Flite Test - Skywalker X8

Flite Test - Skywalker X8 - REVIEW

Рет қаралды 636,210

Күн бұрын

The Skywalker X8 is a giant EPO foam wing designed for FPV. We review the X-8 and also try out our custom 360 degree FPV camera rig.
More photos and information on the website:
flitetest.com/articles/skywalk...
See more X-8 FPV video:
• Video
Check out the FT Cruiser - FPV Twin Engine Scratch Build Swappable:
• Flite Test - FT Cruise...
Thanks for watching and be sure to check out the Flite Test web store to learn more about the swappable kits, multirotor parts and more!
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Пікірлер: 717

@moviepassion7995 7 жыл бұрын

I still love watching these old episodes with David! Over and over again

@oxgon 11 жыл бұрын

This has been one of the best shows i've seen. It feels so much more real, you didn't hold back on the negative and also showed some of the positive. I really enjoyed the ending where we get to see some flight time with it. Keep up the great work!

@jackheart4037 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks JDJ ~ very interesting demo , I must admit the wing tip flex concerned me but over all the rig seemed to handle it and hold together well , I look forward to Dave's extended fly time on this rig AND I would really like to see him throw caution to the wind and really tweak out this platform for FPV and max time and way points and payloads ! Thanks for the Demo !

@Migueldeservantes 9 жыл бұрын

Good old days! I wonder what the Sweden is doing our days! I really miss the type of creativity and adventure that he use to bring to this show!

@shilohstore6086 5 жыл бұрын

Rocket 🔪!!!

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

I understand. I actually only recently tried the cheap foam builds myself. But what that has done for my personal pucker factor when flying in the backyard or somewhere new and untested can't be overstated. The confidence you get when you're not as concerned with damage to the airframe is very liberating. Plus, all that extra flight time you get from flying when you normally wouldn't risk a pricier bird only makes you a better pilot in the long run. At least in my experience, YMMV!

@h78i23jjy 11 жыл бұрын

Great thorough review. I really like that you guys talked about the good and the bad and left it up to the viewer to make their own opinion. Keep up the great work!

@rsowder 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you for reviewing this plane. We have been flying it at Team Echelon for over a year now. I agree with most of your criticisms and praises. One thing should also be mentioned. The servos being on the bottom of the wing is not optimal. I mounted mine on top. You'll eventually damage them on landing.

@HigherFlyer420 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you Josh for mentioning "not playing on the wrong side of the playground" and how to get back through head wind. Great advise to those with little experience under their belt and stars in their eyes. Excellent video again guys. keep up the great work. This was one of my favorite episodes cause it re-affirmed some suspicions, and made me thankful for some of the choices ive made. The Zephyr II (for the record) has NO flex if setup with TBS wood battery box. see how it stacks up to FT's xp

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

A "Who is David Windestål" Episode would be so EPIC! He has been such an inspiration to myself and so many others as well. I love his innovative ideas and his knack of thinking outside the box is a model to take to heart. He has (with the help of Flitetest and also Stoneblueairlines) given me the incentive to fly FPV and build and fly a multirotor also with FPV. I hope one day I have aerial videos even half as good as some of Davids'. I doubt it but it's a goal to strive for!

@baldylee100 11 жыл бұрын

Awesome vid. Always love waking up on a Tuesday morning to a new episode of Flite Test! Keep up the good work! :D

@AltitudeAerials 11 жыл бұрын

"this is an e-flite motoRRRR... from the scimitaRRRR...that we flew into a toweRRRR..." Love the way that little Swede rolls his RRRRRs! Keep the vids coming chaps, nice to have David with the JJ Duo. Awesome work as always!

@dragonflysdiscoveries7567 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Folks, Great show :) Is there an upgraded / new version of the Skywalker X8 to improve the wing "errors"? Or can you recommend a better model? Thanks for that folks

@cvinc-cvinc5773 8 жыл бұрын

hey your reviews are fantastic!!! Found your X-8 review after seeing the X-8 Rc Turbine. I wish there were a smaller version. This is a little big. To eliminate the possibility of prop strike, have you looked into ducted fans. With the variety out there, I am certain you will have no trouble adapting this model and save hands. Keep up the amazing reviews.

@edwinzea 11 жыл бұрын

Mr Scott made a great flight and now one comments on it!! Thank you guys for making this show!!

