vx570

Recently purchaced the ESM 40 Katana, great looking kit one problem a cracked broken cowl. only took one e.mail to ESM in Hong Kong and an instant reply with a promise of a new Cowl on the way, sure enough the cowl was replaced within days in perfect condition, excellent customer service, country to country no problem, well done John from ESM, highly recommended.

Cheers Greg
Tallwoods Australia.

inferno6688

What engine r u running in it? I have my eye on it myself!
Keep us posted on the kit and how it flys

kinverflyer

Which version do you have ie. flat tailplane or fully sectioned?
My 14 year old son flies his on an OS91FX, with that amount of extra power it has to be carefully manged but it makes a cracking combination. If you have the sectioned tailplane and use a 40 sized engine you will need to add lead to get the balance.

Check out the video http://media.putfile.com/Katana-40-July-05

3z3k3l

That is great to hear. Customer Service makes all the difference in the world!

Got any pics yet?

vx570

Only received the Cowl yesterday and am looking forward to putting it all together. it was a replacement for my much loved GP Venus that went to heaven when a servo extension lead came out, never again, I am now a heat srink fanatic.
Will be using my OS FS-52 4 stroke, not to sure if this will be up to the job however it was ok in the Venus so will give it a try, if not will go for a 70 4, it appears to be the Fully sectioned tailplane and the whole kit seems to be super lightweight and I like the one piece wing.
Well Stuart I love the video, ah to be 14 and be able to fly like that.
Will keep you informed on progress with a few pics etc.
Cheers Greg

kinverflyer

Go for the 70 you wont regret it.

Vortec

Ive just orded one of these and was looking for a home for a Saito 100. Do you guys flying this think it will be to much or to heavy a engine?

Vortec

Justed watched the vid.. I'd have to say that a Saito 100 will be SWEET.

kinverflyer

Saito 100 will be nice, the one in the vid is powered by an OS91FX, if you are looking to be extreme with it, brace the tailplane and use some reasonable servos 4-5kg, I use Futaba 3010's.

Vortec

Can anyone post pics of their katana?

kinverflyer

What sort of pics do you want? I have loads. Also have a look at www.wmmfc.co.uk. Do search in the gallery

Vortec

Thanks for the link.. Anything of engine instalation,radio area,elevator servo linkage hookups.

vx570

Want those pics eh!!, Give me a chance to build it first!, Just finishing off my GP Shoestring Racer, will make a start this week, really looking forward to it, looks like a great kit.
Cheers Greg

AHPowelson

My Feedback: (37)

From the pics of I've seen, it looks identical to the H9 Funtana 40 (aside from the covering). I believe the specs were the same as well. Does anyone know if they are the same exact airframe?

Vortec

Thats what i was hopeing..And they are giving them away over here compaired to the H9.

kinverflyer

I can assure they are not the same. Did the H9 have a sectioned tail plane?. Would the H9 knife edge loop with ease? If you have flown both you will soon realise they are not the same.

AHPowelson

My Feedback: (37)

kinverflyer,


I'm not trying to argue, accuse, etc.. But it looks absolutely 100% identical to me (tailfeathers included):





I have the F40 and like almost everything about it. No, it will not KE loop and it's cripped by wingrock in upright harriers. If there were real differences between the two, I was going to try and find an ESM Katana. So far, I cant find any differences. Is the manual available in .PDF anywhere? Any conclusive evidence would be much appreciated.

Abram

kinverflyer

The one in the photo is the early prototype. The current production model has sectioned tail plane, other differences are: deeper fus, bigger rudder, different wing section different wing span, different tail plane position, internal construction is also different, different colour and designed by different people. This plane will harrier with very little wing rock and then pull up into a prop hang, check out the video for flying characteristics http://media.putfile.com/Katana-40-July-05

AHPowelson

My Feedback: (37)

I've seen the video. It flys just like my F40. Do you know where I can find pics/info of the new version? What's the AUW and what prop on the one in the video?

inferno6688

Here is some info i got of an Aussie shop website!


Additional Information:
The latest 3D Freestyle model from ESM, build to perform extreme 3D such as prop hanging, torque rolling, harriers, blenders, knife edge loops and more. You will realise your full potential in extreme 3D flight.

Specifications:

* Length: 1441mm (56.7in.)
* Wing Span: 1422mm (56in.)
* Wing Area: 48.2sq.dm
* Wing Loading: 37.5g/sq.dm (12.2oz/sq.ft)
* Weight: 1.8kg (3.96lbs)
* Radio: 4ch with 5 servos
* Engine: 40-46 2-cycle, 52-70 4-cycle

kinverflyer

I can assure you they do not fly the same because they are not the same aircraft.

Jeff Boyd 2

Hi Guys,

I originally thought they were the same plane as well. But one distinct difference is the recommended CG. The Katana has a recommended CG of 99mm (about 3 7/8") from the leading edge and I think the model flown in the video has the CG at about 110 to 120mm (around 4 1/2"), as advised by Wilson from YT International, and he suggests that it is very sensitive at this rearward CG.

The Hangar 9 Funtana 40 has a recommended CG of around 14Omm (5 1/2"). A review on the Funtana had the author shift his CG back to 155mm for his prefered flying style. From what Wilson advised, I would think the Katana would be almost unflyable with the CG that far back.

Here is a link to the progress of my build review for this model (set up for Electric Power). http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3361

Cheers, Jeff

Vortec

Where did you get your's from as i was told they wont be here before June.I bought an Satio 100 just for it and now i have to wait.[:'(]

vx570

Just completed the Katana see [my profile] tail heavy as hell will have to add huge amounts of weight to get the CG correct as per the manual, Battery etc all up front, anyone with this problem.
Cheers Greg

Jeff Boyd 2

Hi Vortec,

Mine came from the importer, Model Flight in Adelaide ( http://www.modelflight.com.au/ ) It's not on their website, but they have advertised it in Airborne and RCM. About $200.