Continuing on with the Ultimate 40S from Nitroplanes/Nitromodels....

It is interesting to compare this plane to the World Models version.... these are my own observations... comparing one plane against the other.


Dimensions are identical...


The Nitroplanes version is manufactured to be lighter than the World Models version, probably making it better suited to being electrified.

The WM version has sheeting throughout the fuselage, the NP version uses the laser cut outs throughout the fuselage.

The WM version has slightly better control horns in that they are solid throughout, the NP version has far too much plastic removed to make them sturdy.

The NP has no motor mount holes in the firewall (a plus for electrification) while the WM version has them predrilled and with the retainers pre-installed.

The NP has what appears to be better sheeting around the wing support area, but I have not opened the wings to compare them.

The NP 40S uses a dual pushrod with a solder weld in the middle for the elevator, the WM uses a clamp instead.

The WM uses far thicker aluminum carbanes, with a cross brace, the NP has no cross brace and uses much thinner stock.

The NP version uses thinner wing supports, which look to be similiarly sturdy to the WM version. The NP supports have a "guide" cut into the supports, potentially eliminating the need for the alignment jigs... e.g. if the lower wing is properly mounted, then the upper wing incidence will be correct, whereas the WM version will require the alignment jigs.

The NP version uses better ultralite wheels, that appear to hold up better over time as they are slightly denser.

The WM has a stonger looking main gear, which is thicker and wider.

The NP has better wheel covers that are "grooved" to hold themselves in the proper alignment to the main gear.

The WM has the better covering material, in that it can be removed without it coming apart as much. The NP covering leaves behind half of the material when removed making recovering a bit difficult. When possible leave the NP covering in place when performing patches or fixes.

Both models feature fiberglass cowls, but the WM version has an enbossed engine "roundel" at the front. The NP version is flat.

Both planes should have their wheel supports re-inforced.

Both planes come with the firewall already fuel proofed, but it is advisable to fuel proof the fuselage as well. It WILL get fuel into it.

The NP plane comes with a smaller fuel tank, although both can accept a larger one... NP 238 CC versus WM 280 CC.

The WM has a full set of instructions, but the instructions can be sparse at times. The NP version gives you a reprint of certain pages from the WM instructions, most of which are NOT applicable to the NP plane!


Flight characteristics are about the same for both planes, although I was able to get better tail and wing alignments with the NP version of the plane. The NP tail is spot on as it came for me, as are the wings. The WM version took a lot of sanding to get within 1/8" of alignment.

The NP plane started off lighter, but by the time I finished my heavy fuel proofing of the body, it seems to be at the same weight of my WM plane.

If you've built a couple of ARF kits before, you'll have no problems with the NP Ultimate, however if your ARF is limited, the WM version may better suit you.