@ezragrothe 11 жыл бұрын

Loved the review guys! Especially that you pointed out the what's-not-so-great things about it. Keep it up!

@orany 11 жыл бұрын

I really like these long episodes! keep them coming, very interesting, i also like the long intros! great show! i just flew your old fogey, it was a great design! Thank You!

@Raychristofer 11 жыл бұрын

Hello Flitetest this is Ray from Florida, I have an idea for an episode that many of us might be interested in. Alot of us love David Windestal's presence on the show, he's like family now and when he's gone the comments reflect this. he always has innovative electronic ideas that are brilliant. Its hard to find someone that smart but still fun and not boring. It would be great to have a show about Davids history and how he came to learn so much about innovative electronics. good dude.

@Landotter1 10 жыл бұрын

I am totally digging the performance of that plane. Slow, graceful and great video footage. Exactly the type flying I want to do. Not impressed with the structural integrity of the wing but spars can be added. Also impressed with return to home features. How much would that setup cost as-is, in this video?

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

Ahh, I see what you did there. Just glancing I missed the missing bits at the start! New flitetest vid and I learned a new trick! It's been a pretty good Monday!

@shilohstore6086 5 жыл бұрын

Legend says it's still circling to this day!

@N3krodamus 11 жыл бұрын

This show is getting better and better. Nice work. I would like to see some backstages too. Cheers

@MyBigoo 7 жыл бұрын

I noticed in the video that the engine was removed from the body and quickly replaced...with a SNAP sound. Was that a quick disconnect / connect thingy so that engine removal doesn't require the 4 screws/nuts and a bizzilion hours of BS to do?

@wendtb 11 жыл бұрын

David you can always make great fpv videos, surprised this wasn't on your channel.

@dieselphiend 7 жыл бұрын

It was be awesome to see you guys get into strengthening these kinds of things with carbon fiber reinforcement. It's really not that hard to do. The entire thing doesn't need covered in it, just key areas. They even make a type of carbon fiber (cf) cloth that comes with the epoxy already embedded in it- prepreg. You don't even have to use vacuum bags- you can just do a hand lay up. I just think it would really take your content to the next level.

@upperechelon3456 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent flight footage and set up guys. Could you please show the entire set up package you used? Thanks

@GNARGNARHEAD 8 жыл бұрын

this is just so relaxing an enjoyable, thanks guys :D

@reefseeker 11 жыл бұрын

I love mine, been flying it for months. I roll it with no problem. I did covered mine with vinyl so wings are lot stronger and can go pretty fast with no trouble. I just glued the wing tips on, tossed all that wood and screws for the tips. just my 2 cents

@MsStephaniegirl 8 жыл бұрын

im flying a little hobby zone cub, but you helped me so much with your videos, love you guys X

@sundown798 9 жыл бұрын

When this came out I was hoping of mega flight times and also agility and uber performance. As a Skywalker 2 pilot what have people maxed out in flight times due to her big CARGO BAY that she can carry?

9 жыл бұрын

You could do 150km going for almost 3h kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p-B1fNR-2dGxp4E.html

@darkhorse2reign 11 жыл бұрын

Very nice vid, ideas and execution. Keep up the great work!

@RCHobbyist463 11 жыл бұрын

That is because it is a brushless outrunner motor and David pulled out only half of the motor off of the plane. The part of the motor that the prop was attached to was the magnets and the other half that remained on the plane was where all of the coils and wires of the motor remained. You can do the same thing with any kind of brushless outrunner motor if you remove the collar and c-clip but you only see it done on pusher prop applications.

@thelastpropeller 11 жыл бұрын

A very brutal but very true review. You guys have really improved your reviews once you got your independence

@AlfredoArbe 10 жыл бұрын

geared servo for camera looks great Idea, Iwd love to know where can we get a gear like that

@tomstarros3189 4 жыл бұрын

a early retractble landing gear servo.turns 180 . half a turn..for what was then called mechanical retrax,,,the servo did all the lifting of the gear..strong motion

@CradyLab 7 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know if the lastest version of the X8 can built such that the wings are easily removed for transport? The folks at FPV Model say it can't (they claim you must tape and glue the wing roots to the fuse) but just looking at it it looks like detachable wings are totally doable

@don83030 7 жыл бұрын

the only one that i know can detach the wings is the skywalker x6

@Mdelbeck1 6 жыл бұрын

Opterra wing!

