Still in the development stage, the ‘Electric Power Slipper’ (EPS) has been designed specifically for the Southern Sailplanes Ricochet. The reason behind this invention is for fliers to be able to retro-fit this particular type of aircraft (used in aerobatics events) easily and quickly, without disfiguring or changing the equipment mounted inside the aircraft.

Included in the slipper are the motor, speed controller and battery. The slipper is fitted in three places and once the initial conversion is complete, it takes only minutes to retro-fit.

The ‘centre of gravity’ (CG) has been calculated such, that once the normal battery pack and ballast has been removed (not essential but is advised to reduce weight), the slipper will fit into place with the correct CG accounted for and with minimum weight added - though this will take some experimenting on the workbench to sort out.

Special Offer
If you have a Ricochet and commit to entering the 2006 Victorian Slope Aerobatics Championship, Bass Coast Interactive Hobbies is offering the motor, speed controller and battery at a greatly reduced price. With testing still in progress, a definite price can’t be give at this stage but an affordable package is the aim, to encourage as many people as possible to have a go.

Lithium-polymer batteries aren’t being tested at present, due to the high cost of not only the batteries but also the accompanying equipment necessary to charge and look after LiPo’s. However, this will be a consideration in the future. If you prefer LiPo’s, please get in touch and we’ll try to cater for your needs.

Currently, the equipment being tested is a Hyperion HP Z3025-6 brushless outrunner motor, an HP 180A speed controller, a 6 cell 2000mAh nickle metal hydride battery pack and propeller to suit.

Two kits will be available.
1. EPS (Electric Power Slipper) - includes fibreglass slipper, motor, speed controller, battery pack, nuts & bolts for attaching the slipper and instructions, which also includes easy to use jigs for setting up the slipper.
2. DEC (Direct Electric Conversion) - includes, motor, speed controller, battery pack and instructions, which also includes easy to use jigs for converting your Ricochet to ’electric power assist’. Note: This version may not be suitable for those who have older models with all the equipment in the fuselage. ie. elevator, rudder, ailerons and flaps servos - which is why the slipper arrangement was designed.

Proviso
The proposed change to the MAAA rules regarding the inclusion of ‘electric power assist’, is still pending. However, the special offer will still apply, no matter what the final outcome may bring.