Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

A buddy and I are trying to decide on a next airplane. I've heard of how good this plane is at sequence flying but how good is it with 3D. Can it really be built 22-24# with a DA 100? How do they hold up when treated well, I know they don't stand abuse. Any feedback on these plane would be appreciated.


Dan

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

Dan, check out my video of flying the 2.6. This was on the first day out, and I have since made a few tweaks to help the performance. The plane 3D's great with an aft CG.

http://teamsolorc.com/johnv/CompArfRyan.wmv

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

All planes will hold up well when treated well....


Who says they dont stand abuse?

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

Dan,
I think that claim is a little presumptuious. Mine is more like 25-26 lbs. But go ahead - it's a great airplane!
RickP

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

Can it really be built 22-24# with a DA 100?

NO, it cannot. I don't believe you can break 25lbs unless you leave out the batteries, or servos.

However - The 2.6 is the first plane I've seen that brakes the "lighter is better" rule. Truly an example of superior design and materials. Its obvious that all that TOC experience has paid off.

A freind stated it best after trading his 22lb, 35% TBM 260 for a 25lb 33% 2.6 - "Three lbs heavier, flies like its 5 lbs lighter!"
And this is from a guy who flies both a Diablotin/OS50FX (at 4lb2oz) and the 2.6 in the same manner and style.

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

The wing area of the Comp-ARF is quite larger than most other 2.6 meter airplanes, thus its tendency to float around like it weighs nothing. The last example that I assembled weighed 12.2 kilos or 26.84 pounds as weighed completely together on my hanging scale. This is with DA100, Pefa mufflers, and Li-Po batteries. It can be reduced about 100 grams by using smaller Li-Po's but the weight is just fine. The vertical power on the DA100 is nothing short of incredible having a much better power to weight ratio than the 3meter with the DA150. 3D is fine. It even seems too light for some 3D figures as is just does not drop like some other airplanes.

Mark

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

3d is ausome with this plane,marknovac i know what you mean about seeming to light in some manouveres but then again mine has the da100 and the power to weight ratio is ausome,you can get a flat inverted spin going back up:Dhas any off you guys experienced a slight flat spot on throttling on the mid range,i think it maybe to do with silencers but its not drastic just takes some getting use to.

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

Mike,

So you've got yours flying now?!?!? I take it you like it??

To be honest, I've not really experienced a flat spot on the DA but I know 1 or 2 people who have.

I've got K&S canisters on and they are pretty much up against the wing spar, bar some insulation of course!!

Paul was speaking to Glen about his engine after he lost his Extra, Glen made an observation that the header pipes were cut far to short for the engine to be at its optimum, he obviously told him that the wing spar was in the way. I would say that the 100 has got far more power in it than we're getting out.

Ahh well!!! Theres still plenty on tap.

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

cheers phil for info,the cannisters ive got are the same but they to sit near the spar,its not really drastic but i do notice it when prophanging,its as if two or three clicks off throttle does nothing at all,i was going to use expo to smooth it out cos engine runs as sweet as anything so i dont really want to upset anything.what a plane though,goes really well,all manouveres are slow and precice,i was suprised at the way it keeps a nice slow speed on downlines,ive retired it now for winter,roll on spring:D

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

just found this photo, it shows canisters just by wing spar and just visible at sides off tank.

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

Yeah, thats where my canisters are!!

Mines sort of retired for the winter although if any decent weather turns up it'll soon be out, last time I flew it was september time!!

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

yeah that was the last time i flew mine,i had just reinsulated the exhausts formers with some fireblanket as advised by the boy so it gave it less airframe noise,worked a treat,i also repaired the undercarraige leg due to delamination,just run some thin cyano then clamped toghether,seems ok.

RE: Composite-arf 2.6M Extra
 

Haha, I'd get used to doing that Mike.

My U/C legs are f*%$ed to say the least. Once it happens once, they weaken and even the slightest knock or bang and they delaminate again.

I think I'm gonna order some fresh legs for next year.