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

No problem at all. One thing about this hobby, you'll find no shortage of other people more than willing to help out! Just let us know if you get it sorted out or need anything else!

@deathofyoutube7678 9 жыл бұрын

I have not seen one video detailing the HUD overlay for flight data.. What is the options for something like that?

@Migueldeservantes 9 жыл бұрын

Death of KZfaq The overlay is determined by the type of OSD AP you are using. and the particular settings available on the autopilot.. some of them allow you to use up to 3 different settings. like all the FY products. I don't have no experience with the Ardupilot.. so you will need to do some search on it but feel that they really diminish the actual potential of this platform. is so versatile that in the past I have flied with up to 16 pounds total of equipment and landing gear! it is spacious enough to put a large 10X optical zoom camera on it and it have room to spare..

@daxdadog 11 жыл бұрын

I love the fact that when you pay retail for a product, you can tell the unvarnished truth about it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I feel like I can make a much better informed decision about whether to buy this plane, or not. Thanks! Any plans for a speed build kit of the FT 3D?

@gearhead762 11 жыл бұрын

Just a thought on the strengthening...you can use a guideline and a hobbyknife set a depth and cut a small notch in the bottom if the wing and install longer larger diameter carbon rods with hotglue or foam CA...running a solid one as far across the wingspan would probably yield the most effect but two running from center outwards would help also..you could also try using small rod from the top of the winglets down at a 45 angle into the topside of the wing and vertically in the winglet tips.

@ScottElder 11 жыл бұрын

Excellent. - Great review guys. -- Do you ever get to play in low-flying clouds? (That was something my dad and my brother used to do. My dad had a Piper and a Cessna all the time I was growing up.) I can really relate to your comment of standing on the wingtip too. -- Keep up the great work!

@francogallo6573 6 жыл бұрын

I will love you guys to come out with the rotating camera idea on a small 2,3 axel gamble to be use on quad or small plains

@QuadRCflying 11 жыл бұрын

Just love the video guys! watched it completely:) great show guys!

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

I think David just left off the c-clip from the shaft. since it's a pusher, the prop will actually push against the bell and keep it seated so it's not going anywhere in flight. The drag from the stopped or windmilling prop might try to pull it off, but those motor magnets can more than overcome that.

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

If the RX antenna are not diverse or set at right angles to each other, it could cause problems to the signal in certain attitudes. To be honest though, I have heard of Spektrums having issues that have only cropped up lately, but I can't remember offhand which protocol. My advice is to check your Rx antenna to make sure they are as diverse as possible and if you still see some glitching (range test on the ground first) I would try another flying area.

@TheCANhunter 11 жыл бұрын

Great Job! I have a twinstar as well and have crazy amounts of interference problems due to tight quaters... any tips?

@TheRaV3D 9 жыл бұрын

I would LOVE to see a vid about a fully autonomous plane with the APM 2.5/6

@AeroworksProductions 11 жыл бұрын

Did you guys use the BEC on your ESC, the APM power module or something else?

@FPVREVIEWS 11 жыл бұрын

the immersion rc rx has a built in spectrum analyzer. it would be good to mention that.

@rcchannel9521 10 жыл бұрын

Another nice video of one of my old favourite fpv planes. Thanks guys.

@daxdadog 11 жыл бұрын

I've flown an Exceed Rocket series 2215 with no c-clip (I snapped that end of the shaft off) for a year now in the tractor mode. I can hang the plane from its prop but the pull of the prop never overcomes the attraction of the magnets. It does blow minds though, when you grab the prop and yank it, and half the motor right out the front of the plane.

@blechnik 6 жыл бұрын

when flying with FPV, why do you mount the camera at the front of the plane and not somwhere back, where you could see some part of the plane as a "reference"?

@richardremington6458 10 жыл бұрын

I love the 360 pan add on. Can you guys try to fit it on a DJI phantom 2?

@HappyZentraedi 11 жыл бұрын

So, I was looking at FPV glasses, and I saw some VR glasses. I was wondering if you'd considered modifying your camera mount to take the head monitoring output from VR glasses for camera control. You could add a few degrees of vertical movement and keep 360 degrees of horizontal movement. Awesome review and flight!

