That clears up a bit, anyway.

Certainly, we can get information from Tom about the source of the airplane...and that may answer a few questions.

In the mean time, despite the more "appropriate" 17lb 8oz weight, you could still consider the following to knock a bit more out:

1) Can't imagine there's a need for 2 servos on that rudder. There's a great many inexpensive single servos that, I would think, would do the job fine on a pull-pull setup...or even mounted in the side of the fuse back to the rear. Some of the HD Power and HiTec offerings come to mind. Tom, please correct me if I'm wrong there. That alone would knock a few ounces out of the aiplane.

2) The batteries are costing you a fair amount of weight...especially, I would imagine, that 4100 6v pack. Consider a switch to a couple of lighter LiPols or A123's. Don't really see the necessity for the large capacity (especially on the radio)...I'd think you could get away with something in the 2500-3000mah range there.

Without getting a good look at the airplane, and going on a serious diet, just those changes alone would probably bring the dry weight under 17 lbs (or close to it), and could make a notable difference, imo.