I'm planning ahead, and I think my next (5th) plane will be one by Vectorfligh. I've read very good things about these planes and the company.

Can anybody comment on the differences between these three planes, i.e. Edge 540, Extra 300S or the Sukhoi SU-31?

I'm looking for information about flight charateristics, what type of flying they excel at etc.

Thanks,

tychoc

I have the two Extras and the Edge, so I can't comment on the Sukhoi! The 66 inch Extra and Edge are still my favorite airplanes to fly in this size class after nearly two years of intense flying and abuse . Both are powered by 91FXs and have nearly out of sight vertical. These planes handle the power very well and have that solid feel and on the dot tracking of larger planes. I fly IMAC and not really into 3D although I have hovered them both several times. IMO they may not be suitable if you are into mostly 3D, but if you are looking for classic and advanced IMAC these are excellent choices.

Calflyer,

Thanks for the info. Is there in your opinion any difference between the Edge and the Extra?
Or, do they both fly and behave pretty much the same? I would primarly use them for IMAC type of flying and not 3D, so that sounds good.

-tycho

Tychoc,

I would say the main differnce is in slow flight performance. The Edge can be slowed down until it seems to sink more than its going forward! A neutral rudder stall is at a higher pitch and slower speed compared to the Extra and i think this may be due to the straight leading edge. Also I can fly it at a very high angle of attack and slow speeds so for me at least it is easier to get into a hover than the Extra. It has a very sensitive pitching ability even at slow speeds so one of these days I might be able to do a cobra manuever, not quite there yet! Loops are tight if you want them to be and rolls are quite axial owing to the wing being near the thrust line. The Edge seems a bit slow to roll with the recommended rates but it is pretty fast with higher throws. With the Extra the landings are easier as it gets into a good sink rate when the engine is throttled back and there is very little balooning even with a good head wind, nice descent all the way to the ground. For aerobatics both are about the same, low rudder coupling and knife edge all day long. Both of them snap very distinctively and sharply but recover as soon as the sticks are released.[8D] Overall I think both are equally a blast to fly!