Electrifly

L-39 Ducted Fan Airplane Overview

fastie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:43:25 -0500

Ready for action

The L-39 Ducted Fan ARF Airplane from ElectriFly is a sport scale ducted fan rc airplane with excellent performance and awesome scale looks. The power system included is an efficient and powerful in-line brushless motor mated with the ElectriFly "Hyperflow" system. As the videos show on the ElectriFly website, this is an easy to build and impressive performing model complete with a nice display stand for your office or home.

L-39 has a convenient magnetic hatch

Looking at the construction characteristics of this plane, it has some very nice features which contribute to it's sport flying capabilities. First, it is constructed of "Aerocell" foam which keeps the weight lower, but this foam also has good strength which equals an airplane with good strength-to-weight ratio. In modeling airplanes, this is key to top performance. A side benefit of this foam is that you can easiely repair a mishap with regular CA glue and not have to use foam safe CA as per ElectriFly's website. Second, the model has an excellent ducted-fan system complete called "Hyperflow" complete with using an Ammo brand brushless motor. These motors are efficient and you then have a powerful, yet light propulsion system. The L-39 has good attention to detail with it's nice finishing scale looks and also some detachable armaments for when you have the plane on it's stand. For the field the L-39 has easily accessed battery compartment with convenient magnetic latches. The only downside I see to this plane, is that you probably need to be an advanced intermediate to an expert RC pilot to handle the speed and snappy performance. Beginners should stay away from this model until they gain some flight time with a sport trainer. Be sure to checkout all the details and videos on ElectriFly's website.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Showing components in kit

Wingspan: 25 in (635 mm)
Wing Area: 141 in² (9.1 dm²)
Weight: 17.5-18.5 oz (500-520 g)
Wing Loading: 17.9-18.9 oz/ft² (55-58 g/dm²)
Length: 31 in (780 mm)
Includes: HyperFlow Ducted Fan Unit with 20-40-3500 Ammo In-Runner Brushless Motor
Requires: 3-channel radio w/3 micro servos, 25A brushless ESC, 910-1250mAh 11.1V LiPo battery

ElectriFly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane Overview

fastie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

ElectiFly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane

Pluma's Parts are laser cut

The Electifly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane by Great Planes is an exciting new entry in their collection of foamie electric airplanes. What makes this almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) airplane unique is it's strong solid fuselage which gives the plane excellent stiffness for fine aerobatic performance. This plane is ready for some serious 3D stunts with an experienced pilot on the stick in just about an hour with it's easy assembly. The ElectriFly Pluma is one exiting aerobatic plane for your next indoor or outdoor flying meet.

Strong Fuselage with room for a variety of batteries

Flat foamy performance is just an hour away as you prepare this exciting new electric plane from ElectriFly. It has excellent features to ensure exciting 3D aerobatics for the experienced pilot such as a strong center fuselage, laser cut parts, 3M Blenderm tape for great hinges for the control surfaces, and excellent graphics. The Pluma is also designed to use the Rimfire Outrunner motors for excellent performance both indoor and outdoor.

The following specs show the recommended set-up:

INDOOR:

Motor- Rimfire 28-22-1380 (GPMG4505)
Prop- GWS 8x4 (GWSQ2009) or APC 8x3.8 slo-flyer (APCQ5000)
Battery- GP Power Series 11.1v 300mAh LiPo 20c(GPMG0595)
ESC- GP Silver Series SS-8 brushless (GPMM1800)

OUTDOOR

Motor- Rimfire 28-26-1000 (GPMG4525)
Prop- GP 10x4.5 slo-flyer (GPMQ6660)
Battery- GP Power Series 11.1v 640mAh LiPo 20c(GPMG0601)
ESC- GP Silver Series SS-12 brushless (GPMM1810)

Electrifly Pluma is the right size for indoor or outdoor fun

Model Specification:

Stock Number: GPMA1130
Wingspan: 32.5 in (830 mm)
Wing Area: 518 in² (33.4 dm²)
Weight Range: 8.4-9.5 oz (240-270 g)
Wing Loading: 2.3-2.6 oz/ft² (7.2-8.1 g/dm²)
Length: 38 in (955 mm)
Requires: 4-channel radio w/3 micro servos, out-runner brushless motor, 8A brushless ESC (minimum) & 11.1V 300mAh LiPo battery.

