Hi has anyone flown the Katana mini ARF by precision aerobatics? if so, how is it? is it a pretty good quality arf for the price? http://www.centralhobbies.com/electr...o/katanami.htm

Go here http://www.copperheadaviation.com/co...tore/video.asp and you'll see a vid.

The KM by Precision Aerobatics is manufactured extreamly well! Laser work is top notch. Entire airframe is well engineered and solid. I tend to build "old-school", resulting in a flying weight near 30 oz. At this weight, the KM wont flit around like a moth, but it does perform like a First Class Pattern Ship...and more!

A few areas to save weight: Instead of using servo extensions, solder on servo wire to get the lenghts needed. Consider using the supplied hinges instead of "Dubro-Mini" hinges(I cant stand CA hinges). Pushrods: Test the pre-installed Z-bend's for security( This is noted to do in the instructions). I re-fastened ALL the ends with string wrap and glue, which added weight. Since I never built or flew an electric before, I beefed up the gngine box to front fuselage former with triangular stock(as if I were mounting a OS 120).

AXI 2808/24,CC35,TP3x2100, (Shaft mount)10x5 prop has worked fine! However, this motor will NOT fit correctly(outside diameter contacts motor box/frame) IF you wish to mount via the firewall method instead of the stick-mount.

Control throws: High rate...Set it up for the max! Low rate...very little deflection(3/8 to 1/2) in elevator and aileron is needed for first flights/trimming/etc. Expo...PLEANTY!!!

(I am wondering if the KM would be better off running a 25amp setup. Might build another to test this.)

Bottom Line: Made VERY well, strong and light! Flight: Will take everything you can throw at it! IMO the quality justifies the price!

Good Luck!
Tony

I just bought a Katana Mini and it seems the instructions are a little vague for a beginner. Does anyone know of more and better instructions, especially installing the control horns and servos?

The control horns are pretty easy to install. The locations to mount them have been lasered out for you. Make sure you get a good secure fit. Rather than use epoxy, I use CA glue. I put a couple drops of medium in the hole, insert the horn and then wick in thin around the base of the horn. I have built 6 KMs and never had one failure. The servo mounting locations were engineered to accept Blue Bird 306 servos. Anything else you use will require you to trim the holes. This isn't hard, just take your time and shave a small amount of material at a time. Make sure you use the "forward" holes in the tail.

If you have anymore questions about your build, just post them here and I'll gladly help you out.

Cheers

William,
Thanks for the help. I'm just getting to the part of installing servos. I wish the instructions had a little better photos, at least of the finished installation of the control horns, servos, and control wires. Sorry this is all new to me. But I'll get it. Thanks again
Cousinern

Hi guys,
Just got one of these and i am going to put a Dualsky 990kv motor in it.

Any ideas how to mount it coz id i mount it on the engine box it'll stick out too far and the cowling won't fit.

Regards,
Jon S