Bixler 2 Kit Build

  This is my HobbyKing Bixler 2.

  Let me start by giving credit to dhdsracer (http://www.flitetest.com/authors/dhdsracer) for the framework of this build. I followed his three part build video on youtube for the motor upgrade. I had a couple HobbyZone planes in the past and they were good... but the Bixler 2 is my first real plane. What a great place to start! It's easy to fly, easy to build, and easy to maintain!

Here is the list of parts I used in this plane, along with a brief explanation of each...

Bixler 2 kit (obviously)

NTM Prop 28-36 2200KV (rated to 60A... lots of power!! I hollowed out the motor mount area to increase air flow around motor.)

NTM Prop 28 series prop accessory pack

TGS Sport 6x4E Precision Propeller (gives good performance)

HXT900 9gram servos (six of these, including flap install. Pay attention to servo wire length if your going to buy the kit version. I needed servo extensions to reach my reciever as these are not stock servos. Needed lengths in picture come from bixler instructions.)

Turnigy Trust 55A speed controller (with my 28-36 2200kv turning a 6x4 I'm pulling about 30A, so the esc barely gets warm.)

4x750mm Carbon Fiber rod (I taped two together and put them down the center of the kit included spar, increases rigiditity and fits perfectly)

2x750mm Solid Carbon Fiber rod (I used two of these to cram down the center of the horizontal tail wing, increasing rigiditity. I also drilled a hole in the motor mount tabs, then crammed these down through the foam, through the drilled holes in the motor mount, and down through more foam. Taking into account the added power, I sleep well at night knowing the motor isn't going anywhere with this mod.)

Zippy Compact 11.1v lipo 2700mah (with this power setup, the plane easily achieves 30 minute flight times with occasional full throttle.)

This plane has plenty of room inside... which will hopefully be filled with fpv gear some day. As for getting the wing servo leads through the hole in the top of the plane and down past those clear screw guide tubes... I use electrical tape to keep all the servo ends together. I fish them in the hole and as far forward as possible. Then I take something like a wire with a hook on one end to pull them the rest of the way through, though sometimes I'm able to get them through without any extra help. My recommendation, make sure to tape your servo extensions connections because pulling on the wires can disconnect them after you've already feed servo wires through the plane, which can be a hastle.

You might be able to see ripples in the nose... with my minimal flight experience I managed to incorrectly reverse my ailerons. One barrel roll and nose dive later, I had a crumpled nose. All that needed to be done to fix it was just pull on it and stretch it back out! haha The spar modification kept my wings safe and sound and I was back in the air in no time at all! :) This was my first and last crash to this day. My latest flight, I flew in 15mph wind. This plane is extremely stable and forgiving. The 28-36 2200kv motor with the 6x4 prop pushed me out of trouble whenever I needed. I have a couple other prop sizes I'm going to experiment with, including a 7x3 and a 6x5. With the power upgrade this plane scoots along pretty quickly and should be able to handle some good payload. Amazing plane! Thanks for reading! Get out and fly!