Hardcore Ultrabatics / VTPR with Le Fish

Ultrabatics: ultra light, ultra maneuverable, ultra durable gliders that enable a new level of unlimited aerobatic performance in slope soaring.
The glider is Le Fish, an open source design developed by Steve 'Surfimp' Lange (me) in the USA with lots of inspiration from the French VTPR tradition (voltige très près du relief / "aerobatics very close to the ground") as well as the tremendously influential Madslide of Benoit Paysant-Le Roux aka BPLR.
Plans and more info here: www.slopeaeroba...
Le Fish kits available here: leadingedgeglid...
This Le Fish has a 60" (1.5m) wingspan and weighs 17oz (480g). The wingloading is 5oz./sq.ft. (15 g/dm2). It can fly with full aerobatic performance in as little as 6-7mph (10kph) at a decent slope and absolutely shreds when the wind gets to 8-10mph (12-16kph).
This ultralight version of the plane is constructed following techniques pioneered by "Swiss Peter" Richner of Switzerland. The airframe is EPP with lightweight carbon fiber spars and uses 6mm Depron tail and aileron surfaces. The entire airframe is covered in lightweight and inexpensive laminating film. The result is an extremely light and durable airplane capable of being treated like a skateboard for the sky.
The elevator is inspired by BPLR's Madslide, and is full-flying and capable of 180º rotation (90º each way). This is what enables the plane to do tight flips around its center of gravity. Exponential and dual rates are used to make the plane comfortable to fly; on low rates it feels like any other slope glider, but on high rates you can flip easily just by giving full elevator deflection.
Soundtrack is "Black Hills" by local Santa Barbara band Gardens & Villa. Learn more about them here: www.gardensandv...

[@_NFE]

10 yrs later... this one is still the jam

[@investircomproposito3261]

Steve, is definitely a lovely glider!!! ... and you gave a flying show writing poetry on the hillside! Congratulations!!!

[@surfimp]

Thank you so much!

[@mikewhite4628]

I know thatv it is a long time ago but those servos are something else! That's what makes this one so aerobatic. Beautiful.........

[@jlm2475]

Bonne musique et superbe démo ... love !

[@MattButtery]

Wow! I've never seen anything like this. Just awesome.

[@surfimp]

Thank you!

[@mindiff]

Why can't I like this video multiple times?! Awesome! Shows that slope flying doesn't have to be the usual boring "turn left, turn right, turn left, ..." Keep rocking and thanks! (Cool music too!)

[@surfimp]

Thanks!

[@lucaroverbello8407]

surfimp

[@kniahaxel]

Superbe flying skills. Perfect music and not too much cuts. Well done!

[@surfimp]

Thanks! It's one of my favorites, for sure.

[@viewuphere]

Thanks for posting this! Got a fish and all the bitsies on order. And thanks for your build log of this plane on RC Groups. I was planning to do a laminate covering, so that part of your build is much appreciated.

[@Mr.Laidukas]

Soundtrack is very well picked for the flying style! Nice.

[@MrTruth73]

Could watch this all day.

[@brentr52]

That is very sweet flying. Great music choice, too.

[@STVO12345]

nice video, good flying, great model, and the only video in the history of youtube with music that doesn't make you wonder about humanity's taste

[@marielzahage2461]

Very interesting and beautiful seeing it fly! It is a show! Congratulations!

[@mikesrcgarage]

Awesome soaring on a beautiful day! Epic! ✌️😎👍

[@calebthompson2564]

Beautiful flying, very graceful which isn't always easy in wind gusts.

[@plemo]

One of my very very ALL TIME FAVORITES !

[@toddspeck9415]

Excellent Flying, Perfect song for this flight!

[@surfimp]

Thanks, one of my favorite songs. Glad you enjoyed :)

[@davidfirth6535]

Stunning!!

[@RcAircraft]

Very Nice Flyer . And Design .

[@investircomproposito3261]

Wow! So nice! Endless flying...

[@kevchef]

Awesome - could watch this flying for hours - Andrew Newton brought me here :)

[@DZWK86]

this is so much cooler than 3D aerobatics with an extra or edge. btw nice music

[@surfimp]

+Cold World hehe yes the breeze does get chilly sometimes ;-) Thanks for the nice words.

[@MisterPokeylope]

You put great music in all your videos!

[@JamesHurd]

Im still in love with this video..

