Today I got the opportunity to fly a new 73" span Edge 540. This plane was not one of my designs, it came from my builder who originated this plane.

This thing is so light, at first I thought it was just too light. But apparenlt they know what to put in and what to leave out, because it made it through 2 long flights, a half dozen landings and some real high speed runs. It even survived when I had high rate elevators on and dis some pretty abrupt stuff at good speed.

This airplane weighs 8.8 pounds RTF without fuel, and we actually added some reinforcement around the firewall and support structure. That's with an OS 1.60 with a Perry pump and Slimline muffler, using JR DS 821 servos. I figure I can add another half pound of strengtheneing and still have a plane that's 2 pounds lighter than the old baby Edge.

Have you ever seen what an OS 1.60 can do on a 9 pound airplane. You can point it straight up from ground level and it's out of sight in under 10 seconds. The power to weight ratio is ridiculous. It's more like a rocket than an airplane. I think that a good strong .61 will fly it for sport, a .91 FX will probably hover it, and this is the perfect plane for an electric motor.

Photos soon, I just forgot to take them.

All you guys who have been looking for a replacement for the baby Edge, stay tuned, it will be here soon. Maybe an Extra 260 version also.


TF