“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
I finally succumbed, I ordered a flying wing. So, at first, I searched a bit and hesitated with a few different products:
- Zeta Science FPV Phantom FX-61 1550 mmm
- HobbyKing Go Discover FPV Plane 1600 mm
- Darkwing FPV Drone 1727mm
The day I finally tried to order the Phantom FX-61, it was no longer on stock, so I decided to continue my searches until I saw this picture on Google:
At that point, I knew what I wanted; I wanted that bird.
“The main concern with a huge baby is difficulty in delivery.”
Before ordering, I still had a few questions (mostly technical), so I wrote an email to RangeVideo. They answered me almost immediately. Confident I would have some support, I placed my order. A week later, the package was delivered. I added to my order the RVJet “Power Pack,” an additional 99 $.
The only regret, the black version was not available, I had to order a white one or to wait, so I ordered the white version.
“A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hidden.”
The package is a big white box with only one sticker, written: “Made in China.” By lifting the lid, I discovered the different parts with the CF tubes and the wings on top.
Once I removed the wings, the fuselage and accessories appeared. I anticipated something big, but not THAT BIG!
Note the anti-vibration platform (on the right side).
“I’m just looking for an angel with broken wings.”
A peculiarity of the RVJET is that it comes with wings’ extensions, meaning you can assemble it in two configurations, either 1550 mm or 1950 mm. Nevertheless, to be clear about this, during the assembly, you will have to glue (or not) the extensions to the wings. This is to say that once you have chosen one configuration, you won’t be able to change it.
Although, you can buy two additional wings (10 $ each) and servos to create the missing configuration. Note that every single part of the RVJET exists as a spare part on the RangeVideo web site, which is cool.
“A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous, and liberal drone.”
At first, I wasn’t sure that the modular front viewing camera solution was included in the set. When looking at the RangeVideo web site, I did not find a clear, detailed list of what was included. But yes, the gimbal was in, with, not one, but two spare crystal domes. More, the gimbal comes complete for both the GoPro and a micro-camera, which request different housing. A simple, basic EPO nose is also included in the package.
Note on the picture the landing skid used to protect the airframe during rough landings and integrates a rugged hook that enables bungee launches.
“There is always room at the top.”
I intend to use the RVJET as a UAV / FPV platform. From the very beginning, I wanted some room to be able to mount all the electronic items I need plus the batteries. Having plenty of room under the canopy was one of my first criteria. I placed a can in the compartment to give you a better idea.
“You cannot open a book without learning something.”
During my research, I read many topics and forums where users complained about the fact that their UAV cames without assembly manual and how it could be hard to find them on the Internet. The assembly manuals of the RVJET are just gorgeous! Two manuals, printed in full color, one for the gimbal and one for the flying wing.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
Of course, the RVJET is one of the most expensive UAV you can buy in its category, but at 250 $, it is still an excellent deal.
First, the quality is visible, from the material used to the manuals, everything has been done to offer the best to the client. Second, the gimbal is included in the package, a system that will allow you to use the most distributed camera on the market. And last but not least, every single part of the RVJet is available as a spare part. It is undoubtedly the best warranty you can get for the lasting quality of your flying wing. Indeed, there is every chance that I am going to crash my wing, so I want to be able to repair it. With the RVJet, no problem to replace a wing, a fin stabilizer or even the fuselage.