[@PudlockWei]

Great video, great flying!

[@rwprime1]

Sick tricks. This is not my first or second time watching this and I'll probably be back - Salute

[@waqasmasood007]

Amazing, loved it.... Keep up the great work!

[@farmers2630]

Impressive stuff.

Lindo voo deste planador, fiquei encantado com as acrobacias e precisão nos voos!

[@surfimp]

Muito obrigado :)

[@xoio]

Simply graceful!! - Superb piloting!

[@surfimp]

Thank you :)

[@surfimp]

Ha, my buddies in Gardens & Villa will be stoked to hear that ;)

[@crannaford]

Great music!

[@JamesHurd]

Just makes me smile!!! amazing thumb work super cool!!! : )

[@surfimp]

James Hurd thanks!

Excellent fligt bravo.

[@markmctaggart8506]

thanks you have the touch and a very good plane where is the wind

[@GrahamA63]

Blimey - double thumbs up!

[@Nandox7]

Awesome flying!

[@crimay2158]

Beatiful!!!

[@dovydasgrigas441]

feel happy that this is what i chose as my next project except mine is smaller

[@jacek_k777]

Great skills, I am impressed and very like it:)

[@robertshaver4432]

WOW! Way Cool Holy Sea Ultrabat

[@mikesrcgarage]

Too funny I was gonna send you this link but you have already been here and seen that! 😂👍

[@robertshaver4432]

@@mikesrcgarage Ha yep that's the very video that got me to purchase Le Fish lol

[@mej6519]

super skills mate :)

[@surfimp]

If you like this video, I think you'll like my newer stuff even better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaPbhJaVgZqpi8U

[@jfan4reva]

Wow! Just,,,wow!

[@str1d3rst3v0]

Woah. Very cool.

[@jpoincot]

wonderful.

[@arpi7297]

super tolles Video , wow greate Video , grate video

[@surfimp]

Merci beaucoup!

[@ifrit35]

I never taught about it but I should try listening to music while flying my rc planes. Could be interesting.

[@emersonwarne]

Show!!! Parabéns!!

[@titouangalea]

love your video !

[@volavideoriginal]

bravo

[@pierrickfly]

ouaaaawwww!! excellent !! I think I'll build a fish one day :)

[@juz70]

I LOVE THIS

[@surfimp]

juz70 and I love your videos, too! Thanks man, most appreciate it! Been a fan of yours for years.

[@robdavtay]

WOW!

[@ElSusurradorDeTermicas]

I have to build one ot this... very light, to fly with low wind. Great aerobatics.

[@carlosclaptrix]

You could mow the loan.

[@parkflyer68]

Freakin' awsome!

[@lopsan457]

Champ!

[@macrumpton]

Who are the three folks who disliked this video, and why?

[@lloyddavies9076]

yeah they need to die :)

[@nickvledder]

True, and better sooner as later ;-).

[@TheMiksilva]

:O very good :)

[@kiazzamassaequipe199]

Ola! Onde eu consigo comprar um planador desse?? Agradecido

[@Deoclecio01]

good morning, please what country and place are you with this le fish 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏👏👏

[@surfimp]

Ellwood Mesa, Santa Barbara, California

[@lexxx1333]

Great plane! How much doesit weight?

[@surfimp]

17oz / 480g

[@lexxx1333]

Thank you. My fish is almost ready. i think it wouldnt be more than 500g

[@surfimp]

саня кунашук Sounds good to me, would love to see a video if you make one :)

[@robertshaver4432]

Have and old Le Fish lite version with the black foam wings and would like another just like it. I think you called it a short kit? I ordered and received another Le fish which is differing and no flying tail. How do I and can I order another Short lite Kit, I want to make it light and as bad as as Possible. If possible I'd like to order more than one; Buddies interested too.

[@surfimp]

Check out the plan for the Le Fish - it has details of the madstab setup, which is easy to fabricate from Depron. www.slopeaerobatics.com/le-fish-and-spindrift-plans/ It may be possible to get Jack from Leading Edge Gliders to cut you a kit including the madstab, but you'll have to ask him. Otherwise, you can definitely build the plane using the short kit provided by Flying Foam: flyingfoam.com/product/le-fish-short-kit/ Either way, the sub 20oz builds use Depron for the empennage and flaperons. The whole plane is covered in 1.3 or 1.9 mil "New Stuff" laminating film, which is strong, light and inexpensive. Lots more info available on the Le Fish wiki: lefish.wikia.com/wiki/Le_Fishipedia Hope it helps!

