In early 2022, I took delivery of the ASB bipe, just before the Ukraine/Russia war broke out. It was made ready to fly soon after delivery with the same equipment configuration used in my BJ mono planes I was flying. i.e., Futaba servos/receiver, Hacker C54, D3 controller, etc. The plane sat until its maiden early fall 2025. The initial flights went well. The C54 performed well, but I felt it was time to upgrade the power system by trying something different. I considered PAP's PCK 4 bld, but it would be challenging to fabricate a mount to accommodate the nose configuration. I emailed Vladimir in Russia, the designer of the ASB, about retrofitting the ASB with a Dualsky 3500 contra. Asking if he could make a nose ring to properly mount that motor. To my surprise, he replied yes.
The DS 3500 was purchased from Rombaut RC and installed. For peace of mind, the radio system was upgraded to a 2 receiver configuration on Futaba's Fasst Multi protocol using PowerBox's PBR-12x. I started using this in two other F3A models with great success to guard against frame loss and potential signal fades in congested ambient areas. The re-maiden of the ASB/Dualsky combo went very well. After 20 or so flights and several radio parameter flight control changes, the ASB feels locked. There is a learning curve in understanding throttle management with the Contra, along with biplane rudder input. Even though this is my first true Contra setup after a few flights this week, I see the benefits of both a bipe and contra power. The wait was worth it...Looking forward to logging more P-27 practice after the 4th holiday.
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