How to Launch the X UAV Mini Talon

3 February, 2017 - UPDATE!: I have sent emails to two vendors and X-UAV asking to look into the issue that newer kits are showing a CoG that is apparently incorrect. I explained the 76mm spec does not match with the older original kit documentation or the units with CoG decals already on the wing. I heard back almost immediately from ReadyMadeRC that they are looking into it and will likely put a note in each kit instructing the buyer to follow the on-line manual CoG of 55mm. -Mark

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I get asked a lot about launching the X-UAV Mini Talon. I believe there is bad information out there about the correct CoG and additionally how best to throw the plane. The earlier Mini Talon documentation as well as the earlier planes which came with CoG decals clearly show the CoG at 55mm from the LE.

So, the newer units have documentation which show the CoG at 76mm and this is incorrect! (It would be correct if you were building the big Talon!) The current on-line manual from the makers of the plane, X-UAV, clearly show the CoG to be at 55mm back from the leading edge. This makes some sense as at 55mm, this is very close to the spar center where one would expect the CoG to be. You can see the current X-UAV manual at their link here:

Additionally, there are many who claim putting the CoG on the servo wire exits (65mm) is the best position and while it does fly well, using this position will still tend to tip stall on launch if you do not throw it correctly. Many have posted they have crashed on launch using the servo wire exits.

Having said all that, I strongly recommend starting first with the CoG position of 55mm until you get everything sorted and you are well practiced at launching.

As far as throwing the plane, there are many ways to do this and this short video shows my method.

Cheers!
Mark

[reobhz]

Hello friend, thanks to this tutorial and CG tips I was able to take off this plane.
According to the manual that came with the plane I almost gave up on this project because it did not give the correct CG. There were several falls with the plane.
Thank you very much for the video and I confirm to everyone that the correct CG of the Mini Talon is really 55mm.

Hugs and good flights.

[cilliandepaor]

I tip stalled mine twice today. Dead calm day with not a slight puff of wind. I think a little headwind is *almost* essential for the talon.

[jasfer]

Hmmmm do you know how can i setup my 9xr(er9x) to have a 20% elevator at Stabilize mode?

[Koestel-AIR]

thanks for these explanations, you use the mode stabilized on autopilot?

[plank]

Great! Do you Could teach me how to land?

[nellodude]

Yeah try that in zero wind.
I have to use a bungee launcher in zero wind or with 8 amp + batteries.
But thanks for putting out a helpful video.

[theroc]

CG...is how you abbreviate center of gravity, no charge for correction