The Virage has been
developed as a multi-task systems trainer / sports model to bridge the gap between the
small aerobatic slope soarers / rudder elevator thermal soarers and the more expensive
high performance moulded composite machines / scale models. To become proficient at flying
these models the pilot must acquire a new set of skills from programming the transmitter
to the learning of new flying techniques. Often during this learning process mistakes are
made which can be costly. The Virage offers a cost effective solution to this
problem by allowing the modeller to develop these skills without risking serious damage to
the wallet. The conventional construction features a ply sided fuselage, a foam veneer
wing with hardwood leading edge / rear spar, spruce main spars (centre section only) and
an all sheet tailplane.
The Virage can be built with a mid-mounted all moving
tail or with the more popular ‘V’ tail layout. Four wing mounted metal geared
micro servos are required for the ailerons / flaperons. Whilst it is expected that
flaperon mixing / crow braking is available via a computerised transmitter these functions
can also be achieved using airborne electronic mixers. This model, which is popular with
sports flyers and budding F3B / F3J contestants alike, has considerable potential both as
a multi-task trainer and an aerobatic sports model and, barring accidents, should not
outlive its useful life. |