Flyzone Beechcraft Staggerwing RTR Electric RC Airplane Overview

fastie — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:10:45 -0500

Flyzone Beechcraft Staggerwing

Flyzone has developed a new aviation classic that is a read-to-run electric airplane model based on the Beechcraft Staggerwing. This RC airplane is complete with all electronics already installed. In a few simple steps and with a charged battery you will be all set to fly this RC model of the “‘corporate jet’ of the ‘30s America”.

Details of the Flyzone Beechcraft Staggerwing RTR Electric RC Airplane

Showing complete system

The Flyzone Beechcraft Staggerwing comes ready-to-run with just a few simple assembly steps needed for assembling the wing and tail. This is an exciting model best suited for the intermediate to advanced flyer needing a fun and ready for action flyer with great scale looks and nice features. The Beechcraft Staggerwing includes a 3-channel FM radio, 3-channel receiver/ESC, 2 tactic micro servos, a 280 motor w/gear drive, Electrifly 900mAh battery, Electrifly 12V peak charger, and a spare propellor. The model does require 8 AA batteries. Additional features include lightweight foam parts, finished nicely with decals applied, and a small size for easy transport. The factory installed 280 motor and gear drive has ample power for a nice leisurely flight and shows good power for it’s climbs. In addition, even the pushrod assemblies are installed which will help provide good elevator and rudder response. This is a “Park Pilot Program” certified airplane. Go to the website for more details and some videos of the plane in action.

Showing 280 Motor and gear drive

Specifications:

Wingpsan: 31 in (790 mm)
Length: 25.75 in (655 mm)
Includes: Tactic™ 3-Channel 72MHz FM Radio System; 280 Motor w/Gear Drive; ElectriFly™ 7.2V 900mAh NiMH Battery; ElectriFly 12V Peak Charger; Spare Propeller
Requires: 8 “AA” batteries

ElectricFly Extra 300S ARF Overview

Zero — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:02:03 -0500

Extra 300S by Great Planes Electrifly

Picture showing the included parts in the kit.

Electrifly by Great Planes has available another great foam airplane from the “Flatouts” series called the Extra 300S. This airplane is capable of doing some advanced 3-D aerobatics and since it is a a foamie style model it assembles quickly, is easy to repair in the field and electric propulsion is quick and easy. This park flyer is an idea model for someone who is an intermediate to an advanced pilot ready to try 3D aerobatics. Electrifly also as an optional brushless kit that could be purchased for this model that offers even better performance for you at the field.

Construction and Required Equipment

Nice feature on the prop mount to help prevent damage on rough landings.

The Extra 300S assembles quickly and easily with a quoted time of “2 to 3 hours” from box to flight. The kit comes nicely packages in secured plastic wrap. It includes a brushed motor and gear box as well as a propeller. Needed accessories include the electronics (radio, 2 micro servos, ESC, LiPo battery pack, receiver and charger). The included manual is very detailed and lists all the required tools and accessories recommended for assembly. It aso shows the proper set-up of the control surfaces and balancing the Extra 300S for the best performance. During assembly, the set-up portion is critical for your first successful flight. Don’t rush this part of the process to make sure your model has the best chance of success on it’s first flight. Great Planes Electrifly Extra 300S is fun park flyer and sure to thrill your spectators at the field when you learn all the new 3D aerobatics this plane is surely capable of doing.

Model Specifications:

Wingspan: 35.5 in (915mm)
Wing Area: 207 sq in (13 dm^2)
Weight: 7.5 to 9 oz (215 to 255 g)
Wing Loading: 4.5 to 5.8 oz/sq ft (15 to 18 g/dm^2)
Length 29in (750mm)

Requires: Radio: 4-channel minimum, 3 micro servos, 10A ESC and micro receiver, 11.1V 350-700 mAh LiPo battery, LiPo compatible charger.

Electrifly Flatouts: J-3 Cub

Zero — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:44:35 -0500

Electrifly Flatouts: J-3 Cub

ElectricFly J-3 Cub Overview

Are you ready to have some flat-out fun? Electrifly by Great Planes has a great line of electric profile foamies called “Flatouts” and one of the most popular versions is the classic J-3 Cub with some nice stand-off scale looks. Being a top wing design it is also a bit more stable than some of their other bottom wing Flatouts. The model is not an entry level trainer, but those with some trainer experience and wanting to try slow speed indoor flying or all out outdoor flying in low wind conditions will enjoy this model. Get ready for a quick assembly, great scale profile looks and a fun park flyer with the Great Planes Electrifly J-3 Cub.

