Flyzone Calypso


Written by Jay Smith As featured on page 19 the November 2012 issue of Model Aviation. As featured in the Model Aviation tablet app.





The Flyzone Calypso is incredibly easy to assemble, requiring only a screwdriver. In only a few minutes, you’ll have the tail attached via one screw and the wings attached with two more.

It is available in four versions: RTF, transmitter ready (Tx-R), receiver ready (Rx-R), and ARF. We received the Rx-R version, which works with most transmitters, using the AnyLink universal radio adapter. In our case the AnyLink was connected to our Futaba 8FG transmitter.

While the included three-cell 1300 mAh LiPo battery seemed too small to power this 29-ounce, 73-inch sailplane, we quickly found out on the first flight that the Calypso is indeed a glider and is more than happy hunting thermals with the throttle off.

At full power, the Calypso climbs at roughly a 45° angle and once you’ve reached the desired altitude, the folding propeller tucks itself on the sides of the fuselage.

The Calypso is easy to see, even when high in the sky thanks to the green and blue colors on the bottom of the wing.

The glide ratio on this model is excellent and it simply does not want to come down. Everyone who has flown it has overshot the runway on the first pass until they are comfortable with its ground-repelling ability!

The four-channel model provides plenty of control and, although not intended to be aerobatic, it will loop and roll—but the rolls aren’t pretty. When you decide to land it the Calypso, the combination of the wheel and nose and tail skid plates will ensure safe landing on grass or pavement.

Constructed from durable AeroCell foam, our model has held up well over several flights by different pilots. This is the type of model you gladly pass the transmitter around; everyone wants a chance at the sticks.

When it comes time to pack up the model or store it, simply unplug the ailerons from the Y harness and loosen the retaining screw in each wing. The wing panels and carbon-fiber wing tube can then be easily removed.

The Calypso also has the option for flaps, which requires two additional servos (FLZA6013) and the Flap Linkage Set (FLZA6008). We are in the process of adding them to our model to see what effect they will have on the flight envelope.

Look for an overview and flight video on www.ModelAviation.com where we can better illustrate the capabilities of the easy-to-build, fun-to-fly model!

Hobbico: Box 9021, Champaign IL 61826; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.flyzoneplanes.com







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5 comments

This airplane is the best purchase I have ever made in my years as an RC enthusiast (my opinion and that of our entire RC Club) This is the model I have enjoyed the most since I started in the hobby!

I installed the optional flap kit and this plane will slow to a near stop into a mild headwind. I havent had it go backwards yet but it's been close a couple of times. To get the CG set to spec, you'll need to add weight to the nose and I was wishing they had included some peel and stick weights for this purpose because it can prevent you from finishing it right from the box with only the supplied hardware. My only other slight negetive is that I was wishing for some more room to mount a full spectrum RX w/satelite...Kind of tight in there and keep it all from rubbing on the servo's or tangling with the leads. I upgraded to a aluminum spinner and new aeronaught props and saw an immediate balance improvment! The stock prop for mine shook the poor thing to near death! I also had heard that they are prone to snap in flight...It tears the entire front cockpit section off when that happens! If you happen to crash hard, nose first, it will also snap off fairly close to the wing....Take your time and park it at a walking pace and save this delicate flower. Great plane, middling price, forget the silly Any-Link junk and put in a full spetrum RX because this rascal will climb to the clouds if you wish!

What other battery can you use and do you recommend a bigger battery to ad weight up front . how much weight did you have to ad? Thanks

I want to use a 3S 11.1 2200mAh 30C, is that OK?

I have to confess I just got finished flying a Calypso for the first time; great airplane. The battery onboard was a 1300 mAh pack, 3S and it seemed to me that it was just right. The CG was spot on, the power system gave good climbs to altitude and the plane (at that weight) was a real floater. I can't see any point in a larger pack; it just adds weight that the wings have to lug around, so performance will suffer. But if you have a spare 2200, give it a try and see how it does. At the worst, it'll just bring the plane down a little faster, but you get more launches with it. Have fun!

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