njswede
150cc
[H=1]Description of the maneuver[/H]
A Pop Top is closely related to a [wiki=The Blender]blender[/wiki], but is performed in an up-line rather than a dive. It's essentially a vertical snap roll, followed by one or more turns of flat spin.
Although the Pop Top is a manuever simple enough that a beginner can perform it after some practice, it has a great impact and will draw cheers from the audience if performed right.
[H=2]Level of difficulty[/H]
Medium
[H=1]Performing the Maneuver[/H]
The stick movements of a Pop Top are relatively simple, but it takes some practice to get the timing right. A Pop Top is typically entered from upright flight and although there are variations depending on the air frame, the following is a description of the typical stick movements.
[H=2]Exiting[/H]
Once the model stops spinning around the yaw axis, you may either simply fly it out by increasing throttle and neutralizing controls, or you can enter into a [wiki=The Harrier]harrier[/wiki] by applying up elevator and gently increasing throttle.
[H=1]Common mistakes[/H]
The biggest challenge is timing. It takes practice to get the timing right, but once you get it right, it pays off.
Another common mistake is making the up-line too long and losing too much energy,
[H=1]Tips[/H]
Not all airframes perform pop-tops well. Under-powered models with large wing areas are typically difficult to make pop-top. The AJ Slick and EF Laser EXP are well-known for good pop-top performance. The EF [WIKI=The MXS]MXS[/WIKI] does incredible Pop Tops.
One tip to get into a nice flat spin at the top, is to be quick with the aileron, do not leave input in or you will roll past the nice flat (parallel to the ground) spot. The plane will have enough energy to carry the revolution energy. Think bang bang with the aileron.
[H=1]Videos[/H]
Wamsy's pop top tutorial: http://youtu.be/Ji0UoD0sCs8
[H=1]External Links[/H]
www.3drcforums.com
A Pop Top is closely related to a [wiki=The Blender]blender[/wiki], but is performed in an up-line rather than a dive. It's essentially a vertical snap roll, followed by one or more turns of flat spin.
Although the Pop Top is a manuever simple enough that a beginner can perform it after some practice, it has a great impact and will draw cheers from the audience if performed right.
[H=2]Level of difficulty[/H]
Medium
[H=1]Performing the Maneuver[/H]
The stick movements of a Pop Top are relatively simple, but it takes some practice to get the timing right. A Pop Top is typically entered from upright flight and although there are variations depending on the air frame, the following is a description of the typical stick movements.
- From upright flight, increase throttle to full and apply up elevator to enter an upline, carrying as much energy as possible..
- Almost immediately after the plane is put in an upline, give ample left aileron. The plane will enter a vertical roll.
- Immediately after the roll has started, apply opposite (right) rudder and down elevator to enter a snap roll. Also reduce throttle to near idle, to reduce the gyroscopic force and allow the plane to spin more freely.
- A split second after the snap roll has been established, being to reduce the down elevator and give some right aileron while continuing to hold right rudder.
- At this point, the plane should spin around the yaw axis for one or more turns. Some up elevator and throttle may be needed to keep the nose up.
[H=2]Exiting[/H]
Once the model stops spinning around the yaw axis, you may either simply fly it out by increasing throttle and neutralizing controls, or you can enter into a [wiki=The Harrier]harrier[/wiki] by applying up elevator and gently increasing throttle.
[H=1]Common mistakes[/H]
The biggest challenge is timing. It takes practice to get the timing right, but once you get it right, it pays off.
Another common mistake is making the up-line too long and losing too much energy,
[H=1]Tips[/H]
Not all airframes perform pop-tops well. Under-powered models with large wing areas are typically difficult to make pop-top. The AJ Slick and EF Laser EXP are well-known for good pop-top performance. The EF [WIKI=The MXS]MXS[/WIKI] does incredible Pop Tops.
One tip to get into a nice flat spin at the top, is to be quick with the aileron, do not leave input in or you will roll past the nice flat (parallel to the ground) spot. The plane will have enough energy to carry the revolution energy. Think bang bang with the aileron.
[H=1]Videos[/H]
Wamsy's pop top tutorial: http://youtu.be/Ji0UoD0sCs8
[H=1]External Links[/H]
www.3drcforums.com
