Phoenix Spitfire .40 ARF
 

Thinking about getting the Phoenix Spitfire .40, if anyone out there has one your input would be helpful.
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-- andrew wisc.

RE: Phoenix Spitfire .40 ARF
 

I picked one up a couple of months ago, but haven't flown it yet. I'm converting it to an electric capable of 1300 watts of power. The quality of the plane is top notch. It even comes with a painted pilot and this a true arf. Most of the work is already done, including the hinging. Not sure if this is to scale as the fuselage looks to be a little short compared to my ripmax scale spitfire version. The weight of the plane is a concern, 7lbs for a 55" warbird is a bit hefty. However, it is a warbird and with 1300 watts of power on tap, I don't think it will be an issue. I should be done building it in a couple of weeks. Waiting on some machine screws to attach the motor. Will give an update on the first flights. Hopefully, it will go well.

RE: Phoenix Spitfire .40 ARF
 

I had a maiden flight with my Phoenix Spitfire today. It went quite well. Here is the setup I have.

400kv brushless motor capable more than 1300 watts(max 50 amps)
2x 4 cell 5000 mah lipo in series, 30 volts
80 amp esc
high voltage 10 cell capable bec
14x12 apc e-prop

Total weight of the plane came out to just over 7lbs. The CG was pretty much spot on.

I only had one flight on it, just to see how the plane would track and to see how the batteries and motor would handle. Flying was done at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle. Most of the time, it was 1/2 throttle. Take off is a breeze with my motor setup. Half throttle will get it up quick. And the plane at a good speed, around 70 mph it appears. I don't have a radar gun. At 2/3 throttle, she really takes off. I didn't push full throttle as I wanted to see how warm the batteries and motor would get. Tracking is amazing. It's very stable in the air. Goes straight if you don't move the sticks. Due to the power of the motor, the plane does nose up a little above half throttle, but not a whole lot. It's something I can live with. Turns are fine. The aileron inputs points the plane in the direction you want it to. Had 20% exponential on ailerons. I thought it was a little sensitive for me, but for experts, they may like the fast aileron response. Elevator control was a little low, even at recommended settings. You'll have to dial in a little more elevator to make sure you have enough for landing. I had my settings on high rates, which I dialed in myself at 50% more than recommended rates.

After touch down, about 4 minutes of flight, the battery was just slightly warm and motor was the same. Landing was easy. Even at 7 lbs, the Spitfire handles the weight pretty well. I may need to use some flaps next time as the plane just kept going after touch down and ended up in the tall grass. Other than that, it was a great flight. The foam wheels won't last very long with this plane's weight. My foam wheels already look beat up after just one landing. I'll have to get some rubber ones soon.

RE: Phoenix Spitfire .40 ARF
 

I bought one and it flew great. However, placing the battery pack was squirrelly so as to get it the CG right. The battery came lose and lost it. However, the fuse is still intact and I'm going to replace the wings.

RE: Phoenix Spitfire .40 ARF
 

A guy has one at our field and it is a pretty nice plane for the money! He had a .40 OS engine that flew it well but not alot of power to spare. The cowl is fairly large so most of the engine will fit inside the cowl and if you get creative, you might be able to hide the muffler in the cowl too. You will have to vent the cowl properly of course. I am considering it to be my next plane after my WM Voodoo Mustang is finished.

RE: Phoenix Spitfire .40 ARF
 

I am also thinking of getting this plane for my next project. Does anyone have some photos of this plane during the process of putting it together? Does it handle okay with the engine that is recomemded? NOT into the electric stuff!!

Thanks for the help and information.

Wingboz