[@robertshaver4432]

Way Cool Thank you!

[@surftomm466]

einfach irre was so geht,wir müssen mal zur Steilküste in Ahrenshop aufn Dars und auch sowas ähnliches machen......???

Surf Tom, we are waiting for your videos ... where are your flights?

[@dogdooish]

Fanbloodytastick!

[@RlainTheFirst]

1:20 I don't understand this.

[@surfimp]

Robert Hedman it’s a “flip” made possible by the full flying “Madstab” elevator, which is capable of 180 degree rotation. First seen on the eponymous Madslide of Benoit Paysant LeRoux in the late 90s and has since become a staple of the ultrabatic and voltige totale flight paradigms.

[@RlainTheFirst]

@@surfimp Ah! Makes sense, thanks!

[@Trouttaranaki]

I have asked this Q on another Le Fish video, but realize that there is no better person to ask than yourself. I am considering buying a Le Fish but only have a basic 4 Channel TX(no mixing). Is it worth flying this plane with this TX, until I can acquire a better unit? Im a confident beginner slope soarer. Thanks

[@surfimp]

Trouttaranaki the plane and more specifically its airfoils (SB96V & SB96VS) are designed around the concept of always-on snapflap mixing. This mix greatly extends the capabilities of the airfoil and are a huge part of what makes this plane - and all other modern, no-compromise aerobatics gliders - work. So, yeah, you need a radio that provides for mixing, if you want to get what this design is all about. If cost is an issue, the good news is that a very cheap-and-cheerful Turnigy 9X ($60 USD) will totally work for the purpose. I have put together a programming guide for the stock 9X software here: lefish.wikia.com/wiki/Turnigy_9X_Programming_Guide The FrSky Taranis is another great choice amongst the current offerings. Good luck!

[@Trouttaranaki]

Thanks. Looks like I may have to invest in a better tx. Here in New Zealand shipping is a killer so rc gear is quite pricey. However we have many many excellent coastal flying sites and there are several close to home. I really enjoy your videos and hope to equal your skill in the future. Probably not but there is always hope.

[@Trouttaranaki]

+surfimp I have my Fish now and fly every chance i get. Its the traditional weigh and comes in at 950 grams. Do you have any tips for preforming a decent knife edge. I can manage maybe 5 meters across the slope, but it sucks all the inertia out of it and it ends up stopping completely. Generally i fly in stronger wind 20-30mph.

[@surfimp]

Sorry for the delayed reply, but I just saw this message! First off, knife edge with a slope glider is going to be different than with a powered plane - you aren't necessarily going to be able to go "horizon to horizon" like you might do at the power field. With that said, the secret to getting the longest KE possible with a glider is to gently feed in the rudder. Too much, too soon, and it kills it right away. Hope you're still enjoying your glider. Check out the new Spektrum DX6e if you need a radio recommendation - it looks pretty perfect for slope aerobatics, with its easy gimbal spring-centering mode and plentiful snapflap mixes.

[@Trouttaranaki]

Thanks. I sure am still enjoying my model and fly every time I get the opportunity. In fact im obsessed with the fish and it always turns a few heads when I fly at my local slope. Its pretty rare to see RC planes here in NZ, so something like the fish is quite rare indeed. I am yet to see another or know of anyone who has one locally. I maybe the only one

[@bladefpv9194]

Any flight school?

[@wordreet]

:¬O I'm loving it! I can't fly like that yet, but I think I must own Le Fish anyway! Even in chaos, there is order. . Just type Le Fish into Google and the whole page is foam glider. :¬)

[@salem42salem42]

Where is this shot ? UK ,,, USA

[@surfimp]

+Graham Dorschell Santa Barbara, California, USA

[@salem42salem42]

Thanks , awesome wish was near me, great site your very lucky ,

[@jordanepstein1499]

Santa Barbara?

[@surfimp]

Technically, Goleta, but yes!

[@peterschmalenbach1222]

Hi gut das kein Pilot drinsitzt !!!! Der würde kotzen !!!! Ansonstengut gesteuert !!! RESPEKT !!!!

[@johnstenborg3461]

...strange...i’m as much impressed...and bored...