FMS F3A Build Review and First Impressions

The build quality is outstanding. Minimal glue was required to build this plane and everything screwed together with ease. The servos are all 17g digital metal gear for precision and durability. The ducting is sufficient for maximum airflow to cool the electronics. Building was pretty much a non-event. The wing and elevator are two pieces and go together quickly without hassle. The main wing uses two tubular carbon fiber spars, and their plastic mounting shrouds are well aligned. The main wing needed zero adjustment, while the elevator's port spar mounting shroud was 2 degrees off 180. Compressing the foam at the junction point was enough to seat the elevator back to flush. We completed the task in a little over an hour.

FMS F3A Flight Review

We flew the F3A using a 6S 4000mAh LiPo pack and we also flew it using a 5S 4000mAh LiPo pack. We felt the 5S was a little better for 3D while the 6S was good for sport flying. We found knife edges were very stable and the control surfaces are large enough to hold F3A patterns. We were able to do snap rolls and everything you would expect from an F3A pattern plane using either battery. Flight duration was between 6 and 8 min depending on how much throttle we were using. Power from the 2 blade prop was adequate. We recommend removing the Y cables for ailerons which will allow you to subtrim the individual aileron servos to perfection.

Features:

• Fully hinged rudder using Dubro style hinges (superior to foam hinges)
• 17g digital metal gear servos
• High performance 550Kv PAEP motor
• 70 Amp ESC
• 2 blade 15 x 8 prop for enhanced performance
• Carbon spars and EPO foam construction provide the perfect balance between strength and flexibility
• Outrunner motor, servos, and ESC come pre-installed for your convenience

Requires:

• 4 Channel Radio - Select a minimum 4 channel radio
• 4 Channel Receiver - Select a minimum 4 channel receiver
• 6 Cell 22.2V 4000 mAh LiPo Battery with XT60 Connector
• 6 Cell Compatible Battery Charger - Select a minimum 6 cell (6S) charger