The Great Planes L-39 Albatros EDF Jet is now available in both ARF and Receiver-Ready (RxR) versions. The RxR version features pre-installed electronics so you simply install the receiver, battery, and start flying!

The straightforward design of the L-39 fighter makes it an excellent match for R/C model reproduction. ElectriFly's sport-scale version combines extreme brushless motor performance with advanced HyperFlow™ ducted fan technology. The L-39 exhibits a wide-open flight envelope that all jet pilots will enjoy.

The L-39's smooth Aerocell™ surface comes already finished with a military-style camouflage trim. The decals are factory-applied and detachable display magnetic armament is also included.

Features:

• Strong, lightweight AeroCell™ construction
• Factory-finished for aggressive fighter jet looks
• Included HyperFlow™ ducted fan unit with powerful Ammo 20-40-3500 in-runner brushless motor (Installed)
• Low parts count for fast, easy assembly
• Included detailed canopy for static display
• ElectriFly™ Silver Series SS-25 ESC (Installed)
• Three ES50 nano servos (Installed)
• Magnet-secured hatch and wing tips (Installed)
• Display stand included

Specifications:

• 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)
• RxR Version Requires: 3-channel radio, micro receiver, and 910-1250mAh 11.1V LiPo battery

Assembly:

The assembly begins with a few quick glues, one for the main wing and another for the stabilizers. Both sections are keyed for easy alignment, so before you know, you have a jet!

The elevator linkage is pre-installed so you simply connect it to the control horn and secure it with the keeper.

FASST Receiver & Canopy:

I positioned my R617FS FASST receiver on top of the folded servo wires and tucked it neatly into the compartment next to the elevator servo. I test fit a 5oz ThunderPower 3-cell 2100mAh pack just in front of the receiver for a perfect balance. The ESC went in up front where I can open some air holes for cooling, if needed.

Note that a second canopy comes with the L-39 for actual flight. According to the manual, the decorated canopy with the pilots is just for display. We later discovered that it works just fine in flight.

ElectriFly Battery:

The Great Planes ElectriFly 11.1V 1250mAh 20C LiPo pack weighs only 3.8oz and properly balances the L-39 when placed as far forward in the nose as possible. This means that a smaller capacity pack may be too light to properly balance the L-39. The slightly thinner pack allows the ESC to fit along the side. My plan was to test several packs to compare balance and the effects on performance.

Note that I inverted the receiver and held it in place (along with all the extra wires) using a few toothpicks.

Display Stand:

The included display stand glues together with either epoxy or white glue. It can be used hold the model with all its armaments and second cockpit with the pilots when not flying.

Ready-To-Fly:

After finishing the L-39, I was impressed with all the magnetically-held armaments, wing tips, and alternate canopy for display. Further, the model really looked nice sitting on the included stand.

I measured the flying model (without armaments) to be 13.8oz without battery. The power levels of my two test batteries were similar due to the added weight. It will be interesting to see if the additional ounce makes a noticeable difference in flight. The ElectriFly 3s 1250mAh 20C pack weighed 3.8 ounces and provided 110w at 10amps for 100w/lb. The ThunderPower 3s 2100mAh 15C pack weighed 5 ounces and provided 122w at 11amps for 104w/lb.

Great Planes Model Distributors
P.O. Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021
Telephone: 800-637-7660
Telephone: 217-398-3630

Web: www.greatplanes.com
E-mail: gpinfo@gpmd.com