Snipe 2 DLG

In preparation for the 2017 F3K World Championship Vladimir’s Models made a batch of experimental Snipe DLGs with 1 degree more wing incidence. This resulted in the horizontal stabiliser being lifted up on 25 mm (1”) in flight, reducing the airstream’s influence on the tailplane. Also the rigidity and stiffness of the control system were increased, giving more precise control and even higher flutter resistance. These models were successfully used by Cederic Duss (World Cup 2017, Eurotour 2017 winner), Igor Butseroga (2nd Place in F3K World Championship 2017), and the F3K teams from Austria, New Zealand, Ukraine, Italy and South Africa.

The Snipe 2 is a further development of these improved competition models with a more streamlined and very much toughened fuselage.

The significant decrease in wing wake’s influence on the tail group improved the laminar flow on the tail surfaces and improved the Snipe 2’s control response, especially in turbulent conditions and when in strong lift. This allows the centre of gravity to be moved back 5 mm without compromising the handling or stability. This more rearward CG position decreased the required decalage (wing-stabiliser angle) also reducing aerodynamic drag.

The new thinner and more streamline Snipe 2 fuselage and stiffer wing construction is instrumental further drag reduction, giving higher launches. But above all these changes allow the Snipe 2 to climb better in thermals with smaller circles and giving clearer displays about the left and sink, so the model can be centred more quickly and reliably.

Vladimir’s Models have significantly increased the stiffness of all parts of the model to get the highest launch:

The rigidity of the fuselage is increased by 65% in relation to Snipe and Snipe SN. This has been achieved by using a wider tailboom made from Ultra High Module Carboline prepreg.

Snipe 2 has stiffer carbon aileron pushrods with ball links resulting in zero free play (no slop). The aileron horn has an extra shaft combined with the aileron hinge. This minimizes free play and compliance in the hinge and also greatly increases the rigidity of the ailerons’ control system. Snipe 2 has tougher torsion springs and steel control cable in pull-spring tail control system.

Joe Wurtz worked over many years to design the aerodynamics for a perfect DLG wing and came to the conclusion that thin profiles are needed, especially for the rear aileron part of the section. Structural analysis showed that hollow molded sandwich construction was not rigid enough and a completely new solution was required.



Working with Vladimir’s Models, Joe and Vladimir worked out how to integrate a carbon I-web spar into a solid Rohacell core. The spar/shear web significantly increases the wing rigidity and protects against spar delamination during the high launch loading. The other integrated shear web closes the aileron leading edge and makes the very thin aileron extremely rigid. All Rohacell cores are CNC cut from a specially sourced ultralight formula of Rohacell which is not available to other manufacturers.



The Snipe 2 is available in four wing layups:

The Snipe 2 Regular wing skin is made of unique ultrathin Carboline 39 g/m² carbon fabric and provides the wing with light weight, rigidity, strength and excellent profile accuracy.

The strong wing version of Snipe 2 Strong provides a high powerful launch with the strength to take 100g of ballast, even in windy conditions. Longitudinal Carboline reinforcement layers marginally increases the weight, but significantly increased the strength of the Snipe 2 Strong wing. Additional aileron reinforcement eliminates flutter even at high launch speed. The Snipe 2 Strong wing weights about 115g.

For expert pilots Vladimir’s Models developed a new Ultra High Module wing for the Snipe 2 UHM. The wing of this version only weighs 102-108g, however, the rigidity is 20% higher than the wing of Snipe 2 Regular.

Finally, the Snipe 2 Light UHM shares the light weight of earlier Snipe models with the improved construction of the latest wings to create an incredibly light and rigid wing that can be launched very high and will out float the competition on light air days.

A 2 piece wing is also available as an option. This assymetrically split to the right of the centreline version adds only 6 grams to the weight, and makes transporting the model much more convenent - especially by air. This option is only recommended for right handed launchers. Also note the two piece wing model is shipped in a smaller box, reducing the delivery cost. This may make it the more economical option for many customers.

We will endevour to stock all these layup options but if we do not please email us - we are delighted to special order models for customers.

The Snipe has the advantage in all phases of flight: it's very light weight and low drag allow pilots to throw the model to amazing altitudes with little exertion, the JW airfoil and light weight results in a great rate of climb even in weak thermals, and the clean aerodynamic design and internal aileron linkages give an extremely good L/D and the ability to return home from long distances downwind. The combination of outstanding launch height and an exceptionally low sink rate gives great still air duration. Even at its low weight the Snipe can cope with average wind speeds well, however 30 g, 60 g or 85 g ballast pieces can be fitted internally, allowing the model to be flown in winds up to the FAI limit with confidence.

For more info see this RCGroups Snipe 2 thread. Also please click on the More Details links below to check out the kit contents and build manual.

(c) 2018 Neil Stainton.

Snipe 2 Specifications
Wing span	1.5 m	59 in
Wing area	19.7 dm2	305 sq in
Length	108 cm	42.6 in
Flying weight from	205 g	7.2 oz
Wing loading	10.4 g/dm2	3.4 oz/sq ft
Aspect ratio	11.3
Wing airfoil	JW proprietary
Dihedral angle	5.5º
Centre of Gravity	66-70 mm from wing leading edge
Controls	Rudder, elevator, ailerons

Snipe 2 Typical Weights
Fuselage	37.2 g	1.3 oz
Wings-light layup	93.0 g	3.3 oz
Fin	5.8 g	0.2 oz
Tailplane	6.0 g	0.2 oz
Accessories	10.0 g	0.4 oz
Total structure	152.0 g	5.4 oz
Glue etc	3.0 g	0.1 oz
Receiver	5.0 g	0.2 oz
Tail servos	12.0 g	0.4 oz
Wing servos	12.0 g	0.4 oz
Battery	21.0 g	0.7 oz
Flying weight	205.0 g	7.2 oz

Snipe Control Throws & Mixes
Rudder	15 mm each way
Elevator	7 mm up / 7 mm down
Ailerons	10 mm up / 8 mm down
Recommended snap-flap (elevator->camber) mix.
Full up elevator gives 6mm increased flaperon camber
Recommended flaperon settings. Down=Flap TE down.
Launch preset	1 mm down
Speed	1 mm up (small ail>rud mix)
Cruise	0 mm (a little more ail>rud mix)
Slow cruise and active thermal	1 mm down (more ail>rud mix)
Minimum sink	3 mm to 4 mm down (Slow cruise + slider camber)
Landing mode	as much down as possible

Recommended RC
All servos	KST X08N, MKS DS65K, MKS DS75K-N, MKS HV75K-N, Blue Bird BMS-A10S
Receiver	4/5 channel rx to match your transmitter, max size approx 60mm x 25mm x 12mm eg FrSky X4R, Spectrum AR6260*, Futaba 6008HS*, Futaba R6106HFC *case removed
Power	HyperLiPo 2S 300 mAh LiPo, Nanotech 1S 750 mAh LiPo