Electrifly Flatouts: J-3 Cub

Construction and Required Equipment

The J-3 Cub comes nicely packaged in a protective box with included motor, gearbox and prop. You will need the standard building supplies such as foam-safe CA in medium and thick consistencies, drill bits, hobby knife. They also list on Great Planes website a list of additional supplies that are optional such as the “CG Machine” for balancing your model just right. The manual included with the kit has nice pictures and step by step instruction. This model will go together fast for the experienced builder and the novice as well. Needed electronics include the Electrifly Nano Brushed ESC (recommended by Great Planes), micro receiver, three micro servos and a 4 channel airplane radio. The key to electronics selection for this model will be to keep the components as light as possible for best performance and setting up the proper CG for flight. In addition, you will need a good LiPo battery (7.4V to 11.V - see Great Planes website for recommended packs).

Model Specifications:

Wingspan: 35.75 in (908mm)
Wing Area: 245 sq in (15.8 dm^2)
Weight: 10 oz (280g)
Wing Loading: 5.9 oz/sq ft (18 g/dm^2)
Length 33in (840mm)
Requires: Radio: 4-channel minimum, 3 micro servos, 7A ESC and micro receiver, 7.4V-11.1V 350mAh - 640 mAh LiPo battery, LiPo compatible charger.

For more information, visit the Electrifly website. read more »

Electrostik EP RXR and ARF add power to your flight

Zero — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:33:09 -0500

Electrostik EP RXR

The Stik Design may be a classic of modern flight but Electrifly have given it a new twist by adding electric power to its timeless style which makes the Electrostik EP RXR and ARF a great looking yet powerful machine. The specifications for the aircraft show that it has a wingspan of 52.5 inches (890 mm) and weighs less than 4 lbs or . One of the key features of the aircraft is that there is no glue involved and it is said that the plane can be up in the air in just two hours.

If you have ever had kids waiting around for something you will know that time passes unbelievably slowly so this sort of time will be a major boon for any potential buyer, whether it’s a parent or just someone with the patience of a child who is keen to get airborne as soon as possible. There are also no tools required in the assembly of the aircraft which enhances its suitability to everyone.

Available in both RXR and ARF models, the historical and traditional look and feel of the plane will appeal to fans the world over and there is no doubt the added power gives new life to this design. With the two models meaning the street price comes in between $129.99 and $239.99, there is likely to be a product to suit any budget and Electrify expect this product to fly off the shelves.

For more information, visit the Electrifly Website.

ElectriFly Reactor 3D Review

Daniel Switkin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:34:00 -0600

The ElectriFly Reactor 3D from Great Planes is a 41" wingspan, mid-wing acrobatic plane. It is aimed at intermediate and expert pilots looking for a 3D-capable park flyer. With huge control surfaces and no dihedral, I was really excited to build this plane and get up in the air.

ElectriFly 3D Reactor Bipe Announced

Daniel Switkin — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:30:35 -0600

Great Planes has just announced the ElectriFly 3D Reactor Bipe, an acrobatic ARF based on the existing Reactor.

ElectriFly Yak 55 Follow Up

Daniel Switkin — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:01:35 -0500

In my original review, I described building the ElectriFly Yak 55 ARF, a flexible and durable ARF from Great Planes. So how has it held up over time?

The truth is, I have punished this plane quite a bit. It has survived countless hard landings, and has the hot glue repair seams to prove it. I've gone through four of the plastic spur gears, which get chewed up easily by the metal pinion gear. And the original foam nose has long since disintegrated. I bought spares, but it seemed that each crash pushed the stick mount a little more into the body, to the point where the propeller wouldn't clear the cowl. It was simpler to leave it off.

ElectriFly Synapse Ducted Fan Jet

Daniel Switkin — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:36:44 -0500

Specifications

Wingspan	26.5 in (665 mm)
Wing Area	168 in² (10.8 dm²)
Weight	12.5-13.5 oz (350-380 g)
Wing Loading	10.7-11.6 oz/ft² (33-35 g/dm²)
Length	24 in (590 mm)
Electric Motor Requirements	Ammo 20-40-3500 in-runner brushless motor, 25A brushless ESC, 11.1V 910-1250mAh LiPo battery
Radio Required	3+ channel radio w/elevon mixing and 2 nano servos
MSRP	$70 USD for the ARF, $150 for the RxR

ElectriFly is now shipping the first of two versions of this exciting, light-weight jet plane. The ARF includes the plane and the ducted fan unit, with the modeler supplying the motor, ESC, battery, receiver, and servos. The manual recommends my preferred Futaba S3114 micro servos, which you can read about in our Futaba Servo Quick Guide.