Greg Covey

Great Planes has introduced a new E-Performance XLC (Extreme Light Concept) Series that features advanced ElectriFly engineering and pre-fabrication. The new [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVEL2&P=ML]Edge 540T[/link] is the first model in the E-Performance Series. This 50" class electric-powered scale model is slightly smaller than traditional .40-size glow-powered models but boasts many sophisticated features that discriminating pilots look for in an aerobatic ARF. The Edge 540T is the new pinnacle in mid-sized electric aerobats!

Features:[ul][*] Construction: Balsa and ply with prehinged ailerons and rudder and airfoiled control surfaces, motor box pre-installed with blind nuts providing perfect spacing for spinner backplate - no need for measuring; cowl ring also preinstalled[*] Wings: Two piece with carbon fiber wing joiner[*] Covering: Top Flite MonoKote[*] Aileron Control: Dual servo[*] Cowl, Wheel Pants, and Landing Gear: All Pre-painted fiberglass[*] Wheels and Plastic Spinner Included[*] All Hardware Included[*] Building Time: Approximately 6-8 hours[*] Warranty: Great Planes Model Manufacturing Company guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both materials and workmanship at date of purchase. [/ul]
Specifications:[ul][*] Wingspan: 49.5" (1260mm)[*] Wing Area: 490 sq in (31.6 sq dm)[*] Weight: 3.25 - 3.5lb (1470 - 1590g)[*] Airfoil: Fully symmetrical, mid wing placement[*] Wing Loading: 15 - 16oz/sq ft (46 - 49g/sq dm)[*] Length: 48" (1220mm)[*] Center of Gravity: 2-13/16" (71mm) back from the leading edge of the wing at the side of the fuselage

Greg Covey

The Edge 540T came well packaged and had no damage or covering wrinkles. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers were both airfoiled control surfaces. The ailerons and rudder were pre-hinged. The cowl was pre-painted and came with air-cooling openings. The fiberglass wheel pants had self-aligning holes to match the fiberglass landing gear.

The wing tube joiner is made from carbon fiber material. It aligns the wing automatically and allows for easy transport to the field. A 24-page instruction manual comes loaded with photos and details to help insure a successful assembly.

Greg Covey

It wasn't until I lifted the fuselage that I noticed something very different. It weighed almost nothing yet was incredibly strong! I then saw the carbon bars infused with the balsa and light plywood. I had only seen this type of construction once before and immediately knew this new design was something special. I twisted the fuselage and applied pressure in many directions but there was no give and no creaking noise.

Not only was the one-piece canopy held by powerful magnets but so was the light-weight fiberglass cowl. This gave the Edge 540T a very clean and quality appearance!

The motor box is pre-installed with blind nuts, providing perfect spacing for the spinner backplate without the need for any measuring. Even the proper thrust angle was already built into the firewall.

Greg Covey

Powerful magnets keep the one-piece vacuum-formed canopy/turtledeck securely in place. Front and rear guides provide automatic alignment. Removing the canopy provides easy access to the battery compartment which is roomy enough for 4-cell Lipo packs.

patnchris

I'm seriously looking into gettng one of these. However I'm wondering if I was to switch the 42-50-800 Rimfire outrunner to the 42-50-1000 outrunner, how much difference would it make flying....I currently fly a Fliton AJ Extra using 3S 4000ma packs and would like to use the same packs for the Edge......Pat

Greg Covey

Hi Pat,

My initial guess is that you would be ok. Once I measure the recommended power system output and get a watts-per-pound figure, I'll know for sure if I have serious power which means you could fly it on a 3-cell pack with a higher current draw.

The recommended power system components are as follows:[ul][*] Great Planes Rimfire [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLWV3&P=V]42-50-800[/link] Out-Runner Brushless motor[*] Great Planes Silver Series [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKSY6&P=V]45A[/link] Brushless ESC[*] Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPWJ6&P=V]14.8V 2100mAh[/link] 20C Power Pack[*] APC 12x6 e-prop[*] Futaba [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNCV8&P=M]S3115[/link] Micro Precision Servos
[/ul]
Notice anything unusual? The Deans Ultra connectors are already installed as are the motor to ESC connectors. No soldering required!

