I flew 6 tanks of fuel through the new Sukhoi today. It's a really nice flying plane. Most flights were for trimming and getting used to the plane. The best way for me to describe the Sukhoi is to compare it to the other WH 28% planes. First off, the plane has no bad habits. There were no unexpected snap outs at tight low rate loops. The plane tracks like it's on rails. Much better than the Edge. The rudder has mondo power. The plane looks great in the air. Knife edge needs just a tiny bit of aileron added to hold the plane vertical. It's really neutral in knife compared to the Edge and Extra. That can easily be mixed if desired. The huge opening in the front limits top speed and really slows the plane on downlines. Constant speed is much easier to maintain than the Edge and Extra. Upright and inverted flatspins are slow and simple as can be. Harriers and elevators are super stable and as done as well if not better than the new Extra.

Landing is a bit different than the other planes. This may change with a balance change. It's not harder, it's just different. I'm thinking it may be the big cowl opening. The plane doesn't seem to float down the runway like the other 28%s. Many will like this. As speed bleeds off on approach, the plane settles faster. Instead of floating in to land, I started to carry a couple clicks of throttle on approach pulling to a slow idle of about 1650rpm right before touch-down. After the change, I greased every landing.

I didn't wring the plane out or haven't done 3-d down low yet. But, I can see the plane will do everthing as well if not better than the new version 28%s.

The new 3MM/TOC started easily, and pulled great all day. It's still a bit rich but it turns the MSC 22x8 6870 rpm. I think it'll turn 7000 rpm after the final adjust.

These are just the first impressions of the plane. As I get more time on the plane, sticks, and engine things will get better yet. I'll start to work the set-up harder this week. I'll keep you posted on my findings.