E-flite has just released a sweet looking 850mm Pitts biplane with all of the features you've come to know and love.
With signature AS3X stabilization and SAFE Select technology included in most E-Flite aircraft these days, this Pitts biplane is a licensed replica of the original iconic aerobatic aircraft that's surprisingly easy to fly. Unlike models of the past, this Pitts does away with 'squirely' tendencies in favor of a locked-in flight performance. This isn't to say it isn't capable of some extreme performance, however.
Flight Demo
If you want a taste of what this model is capable of, look no further. Here's a flight demonstration from Horizon Hobby.
The Real Aircraft
This small, highly maneuverable biplane hit the aviation competition scene in the mid-40s. During the following decades, it dominated world aerobatics and still remains a popular aircraft at airshows. Still produced, these aircraft are made as single-seater and two-seaters. The particular varient the E-Flite model is based on is the single-seater S-1S.
The Model
Let's start by talking about the detail on this plane. As the real aircraft was a largely wooden and fabric constructed airplane, rib lines on the wings have been made clearly visible. As well as this, panel lines, rivets and detents have been carefully molded into the foam to give you an authentic look that lives up to the real thing.
Power, or should I say lack of power, isn't a problem when it comes to this Pitts. Again, like the real thing, the brushless motor/ prop/ battery combo delivers an authentic experience. With a 3s, you'll have all the kick you need to pull off some impressive moves. Beef it up to a 4s and you'll take off like a rocket. Looks like no modifications or powerplant swaps will be necessary with this plane.
As with most planes these days, the E-Flite Pitts is constructed with EPO foam. This durable and lightweight material is a hassle-free, low maintenance and good looking base for the airframe.
Whilst mentioning the airframe, it's also worth mentioning the form factor of this plane. Simply, the thing is rather conveniently sized, to say the least. The wingspan is just 850mm whilst the length is an even shorter 787mm. It's not like this compromises the flying experience, though, as the AS3X eliminates any unfavorable tendencies you might expect from an aerobatic aircraft of this scale. You can chuck it in your car no problem without removing the wings. It could be your 'go-anywhere' E-Flite airplane of choice.
If you did for some strange reason want to remove the wings, the whole thing disassembles without the need for tools. It's all done with a few pins and screws.
The new Pitts S-1S from E-Flite looks to be a very impressive little airplane packed full of fantastic technology to provide the very best of flight experiences. When we get our hands on one, we'll let you know more of our thoughts.
Links
A demonstration of what AS3X can do! (E-Flite Valliant)
Article by James Whomsley
Editor of FliteTest.com
Contact: [email protected]
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/projectairaviation
I’ve only been able to fly mine for a total of about 15-min since getting it due to bad weather (rain, wind and wind gusts), but I’ve made about 15 landings on grass and pavement and find everything about the landing gear to be weak; i.e., I the aluminum landing struts frequently bend and I’ve noticed stress cracks developing in the wheel pants where they connect to the landing struts. The wheels and wheel pants don’t work in grass - the plane flips over. I’ve removed the wheel pants and replaced the smallish stock wheels with Du-Bro 3-in dia. ultralight wheels, which stopped the flip overs during takeoff and landing on grass, but the wheel struts still bend way too easily. In my opinion, the landing struts don’t have sufficient strength for the weight of the airframe unless you are able to do every landing on pavement with a light touchdown. I wish the Pitts’ landing gear was a bit stronger.
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