Greg Covey

The assembly starts by installing the aileron servos. My Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servos fit perfectly. Two retaining plates are supplied in the kit for every servo and are used in place of the rubber grommet and brass eyelet. The plates hold the servo securely flush to the surface so that they cannot wobble.

The manual has excellent assembly photos and instruction. All the hardware was supplied including the silicone clevis retainers.

GAS4ever

hello, imm looking for this plane, but im thinking to use hobbycity gear, like the turnigysk engines and hd servos, have someone looked this page?????

Greg Covey

Hi,

You can use something like the Turnigy TR 42-50A 700kv Brushless Outrunner / 720W for a similar power level on a 12x8 prop with 4s LiPo.

Regards.

zac dady

My edge 540 just landed at my house im using great planes motor and a castle creation 60 amp speed controller. Hopefully this weekend i can start assembling this plane. Greg do you have the after market carbon fiber landing gear and wheel pants for yours. I think they look pretty sweet but the last i checked tower still had them on back order. I'm really happy you started a review on this airplane.

Greg Covey

Hi,

No, I don't have the optional carbon fiber parts. They have not arrived yet at Tower Hobbies. The photo below shows them, and you are right, they do look sweet!

The stock gear mains and pants are pretty good looking also. They are pre-painted fiberglass parts.

I'll get some time this weekend to work on the Edge so feel free to add your opinions on your build too.

Regards.

biplane bill

My Feedback: (5)

Just completed this plane this morning. Have not flown it yet. Perhaps Sat afternoon the weather will clear here. It was a very easy build and very light. The carbon fiber intergration is beautiful in this plane. It is really a work of art. We installed a castle BEC. The instruction book says its required if using a 4 cell battery and the speed control servo chart shows it is not rated more than 3 servos on a 4 cell pack. Build didn't present any major problems. Its tough to locate the exits for the pull pull cables and we ended up using a thin piece of music wire though the pushrod tubes to indent the covering at the exit points. The wheel pants took just a touch of sanding to avoid tire rubs. The antirotation holes in the fuse were cut in a lightening hole and not the actual pin hole, but the wing root covers the blemish. Dont forget to lay in the elevator control rod before you epoxy in the horizontal stab!!! It will go in afterwards, buts it tricky. (I just heard that was the case, we wouldn't have actually done that of coarse!!) Many of the usual time intensive tasks were alreay done. Blind nuts for motor and wheel pants already installed. Cowl and Canopy magnets installed and perfect alignment. The low rate settings seem to be very low, but I fly a lot of 3d. Look forward to putting this plane in the air and airing her out a bit. Ill check back in tomorrow.

Bill

Greg Covey

Hi Bill,

Thanks for joining in and sharing your experiences. Let us know what servos and power setup you choose.

I talked with Great Planes about the need for the [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSWL3&P=ML]CC BEC[/link] and they recommended using an external BEC on this application due to the 4-cell/4-servo combination. They said while the 45A ESC BEC should work ok, it is not optimal if you plan to fly 3D.

Since I am now going to use a CC BEC, I want to crank it up to 6v so I will now use some Futaba digital servos because my Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servos are not rated for 6v. The S3115 servos may work on 6v but there is no guarantee for their longevity.

biplane bill

My Feedback: (5)

We have the 3115 servos in the plane. I left the cc bec at the factory voltage. I think its 5.1v. I hope thats ok. The weather is looking up, hope to get in the air this afternoon. Same setup as what you have.

bernie0718

My Feedback: (4)

Hi

I JUST ORDERED ONE OF THIS GREAT LOOKING PLANES FROM TOWER HOBBIES. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES THEM TO DELIVER IT FROM IL. TO FL.???

ANYONE USING TURNIGY FROM HOBBY CITY IN THIS AIRPLANE, IF YES WHAT MOTOR, ESC, AND LIPO?


