 M sailplane. The Radian® sailplanes have made it easy for thousands of sport pilots to discover the thrill of RC soaring. The giant Radian® XL 2.6m sailplane stays true to this heritage while adding a whole new dimension of soaring excitement to the Radian line.
Key Features
• Big and easy to fly
• Efficient 2.6-meter polyhedral wing with fully-proportional spoilers
• Full-Flying horizontal stabilizer for superb pitch control
• Assembles and disassembles in minutes
• Easy to transport and store
• Powerful, efficient brushless motor
• Constructed of durable, lightweight Z-Foam™ material
• The precision and stability of AS3X® technology
- Prize Number 11 from Horizon Hobby is the Teleporter V4 Video Headset with Head Tracking. Developed exclusively for Horizon Hobby by Fat Shark, the Teleporter V4 headset is easily one of the best values in FPV fun. It’s compatible with all Spektrum and Fat Shark 5.8GHz FPV cameras.
Digital Head Tracking
One of the coolest features of the Teleporter V4 headset is digital head tracking. Digital head tracking lets you look around the environment your model is flying through without the extra weight and complexity of a mechanical camera gimbal. Special sensors and software in the headset allow you to pan and tilt your field of view using the fixed-position VA1100 camera. It’s just one more way this Spektrum FPV system lets you have more fun with fewer hassles. This headset accepts a diopter insert to accommodate those who wear glasses. The Headset Diopter Insert Kit includes one pair each of Diopter inserts rated -2, -4, and -6 dpt.
Key Features
• QVGA 320 x 240 LCD displays
• 5.8GHz wireless receiver
• Spironet RHCP antenna
• Digital head tracking for Spektrum FPV cameras
• Trainer link head tracking for gimbal controlled cameras
• 760mAh 7.4V LiPo battery with charge adapter
• Lens cloth
- Prize Number 12 from Peter Goldsmith Designs is the Beautiful Nostalgia Class RES Sailplane designed by Peter Goldsmith. This will make one raffle ticket buyer very happy. Peter Goldsmith has an awesome retro sailplane kit that looks great and should fly even better. The Foxbat can be built as a pure glider or you can set it up for ALES with an electric power system. Peter has just started to get kits together and he has limited supply of them so you are lucky we have this beauty. This is a builders model and Peter has tried to keep the costs down as much as possible to encourage people to pick up building again. The skills you learn while building will help you greatly in the RC hobby and there is nothing like the feeling of flying a model that you built yourself. You should give it a try!
- Prize Number 13 also from Peter Goldsmith Designs is his latest F3Res design called the OPAL and is an exciting new design from prolific designer Peter Goldsmith. This also is a kit precisely laser cut by Peter for your building enjoyment. It was developed specifically for the new F3 RES class. The all-wood plane comes with laser cut parts, hardware, full size printed plans and a bottle of CA. The kit is carried in stock by Barry Kennedy at Kennedy Composites .
- Prize Numbers 14 and 15 – THE BEST SERVOS IN THE WORLD – MKS Servos USA are providing two pairs of HV6130 servos – the finest High Voltage glider wing servos on the planet.
This is a market first with Coreless motor technology in a 10mm thick wing servo! Motor Type – Coreless Motor, Potentiometer Drive – Direct Drive, Bearing Type – 3 x Ball Bearings + 2x Jewel Bearing, Gear Type – Metal Alloy gear, Dimensions – 30x10x29.8 mm (1.1811X0.39X1.17 in), Weight -23g (0.81oz)
Never has a glider servo been so accurate and tight! This is what we all have been searching for!! TheHV6130 has a full CNC Aluminum case that has been milled to the highest of tolerances. MKS are used now by more competition pilots than any other simply because there is no servo more precise or better. Nearly all USA Team pilots in F3J, F3B and F3F use MKS for this reason. Once you have tried MKS, you will know you have tried the very best!
