The Stratus Flies

Flying Unlimited's new Baby

ROS 125, 12 ltr tank

Photos

We have finally come up with our best frame design yet. The new frame now has low attachment points and is a full weight shift PPG unit. We worked hard developing the new PPG frame design. In the past it was stick a pipe here and there and WOW it works but now we have developed the entire frame in CAD and it really is incredible. This ppg frame is equipped to be fitted as a full low or high hang point  system or a fixed high attachment system with only two components that will be changed for the fixed and free movement. So as a student you will be more comfortable flying a fixed system and later you just replace the two parts and you will have full free movement of the bars. This means you will have the best of both worlds.

The Frame is being produced now to accomodate a few different motors and so far we have only flown it using the ROS 125 motor. This unit is called the Stratus. The other motors will be the Cirrus 100cc, Cumulus 180cc, Nimbus 206cc. We are still considering using the larger motors too but will see what transpires from this later.

OK back to the Stratus. We have designed it to use the 12 liter PXP fuel tank but this can be fitted with other types with a small design change. If we ever get a 20 liter tank some day this will fit into the frame too as it was originaly designed for this volume.  The cage is made to break down into a small form factor so transport is easier and the 5 radial tubes are removed and kept together with the cage leaving only central fram fitted with the motor and harness to be moved and stored. The entire test Stratus is only weighing 26,7KG configured ready to fly. Everything attached, Harness, Prop, and Motor. So it is one of the lightest units we have ever produced.

Flying the Stratus was a non event. It flew predictably with a nice light feel during weight shift and  normal flight. The motor is angled to fly with about 10deg of down thrust but again as per all the weight shift units you need to set the hang points to best fit your weight.

What more can i say we are now entering production of the Stratus and the Second unit will be that of the Cumulus 180 to be completed. I am now just waiting for the Motor to arrive in South Africa and i will be trying out two new harnesses too with the cumulus later in March 2010. keep a lok out for the Cumulus next.

Tony