I've been helping a new guy with his Apprentice for a couple weeks now...
It is a nice flying airplane, but as is it gets knocked around by the wind quite a bit. (it's quite light for it's size )
With the 3200mah 3 cell Li-Po it is also just a wee bit tail heavy IMO and with the recommended throw on the elev. it's rather touchy in pitch.

It will take off of grass well enough if the grass is short...

We reduced the elevator throw and it's easier for him to handle now...we also cut back on the ail. throws.

I think that a couple oz. of wt. in the nose or a heavier battery (or both ) will make it handle the wind a bit better.

Top speed? Not sure...seems fast enough for what it is...an E powered trainer...I wouldn't compare the Apprentice to the Alpha though...Apples/Oranges, ya know?

P-40...you posted while I was typing...Bananas/Oranges/Apples...