Uploaded November 2012 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Here are the hand-launched and the ground-launched (landing gear) versions in flight, with some commentary.
Being a flying wing with a short "tail moment arm", the Synapse needs rather large elevons with pretty aggressive control throws. The flight handling is very smooth. There was no twitchiness and I actually adjusted my transmitter to linear control curves (no expo) and 100% & 125% for my control throw modes - something I don't often do.
Small changes in CG location will change the flight characteristics of a flying wing, sometimes dramatically. The default specs and build details for this plane will err on the cautious side for better stability but less nimble flight behavior.
As noted, the overhand toss technique is perhaps not ideal but it works well for me. Use at your discretion and with caution. A side toss would be safer but I recommend using a powerplant on the more powerful end of the spectrum in order to attain affirmative, controlled launches. A 1:1 or better thrust:weight ratio is preferred.
I apologize the flight paths and camera shots are kind of monotonous on this one, which was completely shot by me the pilot using a forehead-mounted GoPro, flying in a fairly confined park.
Here are the hand-launched and the ground-launched (landing gear) versions in flight, with some commentary.
Being a flying wing with a short "tail moment arm", the Synapse needs rather large elevons with pretty aggressive control throws. The flight handling is very smooth. There was no twitchiness and I actually adjusted my transmitter to linear control curves (no expo) and 100% & 125% for my control throw modes - something I don't often do.
Small changes in CG location will change the flight characteristics of a flying wing, sometimes dramatically. The default specs and build details for this plane will err on the cautious side for better stability but less nimble flight behavior.
As noted, the overhand toss technique is perhaps not ideal but it works well for me. Use at your discretion and with caution. A side toss would be safer but I recommend using a powerplant on the more powerful end of the spectrum in order to attain affirmative, controlled launches. A 1:1 or better thrust:weight ratio is preferred.
I apologize the flight paths and camera shots are kind of monotonous on this one, which was completely shot by me the pilot using a forehead-mounted GoPro, flying in a fairly confined park.