@roylecopters 11 жыл бұрын

Great video ....please ,please, please make a video on how you modified the servo for the camera mount ..and maybe explain the benefits in more detail why the external pot works better than a of the self 360% servo .. Keep up the good work and also nice to see the APM in action , I love mine too .

@monit111 11 жыл бұрын

Would you recomend covering the intire plane with fiberglass or carbon fiber to add strength to intire frame??

@3dbrink409 7 жыл бұрын

I just bought one. Do you think it would take off from the ground with well designed landing gear?

@MelindaGreen 8 жыл бұрын

I'd fiberglass that thing. Also replace the nose with an observation dome and turn the camera into a 180 degree view out of the wind. Put those antenna inside too and then run the thing as fast as you like.

@mdredheadguy1979 8 жыл бұрын

That sounds like an AWESOME set up!

@cfmk 7 жыл бұрын

That would be like the Parrot Disco Setup

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

Cool! Usually it won't let me put links in for some reason. But I'm glad you were able to find it!

@benatbenland 11 жыл бұрын

Great video, as always. How are these longitudinally stable?

@oufannco 7 жыл бұрын

You could easily fly lunch to a friend about a kilometer away. That interior is CAVERNOUS! Thanks for the great review!

@SantanaSon 9 жыл бұрын

Can u provide me with what tipe a fpv goggles are those how u hook up the goggles with the gopro and the auto remote co trol to not lose the plane

@WalldoTheWInner 8 жыл бұрын

would it be possible to build a detachable "carriage " for take off?

@reefseeker 6 ай бұрын

wow I posted here 10 years ago. Well this weekend I took out my X8 and flew it. Forgot how much fun it can be. I did change the camera to a DJI O3 air unit so now can see it HD.. really cool now.

@JorgePlaysMinecraft 10 жыл бұрын

Hey what RC plane would you recommend for a beginner? I'd like the plane / camera to have a range of about 1-4 miles, and my budget would be about $300.

@ianmyles9025 8 ай бұрын

Another great review. One small questions - the winglets lean inwards - is that correct ? - should they not lean outward ? - does it make a difference ?

@FunBitesTV 7 ай бұрын

Shouldnt make that much difference, as long as they are pointing straight. Look at the dart 250 for example ( ok its a massively different size plane ) that one you have the option to mount the vertical's in OR outwards.

@glassdogangle 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for finally reviewing the X8. I couldn't decide between the X8 or the Zephyr II. Definitely going with the Z over the X. I could probably figure out a way to stiffen the wings, but why all the hassle? DAVID: How about a BUILD for that 360 pan? Just show us a step by step, especially showing how you rigged up the pot or whatever. To me, that's way more interesting than, please excuse my terms, but those crappy cheapo dollar store foam contraptions you guys build (sorry, just being honest).

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

looks like cellular by the array at the crown. But specifically, you'd have to know what carrier it is to know whether it is cdma,tdma,gsm, etc.

@gearhead762 11 жыл бұрын

Nice one guys... just a suggestion here... would it be cool to make a bubble canopy and enclose the cam inside the cockpit? You could make a quickie one by rolling some lexan over the nose and sketching out a cockpit..then the cam wouldn't create any drag and the cam lens is protected ...

@mallikarjun_reddy_99 7 жыл бұрын

what if you control your FPV with the head gesture rather than using the transmitter

@latinosniper503 11 жыл бұрын

when its gonna be available and for how much(an estimation)

@sla1655 6 жыл бұрын

Let me know what kind of electric motor and propeller, current controller, lithium polymer battery and autopilot are used?

@lanwickum 10 жыл бұрын

That bottom bump for a camera would be perfect for a downward pointing camera for scouting my fields. Have system with nav points programmed and use it as a UAV.

@constantmtn 11 жыл бұрын

Need some info on the Ground Station....looks awesome

@franciscourena5636 7 жыл бұрын

If you can program a flight path, can I make it flight 75 km overseas? From one island to another?

@UndercastEsmeganitrospeed 7 жыл бұрын

Probably, if you use the right equipment

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

I got to thinking about the wing flex...I wonder if it helps smooth out some of the bumps that you'd normally see on video with a more rigid platform...seems so smooth in the air but then you spin the camera and the wingtips are bumping around pretty good. It might be engineered that way to give some shock absorption to the airframe since it can almost carry any camera anywhere?

