We are very pleased to be offering the Diana 2 in this wonderful 1:4 scale. the Diana gliders are sleek wonderful planes, and this 3.75 version from Royal Models is an excellent performer for both slow and fast flight. At Aloft we offer this glider with several upgrades the other international seller do not. Our kits include GAP seals! (yes others do not include them), Kevlar reinforcements in the nose are so we do not create RF issues for the radio and nice transport bags for tail and wing protection because we want your plane looking its best.
The full scale SZD-56 Diana 2 is a 15 metre class glider that sports a unusually narrow cockpit. The wing was designed by Krzysztof Kubrynski using numerical flow simulation methods (computer programs of his design). The leading and trailing edges do not follow any straight lines, necessitating a production process that depends heavily on CNC technology. The wing offers considerably better performance at high speeds and better immunity from surface contamination.
This is a 1:4 scale Diana 2 model of this popular sailplane. It has been designed for general sport flying with the latest technology for aerodynamic performance. Diana 2 is made using 100% hollow molded technology, painted in the molds. Royal Models does a very nice job with all of their models and the Diana 2 is no exception. We have Royal add a layer of kevlar in the fuselages for added strength without radio RF issues.
This Diana 2 can be flown as a sport slope or thermal soaring model and has a wide speed envelope. We stock the full carbon wings for slope flying, but can order the D-box or even glass versions for thermal work if you prefer. The Diana 2 uses the HN-203 airfoil, this is often used in F3B competition models. Thus, you will be able to fly slowly in thermals, rapidly in speed runs, and a good glide ratio. This broad speed range allows you to enjoy a versatile glider. Diana 2 handles beautifully while circling in thermals and is very gentle on final approach and landing.
This fully molded kit is coming with a high quality white epoxy Fiberglas fuselage, and has the wing joiner carrying tube installed. The wings are finished and control surfaces are live hinged, no additional work is required on the wings except installing the wing servos and respective linkage. The elevator is finished all molded, the rudder is finished too. A clear plastic canopy and a fiberglass canopy tray is supplied.
It is not uncommon to install an electric power system in this glider.
Detailed instructions and a hardware package are completing the kit. Landing gear is not included.
Technical Specifications:
Wingspan: 3750mm
Length: 1.7m
Wing Area: 63 dm²
Wing Aspect Ratio: 21,8
Airfoil thickness: 10,8 %
AUW: about 3.6 to 4.2kg
Wing loading: 57 gr/dm²
Airfoil: HN-203
Scale: 1:4
Functions: ailerons, elevator, flaps, rudder, airbrakes
Fully molded - painted in molds
Carbon reinforcements in critical areas.
Available in glass layup, Carbon D-box and full carbon wings. (We suggest the carbon options for slope or high energy flying.)
Suggested Setup:
Elevator: 9 mm up/down
Rudder: 30 mm left/right
Aileron: 13 mm up, 6 mm down
Flaps (as ailerons): 3 mm up, 4 mm down
Center of gravity: 70-75 mm (most seem to fly much further back on the CG)
Quality 10mm wing servos are the norm for the ailerons and flaps. Many are using 6 or 8mm servos for the spoilers, this saves some space and is plenty strong. quality 8mm servo for elevator.
Pilot reports:
I started by checking the incidence angle/center of gravity. It recovered very easily, as it should with the correct settings. The next test focused on its docile handling. I slowly and continuously pulled back on the elevator; it oscillates up and down around the pitch axis, but could be easily controlled with the ailerons. Only with almost full elevator input did it roll over, but it was immediately recovered by releasing all control surfaces. My conclusion: Very docile. I find the speed in normal flight good, but depending on the flight phase, it slows down to very slow, which results in excellent circling behavior and very good thermalling characteristics. On the other hand, speed is gained very quickly with just a light touch on the stick. Maneuverability and aerobatic characteristics are very good. The spoiler braking effect resulted in a good sink rate at almost the same speed. The butterfly (or "crow") setting resulted in a better sink rate with a very noticeable reduction in speed – both can be switched on and off independently. My first landing: Slow approach, pull the butterfly, slow touchdown. I find it ideal for small slopes with limited short landing options. -- The tail incidence angle should be 1.0 - 1.1° or 3.8mm higher than the trailing edge, with a 0.0mm difference between the horizontal and horizontal stabilizer . The horizontal stabilizer mounting should be lowered at the rear and raised at the front to achieve this. The center of gravity should be 97mm from the leading edge. Don't be alarmed if you read about 70-75mm or 80-83mm. This is also the reason for this report! Such settings prevent their excellent characteristics from being fully realized. -- the control surfaces don't warp on the full carbon wing and don't flex as much under load.
The Diana can be flown very slowly but can also be quite fast if desired. I did a few dives from 200 meters with very tight turns... no problem for the carbon fiber model, of course.
Cool video of a Diana with a turbine. Pretty sure this is not the full carbon wing, not a great idea.
The build thread for the plane in the video: HERE.
Thought it would be nice to show some nice build outs of this model:
Nice aileron servo install:
Nice install for the flaps and spoiler servos:
Elevator servo:
Cockpit with electric folder:
