F1Q Electric Power Free Flight Model

NOTE: these rules will change substantially in 2012.

This is due to the move to a drive system power input limit of 5 joules/gram of all-up model weight in place of the original restrictions on battery weight and motor run.

Q.1 Definition

Model aircraft which is powered by (an) electric motor(s) and in which lift is generated by aerodynamic forces acting on surfaces remaining fixed in flight, except for changes in camber or incidence.

Q.2 Characteristics

Batteries can be:

Batteries should be wrapped in a transparent covering to allow inspection for classification. The battery pack will power the motor(s) as well as the controller(s) if they are used.

Maximum weight of the battery pack (including connectors on the battery):

External battery packs must have a safety tether to the fuselage

Safety locks must be used to prevent unintentional restarting of the motor(s) after motor(s) have stopped.

No BOM requirement.

Max motor run to be specified by the CD up to a maximum run of 25 secs after release of the model.

Motor runs may be timed statically on the ground by timing the motor cutoff. The motor run will also be timed from the instant of launch until it becomes obvious from the model attitude that the model has stopped. If the motor run cannot be determined by observation of the model in flight then the static ground time is taken if that had been demonstrated.

Q.3 Number of flights

7

Q.4 Definition of an official flight

a
Duration of the first attempt unless unsuccessful under rule Q.5. If unsuccessful under definition Q.5.c and second attempt is not made, the first attempt counts.
b
Duration of the second attempt. If unsuccessful under Q.5.a or Q.5.b then zero is recorded.

Q.5 - Definition of an unsuccessful attempt

An attempt is classed as unsuccessful if the model is launched and at least one of the following events occur. If this happens on the first attempt then the competitor is allowed a second attempt.

a
the motor run exceeds the time set in Q.2 or Q.8
b
a part of the model becomes detached during launch or flight.
c
the flight duration was under 20 seconds and the model didn't d/t.

Q.6 Repeat of an attempt

An attempt may be repeated if the model collides with another model in flight, or a person other than the competitor himself while being launched. If the flight continues the competitor may demand that the flight be accepted as official even if the claim is made after the end of the flight.

Q.7 Duration of flights

Set by the CD up to a max of 180 seconds.

In the event of exceptional meterological conditions or model recovery problems the jury mat permit the max to be changed for a round. The change must be announced before the start of the round.

Q.8 Classification

a
Total of round times is taken.
b
Flyoffs used as tie breakers. Max remains as set in Q.7 but the engine run reduces by 5 seconds in each flyoff subject to a minimum of 5 seconds.
c
10 minute launch window in flyoffs. Normal attempt rules apply.
d
Jury may allow a changed max or deviation from Q.8.b in a flyoff round.
e
Motor run and max to be announced before the start of the flyoff round.

Q.9 Timing

a
As Section 4b, para B.11 - normal rules, i.e. flying from poles, timekeepers at each pole. Move poles each round. Flyoff poles assigned by a draw.
b
Max limited by rules Q.7 and Q.8. Total flight time is from launch to the end of the flight.
c
Motor run to be timed by two timekeepers with quartz 1/100 sec digital watches, averaged, and the average rounded down to the nearest 1/10 sec.

Q.10 - Number of helpers

One helper allowed at the pole.

Q.11 Launching

a
Hand launch, competitor on the ground. Jumping allowed.
b
Competitor must start and regulate his own motor(s) and launch the model himself.
c
Model to be launched from within 5m of the pole.