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

I love Davids ground station! I want to get a CNC machine just to make one myself!

@ottosantos8846 7 жыл бұрын

Hello, What are the best gliders and flying wing for FPV? Or any other model.

@DickGibson 11 жыл бұрын

Is this the HK version or the BevRC version X8? I believe the curve up in the rear of the wing is built in up/reflex....

@gsm1021 10 жыл бұрын

Please give me a link to where to buy and the brand of frequency checker you used to find the signal you were using. I fly a couple of miles from a transmitter tower and I would like to know what frequency they are on compared to my radio. Thank you GFB

@rubywarrior1 9 жыл бұрын

I so need me an fpv system, the whole shebang… I live at the base of some beautiful mountains,, and this would be awesome for cruising around them.

@xuzme720 11 жыл бұрын

I like that! I did a "budget" hex with almost all HK products. (I splurged a little on the ESC's by getting flashed 30A's) But it flies great even if I don't... I'd love to see a budget long range setup with some budget goggles! I don't want to fork out 3 or 4 bills for goggles when I already have video Rx's...

@ezl7052 8 жыл бұрын

There's some fantastic ideas given with the video review! A carbon fiber version would be great.

@chad5711 7 жыл бұрын

Apologies if it's already been asked / answered, but... is there a full-up spec-sheet on the X8 configured as you have it here? Thanks!

@MrJonnymellor 11 жыл бұрын

love the echo on "very BIG",nice touch

@emgee44 11 жыл бұрын

Hi guys, another great video review, fair and balanced i thought, Would love to see a review on Team Black Sheeps new FPV flying wing called the CAIPIRINHA, think they've only just or about to release it. Also would love to see further details on David's ground station Rx @ 11.51min, looked very interesting. Cheers and keep up the good work.

@ramonf4213 7 жыл бұрын

hi i got question from you i want to buy some delta wing like reptile 800s, i don t know how to install gauges on that, just let me know please. thank you.-

@bowser197 11 жыл бұрын

I would LOVE to see a video on how David made the 360 pan device with setup...!

@ktgritz 10 жыл бұрын

BUILD VID OF THE PAN SYSTEM!!!!

@DownandOutNYC 11 жыл бұрын

With so much space available like other flying wings, have you considered solar panels for extended flight times?

@ricardopr54 10 жыл бұрын

Can you recommend me a good autopilot that has RTH feature? I have an Apprentice S airplane and I'm setting it for fpv but need something like that (auto pilot with rth) in order to feel confident to fly far without losing the plane. I would appreciate your advise. Thanks.

@Sarrus1 10 жыл бұрын

HK pilot from hobbyking (APM 2.7). I heard that it's the best one.

@varkokonyi 8 жыл бұрын

Or even better: the pixhawk

@puddingpimp 10 жыл бұрын

Could you cut the FPV bump on the bottom of the nose off and patch it up, or would it ruin the stability of the aircraft?

@noxnflame 11 жыл бұрын

Please review the Ritewing Zephyr or Zephyr II. I am curious as to how you would like it as I have been thinking about getting one for a while.

@goldeneagle4479 8 жыл бұрын

I'm m getting into the hobby what would be the best plane for me to get

@TexMex421 11 жыл бұрын

I would love to see a push pull twin like the Cessna Skymaster. Could use the swapable up front and a fixed prop in the back.

@Muscat17 11 жыл бұрын

great stuff. love the custom 360 degree FPV camera rig, i might put that on my bixler 2, more details on building that if u have time.

@TheAllKnowing113 10 жыл бұрын

what FPV goggles do you use?

@jacobbouchard3506 10 жыл бұрын

oliverg98 Thanks!

@sergiogiaccone6291 9 жыл бұрын

Very nice, thz for share, but, where do you setup the cg?

@BigMikesHobbyChannel 11 жыл бұрын

Im liking the look of david's plane in the background!

@k6tf 11 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Please give complete details on the 360 degree camera setup. I would love to build that! Rick

@guillempuche 11 жыл бұрын

You do incredible reviews! You're awesome!

@TheDefinitiveAirgunReview 11 жыл бұрын

Really brilliant episode guys you have saved me a lot of money today, oh and cost me a lot too. Ardu pilot and EZUHF ordered. ATB Malc CPTV