max2112

INTRODUCTION:
This plane caught my eye the first time I saw it in a thread here on WattFlyer. The YardBird RC webpage is designed well and easy to navigate. KnifeEdge even has a download page where you can download the plane for the Realflight (3.5 and 4). The flight physics for the models are spot on and they look true to life. This was a very positive point and is one of the reasons why I bought the kit.

BUILD COMMENTS
I'll keep this part simple and only talk about the trouble spots where I had to deviate from the manual.
....

That's it! Not once did the instructions leave me scratching my head in bewilderment. It is a VERY well written manual that has plenty of clear pictures and notes where necessary.
I used a hot glue gun exclusively to build mine so it ended up a bit heavy but it was 100% flyable in about 45 minutes.
As always, it pays to dry-fit all pieces before gluing.


You will need a transmitter that can be programmed for Delta mixing, or buy a servo signal splitter. The DX-6 works great for this purpose.

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS:
I love this little plane! The E-flite 400 is not as strong as the factory recommended motor. So it doesn't quite leap out of your hand like it does in the video. But it will still go vertical until it's a very small speck!


This plane is just FUN TO FLY and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a not-too-expensive everyday flyer that is easy to get to know and flies well in windy conditions.


This is not really a negative point about this plane, but more a reminder of what it is: This is a flat foam plane. The wings don't generate lift; it's all angle of attack and the power of the motor. Again, not really a bad thing, but I have induced a flat spin 'o death twice so far. Recovery was easy, though. Just point the nose down and get some air speed back.


SUMMARY:

This plane is a blast to fly! With a little bit of practice you can slow it down to a crawl and drop it at your feet. It has a wide performance envelope that lets you do wicked fly-bys or crawl it past with the nose ridiculously high. It handles wind very well. I have flown her in some very stiff winds. If your thumbs can react - she can handle it!

Overall a 9 out of 10! A quality product with a phenomenal fun factor!!

My good friend AnglerHi even caught the maiden on video.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X2hyRRWfAY[/media]

Angler-Hi

I have to say, John's right! I have been with him on quite a few flights with this awesome plane. The unlimited vertical that this thing is capable of is amazing to watch. To me, the real cherry on top, is watching that beautiful silouhette tear up the sky in the early morning sunrise! Awesome review John!

Mike

gzsfrk

Great review, max! Definitely makes me want to see if I can pick this one up.

Quick question--I have a spare TP2409-12 outrunner (1600kv, 200w) that I'm looking to use on a plane, and I'm thinking it might work well on this one. Pair it up with an 8x6 prop (would that fit?), and I think it would make it a real screamer. Or do you think it would just be too overpowered for this little profile?

Of course, I'd need to use at least a 1500mah 3S to get any kind of reasonable (10 minutes) flight times out of it. Or, I guess I could always just keep it small and go with a 2S. I actually use a 2S with the TP2409-12 in my J-3 Piper Cub that I converted to brushless, and it has plenty of power, albeit not nearly as fast as it would be with a 3S. Hmm....

Also, would a bell-style outrunner be able to mount cleanly on this plane stock?

In any case, great job on this review! Look forward to seeing more from you in the future.

Angler-Hi

What's the weight in grams for this motor gzsfrk? Also, I would go with a similar prop as the recommended setup, like a 7x5 pusher. 1600Kv is just fine. The Kv rating on the recommended motor is 1450. I plan on using a 3s 1500-2100mah Li-po and a 25-30A ESC. The weight of the motor shouldn't be more than 45g. I hope this helps. I'm sure max2112 will be here in a while to give his suggestions. Good luck with it friend.

Mike

max2112

gzsfrk,
Thanks for the compliment. The review went surprisingly quick once I sat down and typed it out.

1st question: No an 8x6 will Not fit. The cavity for the motor and prop is 7 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches long. You can't widen the "prop hole" out without cutting foam away from the support spars running front to back.

2nd question: Yes it looks like it will fit OK. You might have to get a bit creative on the motor mount but it is doable in my opinion.


I'm not sure about the strength of the motor as it would apply to this weight. Let me do some research and get back to you!

Angler-Hi

I totally forgot about the dimensions of the motor/prop cavity. I'll be ordering her at the end of the month...can't wait!!

How nervous would you be having both the F-22 and Mig-29 in the air at the same time...one on 72mhz and the other on 2.4ghz? Sorry, don't mean to stray from the topic.

gzsfrk, from watching max2112 fly this beauty, I can promise you you're gonna have loads of fun with this plane. Not bad for the price..AT ALL!! Good luck friend.

Mike

cptdragn

I have them both and both have been in the air at the same time using just the set up you asked about. The 22 on 2.4 and the mig on 72mhz. I had no issuses from either bird.

Tony

max2112

Hi Tony. Is there a performance difference between the two planes? Does one turn quicker or better than the other?

Thanks.
John

Mike Parsons

Well done!

max2112

Thanks much Big Dawg!

I'm just trying to be a productive member of society.

Angler-Hi

I'll get a better camera John...I promise.

max2112

Mike, I couldn't disagree more. Sure a bigger badder camera might produce a better pic/video, but your recording skills are fine as-is. The wind was bouncing me all over the place that day, but the plane is always in frame. Even after I tried to buzz-attack the both of us!

Angler-Hi

Hey, as long as you're happy with it friend. I'll be placing my order for the Mig-29 next payday! I'll pick up some of that foam you were talking about from Lowes and make templates before I build her. Can't wait to have a go.

Bluebird

Hi gzsfrk, my Yardbird F-22 & MiG 29 use the 2409-12T w/ APC 7x5. As mentioned, you will need to fashion a 3/32" or 1/8" firewall to epoxy to the kit mount. With a 1300 mAh 3s LiPo, the 12T has no problem pulling the model out of your hand on launch as described in the manual.

max2112

Thanks for the info Bluebird. It's good to know that there is a cheaper alternative that will make this foamie scoot!

gfdengine204

Dang John,

I don't like you no more, you tempter you.....

That looks like such a fun plane to fly.

Angler-Hi

John, change of plans friend...I'm ordering the Mig-29 tomorrow when I get home from work!!

max2112

Kevin, normally I despise people in the magazines who write reviews and heap praise after praise on a mediocre model. But this little guy is easy to build and a breeze to fly.

I think Dr. Phil would call me your " Enabler " !

Of course when I buy a GeeBee Sportster I'm telling Sherry it's your fault!

Angler-Hi

LOL.

gfdengine204

John,

I agree 110%. It seems all the RC mags are just glorified advertisements anymore. I would like objective reviews. Tell me the bad stuff as well as the good. Maybe it would save some modelers some money avoiding a junker. (Jumping down from my soapbox now)

pvtzemerak

nice review. i cant really see the plane at 1:30

max2112

You're right Z. Sometimes it is difficult to keep your visual orientation with this plane. I guess that is because it is small and a profile foamie.

Since this review I have put a big reflective V on the bottom to help with orientation.

Yardbird RC

Wow, great review. Thanks for the great review and post everyone. We will have a few new birds out before the end of summer.

Thank you for your support.

Rick
YBRC

max2112

Rick, first of all, WELCOME to WATTFLYER!!
It's always great to see new faces, especially from vendors that talk to us consumers in an open forum.

Can you give us any hints as to what's on the horizon?

Oh yeah... and THANKS for a great product!!

John

Yardbird RC

Sure, the hint is the first pic.

The second pic was from one of our customers Richard. It was taken at a relay station in New Zealand.

Rick YBRC