DP Ultimate
 

I am finishing my ultimate and it came in around 12 lbs... I didn't add anything extra.. I don't see how it can come in at 10 lbs... I did use standard servos for the ailerons. But this is a minor weight increase. My question is in balancing the plane. If balancing with the wings on the only way I can you my balancer is to do it inverted. Is this the correct method??
Thanks
Jeff

DP Ultimate
 

Keep the wings on the plane and pick it up under the top wings with your finger in the same spots to the left and right. The plane has a large CG area. I have been all the way to the rear of that area. The plane doesn't have any bad habits that far back it just dives very bad at the front of the CG while inverted. Use the middle range and work your way forward of AFT depending on how you like your birds to fly.

My kits weighs 12 7/8 lbs with an OS-160, 18 x 6 zinger pro prop, 2700 NMHi battery (7 oz), 3.5 " skylights a smoke system. I never do get the lightweight kits mine are always the 1lbs heavier than everyone else bird. Don't sweat the weight unless you personally put some rock (lead) on the plane for balance. The plane will not know its 12 lbs trust me.

I have flown mine with a satio 180, RCS 1.4 and now the OS-160. And with out the smoke system I never did come close to 10-11 lbs. I had 2-Sig Caps 231 and that plane does come in under 11lbs but look at how its build and you will know it's hard for the stock DP Bipe to be in that range we are talking Popsicle sticks built for the Cap 231.

My battery is mounted just at the rear portion of the wing. i don't have a pilot in the bird but i am looking to add one this year.

DP Ultimate
 

Thanks for the info. I have a Saito 1.50 in it with a APC 17-6.. I hope to 3D with it but am unsure now if thats gonna be enough umph for it.
Jeff

DP Ultimate
 

The only way for this plane to be 10lbs is to remove your engine.

I agree 110% with krayzc on the cg. I started at the forward edge and it dives like mad inverted. Spins wont flatten out and wont hold knife edge on the prescribed low rates.

I have shifted the cg rearward 5/8 of an inch and it is now much improved. I will be moving it back 1/4'' again and re-test. My battery is allready in the tail with the tank on the cg. Mine came in at just over 12 1/2lbs with a 160fx.

My first flight ended with a dead stick, ran out of fuel. I overshot the runway by a fair margin. I was surprised at how far this thing with glide, mine is stable at very low speeds.

Dave