Northeast Sailplane products: Accord II

Model Airplane News, Jan 2003 by Gimlick, Greg

Almost-ready-to-fly electric aerobat

The quality and availability of almost-ready-to-fly models continue to improve at a furious pace. As manufacturers produce more and more high-quality "plug-n-play" models, we modelers reap the rewards. With the introduction of the Accord II, Northeast Sailplane Products helps perpetuate this trend. One look in the box, and I know you'll be as impressed as I was with the well-cut joints and beautifully covered airframe. This one's going to be tough to top.

FLIGHT PERFORMANCE

FLIGHT PERFORMANCE

I used the recommended control throws on the low rate. and for a bit more fun, I set up the high rate to have more travel. After giving the battery a full charge, I headed to the field. The Accord II can take off from both pavement and moderately high grass. I usually take off from a grass field.

TAKEOFF AND LANDING

Within 50 feet. this plane climbs with vigor. I apply a bit of Lip-elevator as it leaves the ground and then neutralize the control as it climbs out. It you hold the elevator at full throttle, the Accord ii will climb very steeply and in a hurry.

Landing is easy; this plane is capable of slowing down more than you might think. If you're flying off grass, you can position it and slow it down for a nice 3-point landing that will barely roll.

HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE

Oil 8 cells, this plane really scoots. It will also get small ill a hurry if you're not careful. ElectriCalc predicts speeds of about 40mph with the APC 10x7 prop spinning at full throttle. Even with the control throws set beyond the recommended levels, the model remains well behaved.

LOW-SPEED PERFORMANCE

The plane slows down nicely and stalls straight ahead with no scary recovery. I haven't seen this model exhibit any bad habits while flying slowly, though it has had plenty of opportunity.

AEROBATICS

Aerobatics is where this model really shines. The Accord II is very sporty on the power setup I chose, and I have no doubt that 3D maneuvers are possible with a brushless upgrade. As is, this plane can easily perform all of the standard aerobatic maneuvers. When I increase my aileron throws to 45 degrees and the elevator to almost 1 inch of throw, this plane's flight characteristics change dramatically. Rolls become extremely fast, and at high speed. full up-elevator produces a flop that is quite interesting. The plane, however, shows no signs of stalling.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

The main components (fuselage, wing and tailpieces) are constructed primarily of balsa and come completely built and covered with Solarfilm; they need only be assembled. The Accord II also comes with a Speed 480 motor with MP Jet reduction drive, landing gear, an APC prop with prop adapter, a clear canopy, instructions and a complete set of hardware. You simply provide the glue, hinge tape and radio gear to complete the model.

ASSEMBLY

The canopy requires some minor trimming, but that's about as time-consuming as this assembly gets. Begin by checking the wings for warps; these can easily be corrected with a bit of heat, if necessary. Mine were straight and didn't require any correction.

First, you must cut away some covering so you can glue the plywood reinforcing plate into position. The wing comes with a hole already drilled; use this hole as a guide to drill through the plate to ensure that everything lines up.

Next, the ailerons must be hinged in place, and for that, I used my favorite hinge tape from SR Batteries. This stuff is incredibly strong and cannot be easily removed, so be sure that you get it right the first time. Use a knife to cut open the servo-mounting holes, and bolt your servos into place. I chose to use Hitec HS-55 servos throughout. Use the included pushrods to connect each servo to the appropriate aileron. This requires that you form Z-bends in the control surface end of the pushrods.

The elevator assembly is fairly straightforward. To join the elevator halves, simply epoxy the wire joiner in place. Once again, use hinge tape to attach the surfaces to the stabilizer, and you're ready to glue the entire assembly onto the fuselage. The same holds true for the vertical fin and rudder. After making sure that everything was square, I epoxied the tail feathers into place. The servos for the tail surfaces should be mounted in the rear of the fuselage, just as they are in giant-scale planes. This requires extension wires; I suggest that you find the lightest ones you can.

After making sure everything lined up, I cut slots in the control surfaces for the included control horns. I've used these horns in the past and have found that I prefer to attach them with a small drop of epoxy instead of CA. It just seems to hold better over time. At this point, you simply have to fit the canopy and install the wire landing gear to complete the assembly of the main airframe.

RADIO INSTALLATION

I installed the remaining servos (rudder and elevator) in the fuselage, along with a Hitec 555 receiver (without the case). Because the receiver is mounted on the top of the fuselage, I found that its battery pack squashed the servo wires. To create some space between the battery pack and the wires, I installed small, light balsa pads. If you use a receiver with end connections, this probably won't be necessary. I installed the Jeti speed control in the forward compartment alongside the motor. The connections can be accessed through the hatch in the bottom of the fuselage.