- Prize Number 16 and 17 – THE BEST SERVOS IN THE WORLD – MKS Servos USA are providing two pair of HV6110 wing servos (or HV6100 rudder/elevator servos) – MKS the finest High Voltage glider servos on the planet. The all new MKS HV6110 use Brushless motor technology in a 10mm thick wing servo!
Motor Type Coreless Motor
Potentiometer Drive Direct Drive
Driver Type FET
Bearing Type 2 Jewel Bearing + 1 Bronze Bushing
Gear Type Metal + Aluminum-magnesium alloy Gears
Connector Wire Length 15.0 cm (5.9 in)
Dimensions 22.5X10X23.5 mm (0.89x 0.39x 0.93 in)
Weight 10 g (0.35 oz)
The lightest, tightest glider servos you can buy! This is what we all have been searching for!! MKS are used now by more competition pilots than any other simply because there is no servo more precise or better. Nearly all USA Team pilots in F3J, F3B and F3F use MKS for this reason. Once you have tried MKS, you will know you have tried the very best!
- Prize Number 18 and 19 – THE BEST SERVOS IN THE WORLD – MKS Servos USA are providing two pair of the HV69 servos – the finest High Voltage glider servos on the planet.
Motor Type Coreless Motor
Potentiometer Drive Direct Drive
Bearing Type 2x Ball bearing
Gear Type Metal Alloy Gear
Dimensions 29 x 13 x 28.7 mm
Weight 21 g
MKS are used now by more competition pilots than any other simply because there is no servo more precise or better. Nearly all USA Team pilots in F3J, F3B and F3F use MKS for this reason. Once you have tried MKS, you will know you have tried the very best!
- Prize Number 20 – Futaba and Darwin Barry have kindly supplied the Team with a Futaba 14SG – 14-Channel 2.4GHz Computer Radio System with FASSTest tech. Flybarless gyro support. S.Bus programmability. Telemetry. The 14SG has it all. . . and more! Futaba proudly introduces the 14SG, the only 14-channel system with revolutionary 2.4GHz FASSTest technology. It’s also compatible with Futaba FASST and S-FHSS protocols, so you can fly with virtually any 2.4GHz air receiver Futaba produces.The 14SG can transmit and receive telemetry data. Install Futaba telemetry sensors (sold separately) to monitor flight data, receive alerts while in flight and more. Heli pilots will prefer the 14SG’s 3-axis gyro support — which makes the 14SG the perfect system for flybarless flight! The innovations don’t stop there. Turn the 14SG over, and you’ll see the construction is as rock-solid as any other Futaba system. It’s also very comfortable to use, thanks to rubber grips that help minimize flyer fatigue — an added bonus that pilots will appreciate.
- Prize Number 21 – The PlaneQuiver II – 80″ is renowned as the very best Sailplane Bag on the market. Mike Seto of Plane Quiver has generously donated a this first class wing bag in its larger size the famous PlaneQuiver II 68″ model bag.
PlaneQuiver is the strongest available with lots of added reinforcement to extend the life of the bag while providing maximum protection for the sailplanes. Double stitched and reinforced liners throughout especially in the high stress areas of the bag like the handles and the storage hook. This bag has been carefully engineered to be durable, strong and flexible with unmatched workmanship.• Built in Fuse Sock on top of the quiver eliminates dragging the tail fins on the ground during transport.
• Extra width has been added if you choose to store more than the recommended two planes.
• Storage: You can hang the wings and fuses together with reinforced hangers, double stitched patch and the strap is pre-looped so it is much easier to hang.
• New light weight design without sacrificing durability and quality and ID Window added to identify contents
• Has two stab pockets and four padded separators providing six full length sections to store one, two and three piece wing configurations.
- Prize Number 22. – The Phoenix Edge Lite 200 ESC from Castle Creations has the same amazing features and functionality of the Edge series but the Edge Lite offers a slight weight reduction for big sailplanes and applications that are tight for space or weight. Simply put, the same brawn with less body – Phoenix Edge Lite.
