Snipe 2 Electric 1.5m including powertrain and wing bags

The Snipe 2 Electric from Vladimir's Models is an electric version of the competition winning Snipe 2 DLG. It is ideal for the new F5K class having a low weight and proven world-class performance. The DLG version of the Snipe has a brilliant speed range combined with a very good glide angle, allowing the pilot to range very far downwind when riding thermals. The electric version is no different, and also has a very sweet temperament, making for a low stress flying experience.

We supply the model with the Vladimir's Models Snipe 2e Powerset, Snipe 2 Wing Bags and a fuselage servo mount for KST X08H or SD100/D47 servos. The Snipe 2e is probably the most advanced of the F5K models currently available, and Vladimir's Models has pioneered the use of small drone type outrunners for these models, even producing new a special spinner/yoke/prop to minimise weight and give great performance.

November 2020: Note, we have not increased the price, but we have bundled the powertrain, servo mount and wing bags into the base price, to avoid confusion. Only regular layup one piece wing models (if in stock) are actually availlable for the base price. Optional two piece wing and wings and lighter/stronger carbon layups increase the price, as shown at the end of the model's description.

Multiple times RC glider world champion and professional aeronautical engineer Joe Wurts worked over many years to optimise the aerodynamics for a perfect 1.5m glider 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 solid foam cored 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 resulting wing and tail surfaces are beautifully molded with exceptional strength and lightness. The wing layups sometimes available are:

Regular - standard amount of regular modulus spread carbon wing layup - fine for most people

Light UHM - lighter layup of ultra-high-modulus spread carbon wing layup - about 10g lighter, maybe a little stiffer than regular, best for light conditions.

UHM - standard amount of ultra-high-modulus spread carbon wing layup - stiffer, better at speed, no weight penalty, best all round flier.

Strong - more regular modulus spread carbon wing layup - stronger, about 20g heavier, good for windier weather.

A two piece wing version is also available as an option. This asymmetrically split to the right of the centreline version adds only 6 grams to the weight, and makes transporting the model much more convenient - especially by air. 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 don't recommend that customers wait for their ideal layup and colour combination to come into stock, it will probably never happen. We can special order models for customers, though these usually take 2-3 months to arrive. One Snipe on the flying field is definitely worth two in the factory.

The Snipe 2e requires a little construction and does not include the RC (servos, receiver, transmitter). It is not suitable for a beginner, and some thought will be required to get everything to fit in the very limited pod space. The models comes with a complete accessory pack and a servo tray designed for KST X08H or Ripmax SD100/Dymond D47 servos only. The fuselage is as small as possible for the equipment and the servos are installed on a special 3D printed servo tray which is then mounted inside the fuselage, under the wing. However due to this advanced installation there is a surprising amount of room in the nosecone between the motor and the wing leading edge, giving lots of space for the battery. The model is suitable for use with 2S LiPo batteries only (not 3S or you will fry the RC) with capacities between 300mAh and 450mAh. Our HyperLiPo 2S 300 mAh LiPo battery can be used.

See this RCGroups Snipe 2e thread for more info.

THE POWERSET, WING BAGS AND SERVO MOUNTS ARE SUPPLIED WITH THE MODEL AND INCLUDED IN THE PRICE SHOWN.

Snipe 2e Specifications
Wing span	1.5 m	59 in
Wing area	19.7 dm2	305 sq in
Length	103 cm	40.6 in
Flying weight from	250 g	8.8 oz
Wing loading	12.7 g/dm	4.2 oz/sq ft
Aspect ratio	11.4
Wing airfoil	JW proprietary
Dihedral angle	5.4º
Spinner Diameter	25 mm
Centre of Gravity	62-68 mm from wing leading edge
Controls	Rudder, elevator, ailerons, throttle

Snipe 2e Typical Weights
Fuselage	42.0 g	1.5 oz
Wings	94.0 g	3.3 oz
Fin	6.0 g	0.2 oz
Tailplane	6.0 g	0.2 oz
Accessories	5.0 g	0.2 oz
Total structure	153.0 g	5.4 oz
Glue etc	3.0 g	0.1 oz
Receiver	6.0 g	0.2 oz
Tail servos	10.0 g	0.4 oz
Wing servos	10.0 g	0.4 oz
Sn2e Powerset	33.0 g	1.2 oz
Battery	35.0 g	1.2 oz
Flying weight	250.0 g	8.8 oz

Snipe 2e 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.
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 X08H, Ripmax SD100, Dymond D47
Receiver	5 channel rx to match your transmitter, max size approx 60mm x 25mm x 12mm eg FrSky X6R, Spectrum AR6610T, Futaba 6008HS*, Futaba R6106HFC *case removed
Power	300 - 450 mAh 2S LiPo, HyperLiPo 2S 300 mAh LiPo