The 2006 Encore is the latest evolution of our F3K hand launch plane designed specifically for discus launching. It is available in either 4 channel (flaperons) or 6 channel (separate flaps and ailerons) configurations. Over the years, the Encore has probably won more major competitions than any plane in history in the hands of Joe Wurts and many others.

A large part of this success story has been our dedication to accuracy and repeatability. We have experimented with most construction types and materials over the years:

Hollow molded wings can be very accurate (well, some are), but they are heavier than “bagged” wings of comparable structure and durability. While not very significant in an unlimited sailplane, this weight disadvantage really hurts a smaller plane. We like molded wings, but we feel they give away too much in durability and/or weight when used for hand launch planes.

“Bagged” wings have an inherent structural and durability advantage, but the process has some limitations. Most bagged wings are cut with variations of hot wire technology. Foam panels (two or three per side) are cut with hot wire machines, then glued together to form the wing core. Actual airfoil fidelity depends upon the accuracy of the templates, the quality of the hot wire machine and, above all, the skill of the operator. Once the panels are joined, the wing core is hand sanded to blend the various plan form curves and airfoils into a shape that, when covered (bagged) with a composite skin, will become a wing. This process leaves a lot to be desired for accurate duplication, and plan forms are limited to a series of straight tapered panels.

Given our commitment to producing durable hand launch planes, we’re sticking to bagged wings as the current state-of-the-art. In 2004 we purchased a computer numerically controlled (“CNC” or “NC”) router along with the modeling and tool-path software required to drive it. Phil spent over six months developing the process we now use to produce our bagged wings. The result is that we are no longer limited to straight tapered panels – we can cut wings (and stabs and rudders and all kinds of small parts) to within .002” repeatability.

The Encore has been extensively modified for 2006. It uses Dr. Mark Drela’s AG series of transition airfoils on a wing plan form designed by Phil Pearson and Joe Wurts. Wings are built with one-piece high-density foam cores skinned with 1.4 ounce glass and carbon spar caps. Stabs and rudders use Phil’s plan forms with Dr. Drela’s low drag airfoils. They are NC-cut from hand selected vertical grain contest balsa, then coated with epoxy.

All composite parts are built by us in-house. Our highly developed pod and removable nose cone are molded of Kevlar and mated to a proprietary mandrel-wound carbon tail boom for unparalleled stiffness. The forward end of the tail boom forms a ballast tube capable of carrying an Icon-type tubular ballast set totaling 3 oz.

These planes are more durable than most hand launch gliders. You can break them, but you have to work at it, and the damage is seldom fatal. They are easier to repair than the average plane, and they are totally modular, so if you destroy a part, we can ship you an exact duplicate.

Planes include all parts required for completion of the airframe, including pushrods with etched Teflon tubes, switch, plugs, fasteners and wiring. An extensive 60 page owners' manual with over 100 large color photographs is included on CD. Wings are completely finished and cut into two panels with the dihedral angle pre-beveled. Ailerons are pre-cut and skin hinged. Assembly requires joining and glass taping the wing panels, jointing the tail boom to the pod, mounting the wing, stab and rudder, and installing radio gear. An experienced intermediate builder should expect to spend approximately 20 hours completing the plane.

Specifications:

Price: $450

Optional Ballest Set: $25