The Cassiopea originates from the Czech Republic, a country that excels in producing good quality, high performance, competitively priced, fully moulded gliders.

This model is the work of Karel Koudelka, a successful competition flyer who has been using the Cassiopea since 1975, becoming Czech F3J Champion in 1996, Czech F3J European Championships team member in 1997 plus high placings in other national and international events.

Whilst primarily developed as a serious F3J and Open Class competition thermal soarer the Cassiopea is equally suited to general 'sport' flying, whether it be thermal or slope. Any reasonably competent pilot will feel at ease with its surprisingly benign handling qualities whilst the more experienced will delight in exploring its impressive acrobatic abilities - loops, rolls, inverted flight and even outside loops can all be performed with smooth precision and grace.

We were attracted to the Cassiopea by its pleasing proportions, proven SD7037 wing section, sensible dihedral (for good thermalling and stability), trendy winglets and, uniquely, a choice of 'T' or 'V' tail configuration.

We took delivery of the first consignment of Cassiopeas mid-May 1999. Chris Foss test flew a 'T' tail version only two days before BARCS Radio Glide competition and competed with it in the remainder of the competition season with considerable success:

Radio Glide - reached fly-off (placed 14th due to downwind launching!)

• Gravesend Open - 3rd
• lst Ashurst F3J        - 8th
• 2nd Ashurst F3J - 4th
• Crawley Open        - lst
• Bromley Open        - lst
• Towner Trophy        - lst

The Cassiopea is supplied as a set of fully moulded airframe components with a precoloured high gloss surface finish, the only exception being the rudder of the 'T' version which, for lightness, is a built-up balsa structure requiring film covering.

The wing is in 3 sections - a 158Omm span centre section with built-in dihedral, carbon fibre spars and carbon root reinforcement, and plug-in tip panels using substantial carbon fibre joiners. Apertures are formed in the underside for aileron and flap servos whilst the control surfaces are attached by full-length hinges bonded within the skin during manufacture.

The fuselage incorporates a sheath nose cone enclosing an inner nose of generous length with adequate space for up to Sub 'C' size battery pack, regular size servos and receiver. The 'T' version uses carbon elevator control rod and closed loop rudder cables (both supplied) whilst the 'V' version features pre-installed wire core control  snakes. The all-moving 'T' tailplane has a built-in pivot arm which locates in the top of the fin, whereas the 'V' tailplane is in two halves, with hinged ruddervators, and simply plugs  onto joiners pre-bonded into the fuselage.

Also included is an accessory pack containing wing servo covers, adjustable brass aileron and flap control horns, 9 pin main wiring plug and socket, high tensile wing mounting bolts and Allen keys, moulded winglets and a 4 page set of assembly notes with illustrations. A small number of additional items are required to complete the Cassiopea.

In the event of the unthinkable, we do intend to maintain a full stock of spare parts for prompt delivery.

Specification:

Wingspan 3280mm  Length 1580mm  Wing area 69dm²,

Wing section SD 7037, 7037 mod           Flying weight 2200g ('V')    2500g ('T')

The 'V' version was reviewed in 'Silent Flight' Jan/Feb 1999.