Input voltage: MIN: 2S LiPo MAX: 8S LiPo
Max continuous amperage at full throttle: 200 amps
BEC voltage: User selectable choice from 5 to 8.4 volt output
BEC output amperage: 5 amp peak.
- Prize Number 23. – The Phoenix Edge Lite 130 ESC from Castle Creations is the perfect big model ALES solution for a motor controller. The white auxiliary wire can be used for helicopter governor gain input adjustments mid-flight, serve as an audible beacon after an “unexpected landing”, act as an RPM output for 3-axis gyros that support RPM sensors, be used as an ESC arming lock (coupon for free Arming Lockout Key included) or as a receiver arming lock. Combined with the data logging capability the Edge series of controllers offer, users can enjoy unparalleled versatility.
Input voltage: MIN: 2S LiPo MAX: 8S LiPo
Max continuous amperage at full throttle: 130 amps
BEC voltage: User selectable choice from 5 to 8.4 volt output
BEC output amperage: 5 amp peak
- Prize Number 24. – The Phoenix Edge Lite 100 ESC from Castle Creations The Phoenix Edge series is intended for use in helicopters ranging from 450 to 800 size, and fixed wing aircraft up to 1.20 size and larger. As always, the Edge series of controllers offer industry-leading software functions, data logging, and USB programming capability via Castle Link USB adapter (free with included coupon).
Input voltage: MIN: 2S LiPo MAX: 8S LiPo
Max continuous amperage at full throttle: 100 amps
BEC voltage: User selectable choice from 5 to 8.4 volt output
BEC output amperage: 5 amp peak
- Prize Numbers 25 through 36. – Zap Adhesives are world renowned premium model products and Frank Tiano Enterprizes have kindly donated 12 fantastic adhesive kits including ZAP Thin CA, ZAP Medium CA, ZAP a Gap Thick CA, ZAP Rubber Toughened CA, Zap Foam Safe CA and ZAP Kicker and spray. The kits are in a convenient plastic tray and simply perfect to have with you at the flying field for field repairs or stored on your work bench for when you need the best adhesives for your next build. Frank Tiano also has provided the US Soaring Team with extra adhesives for use as team supplies in Slovenia. Please visit Franks website and check out the great range of Zap adhesives available.
- Prize Number 37 is a state of the art FrSky Taranis X9D Plus Transmitter SPECIAL EDITION w/ M9 Gimbals and Carbon Fiber. This Tx has all the bells and whistles and outperforms many that are twice the price or more. This Tx was donated to the F3J Team by Steve Blake of the Orlando Buzzards who won it in the Tangerine Soaring Contest Raffle. Thank you Steve for your generosity.
Features:
Gimbals: M9 Hall Sensor
Stick Ends: Customized M4 CNC Aluminum Gimbal Stick Ends
Antenna: Detachable SMA Antenna
Switches: Upgraded Switches
Eva Case: Special Edition Zipper Case
Includes: 1x X9D Plus Standard Configuration, 1x Special Edition EVA Zipper Bag, 1x 2000mAh Battery, 1x Charger, 1x Manual
Specifications:
Brand name: Frsky Taranis X9D Plus SPECIAL EDITION Transmitter
Channels: up to 16 channels
Battery capacity: 2000mAh
Operating voltage: 6-15V( 2S 3S lipo are acceptable)
Operating current: 270mah maximum
Operating temperature: -10 – 60 degree
Backlight LCD screen: 212*64, 2 color combinations for select,send randomly
Model memories: 60(extendable by SD card)
Compatibility: FrSky x series, D series, L series receivers and an V8-II series receiver(plus other receivers if an external module is used)
- Prize Number 38 is a magnificent knife hand made by Tom Broeski. This is 440 stainless. Cut, hollow ground, custom filed. Micarta, Corian handle with custom made pin. Leather Sheath with red leather lace and custom bead. As far as how it is made, the best thing is check out his timeline on faceBook. He has posted some pictures here of other things he makes also
Tom is an excellent craftsman and the winner of this beautiful piece will treasure it for ever.
