Description:

Nick-named the "S15", this 1500mm (59") span version of the Skua has been designed specifically for slope racing. The Skua's unique planform is perfectly suited to this task, enabling impressive acceleration through turns with amazing retention of speed. Its podless configuration also presents a smaller frontal profile, minimising drag to achieve maximum straight line speed and excellent penetration. However the S-15 is not simply a scaled-up version of the standard Skua. We have optimised the planform for its larger wingspan and designed a new thinner airfoil tweaked for speed and cornering performance that still maintains good inverted performance.

In addition to its awesome turn of speed, the S15 is also capable of flying in relatively light lift conditions and can be slowed down nicely for landings. The S15 will fly in a minimum of 5 to 10 knots of wind on an average slope (depending on how light you decide to build it) but is at its best in 10 to 15 knots and over.

In-flight stiffness and durability are a high priority for the S15. We've spared no expense and include super high quality 9mm diameter Fibre Glass spars in the S-15 kits. The kits also include aircraft grade spruce drag spars and carbon ribbon spars for additional reinforcement. The wings are CNC precision-cut from top quality high density (20kg/m3) EPP foam for maximum durability and stiffness.

Optional S-15 ballast kits including all components for a ballast tube installation (with the exception of lead) are available for separate purchase. The addition of the optional ballast tube enables its weight to be incrementally increased by up to 400 grams (14oz.) to best match the glider's wingloading to any given set of wind conditions.

The S-15 has been designed for intermediate to advanced flyers seeking the winning edge in 60" EPP class F3F or man-on-man racing or for those simply wanting a very fast flying wing with a unique look that is a pleasure to fly. 

The Skua 1500 kit features:

• CNC cut high density EPP foam wing panels for incredible durability
• An impressive spar system comprising of 9mm (approx 3/8") diameter fibre glass spars, carbon fibre ribbon  for additional reinforcement and aircraft grade spruce drag spars for superior in-flight rigidity and durability.
• Extra wide (up to 60mm, or 2 3/8") balsa elevons with tapered cross-section for superior aerodynamic integration with airfoil
• Pre-marked coreflute for fins
• Quality Dubro pushrods and connectors
• Detailed 20 page construction manual with photos

Specifications:

• Wing span: 1500 mm. (59 in.)
• Wing area: 33.9 dm^2 (3.65 sq.ft.)
• Typical minimum flying weight with micro/mini servos and no ballast tube or drag spars: 850 to 900 grams (30 to 31.8 ounces)
• Typical flying weight with micro/mini servos and empty ballast tube: 950 to 1000 grams (33.5 to 35.3 ounces)
• Typical flying weight with standard servos and empty ballast tube: 1050 to 1100 grams (37 to 38.8 ounces)
• Ballast tube capacity: approx. 400 grams (14.1 ounces)
• Typical minimum (unballasted) wingloading: 25 to 32 g/dm^2 (8.2 to 10.6 oz/ft^2)
• Typical maximum (fully ballasted) wingloading: 40 to 44 g/dm^2 (13 to 14.5 oz/ft^2)

Radio requirements:

• Transmitter and receiver (minimum 2 channel)
• Rechargeable receiver battery pack in flat configuration and a charger.
• Two (2) servos, IE Hitec 311 or servos of your choice
  
• Two (2) servo extension leads (100mm to 300mm depending on length of your servos' leads)
  

Kit construction requirements:

• Sharp trimming knife (large retractable disposable type is ideal)
• Sandpaper and sanding block, screwdriver, drill, pliers, hack-saw and ruler
• 48mm (2") wide cross-weave filament tape
• Covering material (eg. coloured packing tape or iron-on film such as UltraCote or Profilm)
• 3M "Super 77" or 3M "Multi-Purpose" spray adhesive
• 5 minute epoxy glue (eg. Selley's Araldite)
• Goop/Goo glue (eg. Pacer's Zappa-Dappa-Goo II or Second Wind's Shoe Goo II) or Polyurethane glue (eg. Selley's Durabond, Gorilla Glue or Elmer's ProBond) or 30 minute epoxy glue (not ideal).
• Hot-melt glue - not essential
• Lead for ballast slugs and nose weight

The S15 instruction manual with colour photos can be downloaded as a PDF HERE. 

More photos and video footage of the Skua 1500 can be accessed by clicking on the "Gallery" tab towards the top of your screen. Likewise, please click on the "Reviews" tab if you'd like to read some unbiased reviews and comments.