PSS in 2026?

[smirkracing2024]

Hi all,

I went on a tear and lightened up my Eflite P51 1.0m warbird, and it flies so much better now. That got me thinking about PSS... Can I get some advice/pointers? I'd like to acquire/make 1-2 PSS models for the slope. I am fine buying a regular powered model and performing some surgery, or buying a model made to be a PSS plane.

I'm not seeing much that is commercially available. If that's the case, I'm willing to roll my own.. but would def appreciate some tips. I guess my basic plan, if i were to buy say a 1.2m P51 and modify it, would be to remove the retracts and motor, lighten up the electronics, and then ensure it can attain CG. Anything else to keep in mind?

Thanks!

 

[jure]

if i were to buy say a 1.2m P51 and modify it, would be to remove the retracts and motor, lighten up the electronics, and then ensure it can attain CG. Anything else to keep in mind?

exactly what we did for Ron's Spitfire. You may see the result below.

Spitfire 55" wingspan , foam , unknown manufacturer.
Retracts were removed from the airframe to reduce weight.
Flying weight 1495g.
Ron L. flying at The SLOT

 

[SailHigh]

Some power planes can make great slopers. Here is my friend Jake stock Top Flight P-47 after removing the engine and landing gear and rebalancing on it's first flight a couple of years ago. She was surprisingly fast given it's blunt frontal area.

 

[Wayne]

I'll be a dork and say this, but an e- conversion is not a PSS plane. Not even close. There are a couple of airframes that do "ok" in this realm as they use decent airfoils, but not sure any of those are still available.

Why? Generally electrics are build to be light, and have very forgiving landing character. In other words, they have compromised the wings so they land better. Generally what kills performance on the slope.

A true PSS is not light, and has pure aerodynamics.

There are many kits out there, they are just harder to find. We do offer a couple of Anton's kits:

https://alofthobbies.com/products/ab-models-composite-hawkie?_pos=1&_sid=465197a2b&_ss=r

This one is kind of spendy, but is an excellent flying model.

There are others out there, just harder to find. It is a niche within a niche.

 

[smirkracing2024]

Is this any good? 900g or so on a 48” wingspan.

MAD - P40 Warhawk - RC Groups

For Sale MAD - P40 Warhawk RC Sailplanes (FS/W)

www.rcgroups.com

 

[Wayne]

I am not familiar with that particular kit. Airfoil looks a little chunky.

Being EPP it will be very forgiving of sudden impacts with terrafirma, and generally fun at an event like Sunset.

Let me ask you this, what is your goal for this plane? PSS planes can have a wide range of performance. The EPP models will be fun, but tend to be on the low side of the speed and performance side of the equation. Fiberglass fuselages models tend to be on the higher end of performance and tend to need better lift sites. (They can range from light to VERY HEAVY builds and wind requirements and performance will vary based on the build weight.)

So for a good PSS trainer, I think that P40 will do the trick nicely. It will teach to EPP building methods. I promise you that you have never built a model like you build an EPP slope glider. LOL