- Prize Numbers 39, 40 and 41 are simply a work of art! Dimitre Avramov has generously donated three of his ‘own design’ and very desirable 1/2″ Birch Plywood Glider Stands. Each stand comes apart quickly and stores flat for transportation and once assembled this smart looking device comfortably supports 3 sailplanes off the ground. Dimitre’s son Stoil is a junior on the USA Team and we are very thankful for this excellent donation.
- Prize Number 42, 43 and 44 are 3 $25 gift certificates donated by the very kind folks at Soaring USA These Gift Certificates were donated by Bob Breaux to the Orlando Buzzards for the Tangerine Soaring Contest and the winners kindly donated them back to the F3J Team. Thank you all for your generosity.
- Prize Number 45 is a very, very cool 3D Printed CG measuring machine custom made for your enjoyment by ESL soaring pilot Joon Kim. Joon said, “This is a 3D printed CG tool. Based on an open source design, this tool completely simplifies one of the most frustrating tasks in setting up your glider, measuring the model’s center of gravity. The scale features 3D printed components, all stainless steel hardware, a bright LCD screen, and an Arduino to take care of the calculations. Powered by a simple 9V battery you are now able to easily, accurately, and repeatably measure any model’s center of gravity.”
Thank you for your support and generosity Joon Kim.
- Prize Numbers 46, 47, and 48. – Curtis Suter of Tailwind Gliders has donated one each of his three very informative building DVDs. – Curtis is a very accomplished full size pilot and expert model builder and has given back to the hobby of RC Soaring by compiling these great technical videos to help make you into an expert builder too. The Team recently met Curtis at the F3J in the Desert contest and he was seen there flying a home built F5J sailplane where all the techniques chronicled in his videos were used to create a very nice flying electric.
1st up is “A beginners guide to Cutting and Bagging Foam Wings.” 2nd is “A Beginners Guide to Composite Pod and Boom Fuselages” and 3rd is Curtis’s newest creation “DLG and ALES build – (Using Fundamental Composite Methods.)” Thank you Curtis for giving back to the community.
Curtis also donated to the Tangerine Soaring Contest and one of the raffle winners at the Tangerine kindly donated their winnings back to the F3J Team including another copy of “A Beginners Guide to Composite Pod and Boom Fuselages” which will be the 4th prize from Curtis.
- Prize Number 49. – The Great Planes Bench Topper – -The Bench Topper keeps building tools and accessories together in one handy location. This prize was donated by Great Planes to the Tangerine contest in FL and the lucky raffle winner kindly donated it back to the USA F3J Team Raffle.Includes storage areas specifically designed for your most-used tools and accessories
Features sturdy, high-quality, all-wood construction
Easy to assemble – simply glue together the die-cut parts
Fits comfortably on your workbench or mounts securely to a wall.
Dimensions: 15-1/2″ long x 7-1/4″ tall x 5-1/4″ deep (394 x 184 x 133 mm)
- Prize Numbers 50 and 51. – Two Red/White and Blue Super Chutes – – Mr Kite, (aka Craig Christensen) not only manufactures the best Soaring winch chutes available but he continues to sponsor FAI Soaring and for that the soaring community should be truly grateful. If it wasn’t for the kindness and absolute commitment of sponsors like Mr Kite we couldn’t compete at a world level in F3J. Check out the amazing range of colors he can make chutes in. And he has donated 2 of his Red/White/and Blue Standard Super Chutes . Thank you once again Craig.
- Prize Number 52 is a Soaring USA sweater donated by Bob Breaux at Soaring USA This fleecy sweater is just perfect to wear during those winter flying sessions and sports the Soaring USA logo on front and back. It was donated by Bob Breaux to the Orlando Buzzards for the Tangerine Soaring Contest and the winner of the Tangerine raffle kindly donated it back to the F3J Team. Thank you all for your generosity.