BERNIE

biplane bill

My Feedback: (5)

Didn't make it to the field Saturday, wind gusts to 25 and high temp of of 39 made the trip impractical. Maybe I'm weak! Will try again this afternoon.

Bernie, shouldn't take but a few days to get plane to Fl, iy will take less time to build than ship. Im not enough of a battery head to reccomend a setup.

Bill

Greg Covey

Welcome aboard, Bernie! When you are waiting for an R/C package, it can never arrive fast enough. Tower Hobbies is one of the best for delivery and standing behind their products.

The main landing gear installed easy and all the hardware was supplied. I did have to open up one of the wheel pants so it could properly lay flat against the mains. This was easily done with a razor knife on the fiberglass pant opening.

I weighed the fiberglass gear mains and they are under 1/4 pound. They are solid, seem to work well, and look great!

biplane bill

My Feedback: (5)

Just returned from the field. 44 degrees wind strait down the runway 11 knots gusts 18. Flys like a champ! More than enough power, handled wind very good landed like a cat with sore paws. Rates in book are spot on, even the seemingly low rates. Unlimited vertical. Very happy to clip along at little less than half stick. Didn't do much 3D due to wind, but it is quite a tumble bug. I didn't try to evaluate any coupling either, but I suspect very little. This plane will be raffled off at our club meeting in a couple of weeks. Ill be sad to see her go, but that was the original plan for the plane. I may sneak in another flight on a calmer day to evaluate the full flight envelope. Till then, you guys enjoy em, I dont think you will be disappointed.
Shoot me a msg if you have any questions.

Bill

MrMulligan

My Feedback: (314)

What motor are you using?

jesztir

Nice write up thus far! I'm reading with eager anticipation. I have one on the way but it is a Christmas present from my three kids...

Hopefully you all can answer some questions for me. I fly from a very rough field here in HI and I've had to fit larger wheels to the few planes that I've flown out there. My Reactor Bipe looks somewhat like a 3D bush plane. Whats the general consensus on those of the 540T... how big are they? Also, what size is the spinner? I'd like to bling things up and go with an aluminum spinner and a Xoar prop. I really like the way Xoar props fly on my Bipe so it's definately worth a go on the 540. One last question... I'm thinking of going with HS82MG's all around. Anyone see any reason not too and will they fit without carving things out too much?

Thanks fellas,
Jesse

GAS4ever

I think this is a good motor, lighter and powerfull

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s..._35-48_1100Kv_

biplane bill

My Feedback: (5)

Mr M.

Im using the exact setup as Greg shows above. Its the same gear that the plane is advertised with.

Jesztir,

I'm not much of a electric guy, Ill have to measure the tires for you. They fill out the wheel pants nice and anything bigger would take some serious hacking. This thing has so much power, you only need about 3 feet to get airborn. I would forgo the bling and keep it light. Not sure about the servo question. I used the Futabas they sent us and they work great.

Gas4ever,

There are several folks in the club running turnigy motors with good results. Remember though that this plane already has the blind nuts installed and the firewall is really designed around that rimfire moter. I think you would have to do some hacking to make turnigy fit. Even the cowl spacing is spot on and designed around the rimfire. I'm not pushing rimfire motors, just a matter of keep it simple. Plane really does it all with the recomended setup.

GAS4ever

Thanks for your coments. I have saying this because you can save around 30grs in the motor. But maybe isnt necesary. How light is this edge??? did well harriers??? or start to make wing rock???

Thanks for the feedback

MrMulligan

My Feedback: (314)

Thank you, I appreciate the recommendation. I wonder if this motor would fit the electric mounts that Electrifly sells. I had to use one on my Electrostik. It fit the blind nuts on the firewall but I had to elongate the holes in the nose of the mount for mounting the motor.

biplane bill

My Feedback: (5)

Gas4ever,

It was too windy to even attempt a harrier. Plane is built super light, but I didnt weigh it ready to go. Watch Gregs build, he is weighing everything as he goes along.