HobbyKing™ Mini B-17 Bomber EPO 745mm (RTB)

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Stabilization good when it works

Jan 23, 2017

I would rate this better if I didn't have the plane lose signal 3 times when flying with Stabilization on. With stabilization off, never had issues losing signal. Only lose signal when stabilization is on. When I lose signal, the motors run as full power and ailerons are deflected at maximum. This caused the plan to barrel roll to the ground. Luckily I fly over a grass field, so no real damage. Because returning for replacement to China is expensive, I'll just keep plane and run with stabilization off

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Looks great in the sky

Jan 22, 2017

It's a great looking plane. Even better when flying through the sky. I love the sound of the multi-motor when doing low fly-bys. Doesn't require a lot of run away to take off. It can fly slow without stalling, making the fly bys breathtaking. Very durable also when I lost signal and plane started barrel rolling towards the ground. I was sure it would break in pieces. But it didn't, just a slight crush on the nose. Lost signal was due to slightly lower than normal battery voltage on transmitter. My fault, I was anxious to fly before it got dark. Control surfaces have a lot of deflecting which allows for sharp bank turns. I know, not scale flying, but it's fun to test the limits. The only thing I found wrong is the high pitch noise coming from the receiver. It seems like the noise is being caused by the rudder and elevator servos. It doesn't impact the performance though. Also found the rubber slightly offset which can be easily adjusted using a set screw on the link. Note, if adjusting rudder, do not use the trims on the radio to adjust. Adjust trim on radio will also affect the motor differentials. This will cause one side of the motors run faster than the other. Plane flies great in low wind conditions. In higher winds conditions, the stabilization doesn't work as well as other stabilization systems I've used with other manufactured planes. The plane does have enough power to fly at higher wind gusts, but it does require higher piloting skills to keep the plane under control. I have several warbirds, but this is the first 4-motor bomber that I'm glad I added to my collection.

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Customer Rated

Sep 14, 2016

I bought this for a trainer. I'd watched the video using it in a gymnasium. I couldn't do that, but it looks so much better than a powered glider with huge dihedral. It flies lovely and steady but you need to work the elevator and rudder in the turns to keep height. Which is the whole point of a trainer. What practice do you get if it flies itself? Also it can take a real beating. The magnets on the nosecone need to be improved. Plus mine was supplied with the motors wired backwards. The differential thrust worked in conflict with the rudder, left rudder gave thrust on the left motors. Not good. Overall, however, recommended. Just buy one!

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Customer Rated

Aug 22, 2016

50 flight review. This little plane flies so good it just about flies itself. Almost impossible to crash. loves 1000mah batteries, flies just as good inverted as normal flight, This is a real joy to fly, have many compliments at the field on this, landing gear is excellent on a maintained grass field, This one is a keeper, and would buy another in a heartbeat, You can hand launch or use the gear, fly slow and low,,, paint and decals are good,,, looks great on low passes,,, what more can I say? I don't give these kind of reviews on all the planes I fly, But this one does deserve some credit. I am a advanced flyer and Love this little thing, would be excellent for a beginner, You have to get one of these!

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Customer Rated

Jul 26, 2016

This is by far the best Plane I have flown. The Flight Stabilization made this a dream to fly. I was flying in 15-20km/h winds without any issues. The only issue is the spare battery I bought cannot charge on the included charger, which a bit of wire and soldering fixed this issue.

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Customer Rated

Apr 19, 2016

What a Great little plane, takes off and lands on grass field, flys really good, using batteries from 600 to 1000 Mah. I would buy another one, Very happy with it.

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Customer Rated

Jan 31, 2016

La stabilisation est trs fficace, cet avion vole incroyablement bien dans un vent de 25 Km/h.
Vole galement trs bien en indoor, pour un pilote aguerrit.
J'utilise des batteries de 950 mah: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__32779__Turnigy_nano_tech_950mah_1S_25_50C_Lipo_Pack_Fits_Walkera_V120_X100_EU_Warehouse_.html

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Customer Rated

Sep 29, 2015

Very good plane, it's easy to fly with him even if you are a beginner and more you can make 3D.
Flight stabilization system very good and fast, so you can fly with a little wind.
Fly 5 min with Turnigy nano-tech 600mah 1S 35~70C Lipo available on HB

Very good plane, congratulation HB.

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Customer Rated

Aug 27, 2015

Mine is super sensitive on aileron, It's factory preset so I can't adjust it. It's OK but everyone comments on the jittering ailerons even on the ground. Apart from that it's OK.

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Customer Rated

Jul 12, 2015

This B-17 is one hell of a nice bomber to fly. With the gyro on, take off and landing is like auto pilot on, just manage throttle and a little rudder to correct heading. Under moderately strong wind condition, ig is rock steady! The gyro is a litt, e too aggressive and the bomber tend to oscillate around its floght path but other than that it is a superb flyer. I eish the gyro is adjustble !