Flippin' The Vess!

[Biff]

Flippin' The Vess!

By: Bob "Biff" Sadler
January 11, 2006

Flying buddies love him, air molecules intending on producing drag hate him!

Okay folks, I'd like to introduce you to a real peach of a guy, Mr. Robert Vess. I've known Robert for a long time and I can say without doubt this is one smart guy. When someone can put brainy concepts
into terms I can understand, he's GOT to be smart. I'll let Robert tell you about his new line of props, I just want to make sure you fellas know who you're dealing with.


Robert has been a modeler since the tender age of 8. He worked his way through college in a hobby shop! He's taught experimental aircraft design (sub and super sonic) and has logged a bajillion hours in wind tunnels for some real heavy weights (ever heard of NASA?) as well as other MAJOR aviation concerns. He's worked with NASCAR teams as chief aerodynamicist and is currently doing consultation for more super heavy weights. Robert asked me not to go too over the top with his bio,, he's a pretty humble guy. Just wanted everyone to understand this guy knows’s what he's doing and he understood I probably couldn't even get SPELL CHECK to recognize my spelling of aerodynamicist!

I've been flying the 100cc prop for a couple of months and can tell you you will like it… allot! Whip your plane out of the trailer with this prop and the questions will start (cool factor, HIGH) Fly the plane and you'll notice something cool, pulls like a John Deere!

These props are Biff tested, all my planes will be kicking them. Enough of my babbling, here's what Robert had to say:

Congrats on the new Flying Giants site.....you guys will do us all proud, I know. I can already feel the "buzz" surrounding this one! I guess it's time for me to give the official scoop on the "Vess Props". And what better place to do it than on the hottest website with my "first" official field rep, as you were appointed at Danville. So here's the status and, hopefully, some answers to the questions I keep seeing on the site(s). I've also attached a pic of my Edge (with the final version of the prop and logo) climbing toward that stars as taken from a spy satellite.


As an avid giant scale flier myself, I got a bit frustrated by the lack of availability of props like many others. So I decided to take matters into my own hands. I'm an aero engineer and I approached this with a technical mindset. First, I set out to understand the issues surrounding the application of fixed pitch props to these large models and what was necessary to produce the best performance with the least noise. I knew what I wanted in a prop and asked many others for their opinions. When I had a good set of design objectives, the task of computer designing some prototypes began.

I started with a clean sheet of paper, an open mind, engineering experience, and some great design tools. I had to carefully develop the shape of the blade, the airfoils required along it's length, and an optimized twist distribution. And then everything had to be graphically 3D-modeled so that I could ultimately computer manufacture the props. My first 100cc sizes (that's what I was flying) were NC milled by my good friend and former TOC competitor, Geoff Combs, and I flight tested them with an onboard data system on my 33% Extra. I tested many iterations and came up with what I felt represented a good "series" of three related sizes that would properly apply to 100cc-class airplanes. Then, I expanded the test operation to include some exploratory 150cc designs. I have since distributed many test samples of each size to some of the top fliers in the country and the feedback has made this entire process worthwhile. The props have all met or exceeded my design expectations and have been very well received by all who have flown them.

I am currently entering into full-scale production and sale of my props to the modelling public. Here's the official plan. My company, Vess Aero Concepts, Inc., in Raleigh, NC will sell directly to the public via a website that is currently under construction and also at various events and shows. I will not have a store front. I will also be a wholesale distributor and will have a dealer program to serve legitimate hobby retailers all over the world. In addition, I am proud to announce here that Desert Aircraft will also act in a similar capacity. My longtime friend Dave Johnson and his awesome staff will sell and support my products with the same legendary customer service that everyone has come to respect and appreciate. Dave will also have full wholesale capability to support both dealers within his current worldwide engine network and new ones that develop. So, the goal here is to make these awesome props available to everyone through many trusted sources. Every effort will made to eliminate the frustration of limited availability.

The final thing to mention here is that a FULL LINE of props sizes will be available this season. But this will occur in stages with a development process working in parallel with the sales efforts. Since the 100cc and 150cc versions have been tested and applicable sizes verified, they will come first. You should start looking for them around early to mid March. Prototype test operations on 24 additional sizes ranging from 22 to 34 inches in diameter (covering 40cc - 200cc engines) are underway as we speak. The 50cc sizes will emerge from that testing first and should enter the marketplace in late April or so. Both those and the remaining sizes will only be released when I am totally convinced that they properly serve that application. This will ensure that you receive the best possible prop for all of your needs. And it won't stop there.........

These props represent a departure from the "norm" in both appearance and performance. They do not follow convention and thus offer an opportunity to advance the state-of-the-art. And with this comes some responsibility on my part to redefine some typical prop terminology that in no way applies to these new designs ( like the current constant "pitch" designations). It's too soon to discuss that here but my website will serve to document this and many other things that I hope will ultimately broaden your modeling horizons! Look for the launch of www.vessaero.com in early March.

So there you have it. I'd say you've just been given the proverbial "scoop". It's certainly humorous to give someone with the initials "B.S." any kind of "scoop"

Seriously, Bob, thanks for all you do for this sport! Enthusiasm and sincerity are contagious......

Best Regards,

Robert J. Vess
Vess Propellers

[Toro]

man weve gone full circle.... From WWI to high tech APC , back to simitar ..... Hmmmm maybe those old guys really new something.

[yooki]

Man I can't wait to get one of these things on the 150... I've heard soooo many good things about them.

[Biff]

Guys,these props are the STUFF!! Only props I run. Robert is a great guy and I can tell you this, you won't have issues with him as a vendor. Full on Giant backing!! Biff

[STR8HUCKIN]

so how do I get one NOW??? Do you think you guys could send s few to Garret?? He can try the 150 size and ill try the 106 size

[Cracky]

sounds very interesting

[toddblose]

I have been running the Vess prop for a couple of months, and It is the best
prop around

[bodywerks]

I would be interested to see direct comparisons to other props for RPM's, static thrust, vertical line and hovering performance, etc. Of course, these opinions should come from unbiased individuals, not BIFF!! With that said, send me a 26X10 or 27X10 and I'll be glad to give you a flight report!!!

[choppedlow]

May I have a 27X10 please?

[Shaker]

No kidding Chopped.. I need the 50cc sized and a 210cc sized prop. 34x12 please :-D

[3DSWEPED]

Yeah so Biff/Robert if you didn't get that thats 4props that they want for free...:-) But come on guys we all want one or five, but were going to have to wait to get them, I'm sure Robert will call on us if he needs and I'm DAMN SURE there will be someone to take him up on his offer. :-)

I'm am for sure going to get one or two when they come out!!!! I can't wait!

[bodywerks]

I'm not lookin' for freebies - I just want them NOW!!!!!!