Dear E-Combat pilots and enthusiasts,<\/p>\n
the Workshop was some time ago, but nevertheless I would like to send
\nyou the report which was completely and pretty over-worked by Mark:<\/p>\n
Our Kick-Off-Meeting, with workshop and competition, was a big success.
\nDue to the much lower noise level as compared with F2D models, we were
\nallowed to use and enjoy the incredible infrastructure of a Bavarian
\nsport training center just south of Munich. Participants enjoyed
\nhotel-like full room and board service, directly on site.<\/p>\n
In preparation for the workshop, we announced our plans via online
\nforums and sent out a questionnaire for input from interested pilots who
\nwould not able to meet the workshop. In total, 15 people from Germany,
\nAustria, Netherlands, Denmark and USA participated at the workshop. On
\nSaturday, we began with two presentations (videos available online at
\nF2D.dk) about the integration of the electric powertrains into F2D
\nmodels, the advantages and challenges associated with E-Combat, and the
\ntechnical potential of motors, controllers, batteries and throttle
\ncontrol. In the competition that followed, we demonstrated exciting
\nE-Combat matches, with speed and action in some cases rivaling that of
\nF2D. Interestingly, four out of the nine participating pilots were
\nformer F2D pilots, who were “reactivated” by the possibilities embodied
\nby electric flight.<\/p>\n
Sunday’s discussion of future prospects for E-Combat competitions was
\npositively inspired by the experiences and observations made at
\nSaturday’s competition. We took the very constructive replies of the
\nquestionnaire and the concerns expressed by some F2D pilots into careful
\nconsideration. The workshop participants unanimously agreed on the
\nfollowing plan for moving forward. Rather than making a hasty proposal
\nto CIAM, which could have widespread unintended consequences and would
\nmake future refinements much more difficult, we prepared a flexible set
\nof guidelines for the international community to consider in setting up
\nE-Combat competitions in the next 2 years. The guidelines include
\ntechnical specifications, which are intended to help gently guide the
\ndevelopment of E-Combat technology towards a standard of performance
\nthat matches that of current F2D models, with reduced noise at a level
\ncompatible with flying in urban\/suburban areas. For ease of
\nverification on-site, and to place a minimal amount of restrictions on
\nresearch and development, the framework specifies only weight limits for
\nthe motor and ready to fly model (with battery), as well as an RPM limit
\nto keep propeller noise in check. We have also included a variety of
\nideas for the organization and running of E-Combat contests, including
\nalternative match procedures and scoring schemes.<\/p>\n
The coming two years are meant to be an exploratory period, in which we
\nhope E-Combat contests will be held by various groups around the world,
\nusing the guidelines as inspiration. We seek to promote an open
\ndialogue among all E-Combat enthusiasts, where experiences and
\nobservations will continue to be shared. Feedback after every E-Combat
\ncontest should be discussed, and the guidelines updated accordingly to
\naccount for new findings, including potential issues of safety and
\ntechnical specifications for keeping an even playing field. After the
\ntwo year period, we will meet again for a new workshop to discuss the
\ndevelopments over this time, and to evaluate the best path forward. In
\nparticular, at that time we may reassess the question of whether to seek
\nintegration of electric power into F2D, or to create a separate class
\nwithin CIAM.<\/p>\n
We look forward to increasing growth in the numbers of new E-Combat
\npilots and competitions in the future, and to the feedback that will
\ncome as more and more activity takes place. Happy flying to all!<\/p>\n
Mark<\/p>\n
In the attachment you get the rule guideline which was prepared at the
\nworkshop. The only modification was the reduction of the ready to fly
\nmodel weight with battery from 700 to 625 g, because we want to keep
\nF2D-sized models.<\/p>\n
I will prepare a special E-Combat homepage at: I look forward to your constructive support of the technical and rule Best Regards, E-Combat_Workshop_Rule.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dear E-Combat pilots and enthusiasts, the Workshop was some time ago, but nevertheless I would like to send you the report which was completely and pretty over-worked by Mark: Our Kick-Off-Meeting, with workshop and competition, was a big success. Due … Continue reading
\nhttp:\/\/www.control-line-team.de<\/a>
\nwith informations and resources about E-Combat. We will also create an
\nE-Combat specific forum. As soon as this projects have started, you will
\nbe informed.<\/p>\n
\ndevelopment of E-Combat and a lot of fun at E-Combat competitions.<\/p>\n
\nLothar<\/p>\n