The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber was developed in the 1930s and helped pave the way to victory in Europe during World War II. The beautiful, four-engine aircraft was known for its ability to take heavy battle damage and still make it home from its missions.
I have had the pleasure of watching the aircraft fly at several air shows throughout the years, and even had the chance to talk to some of the veterans who piloted them during the war. The airplane quickly became a favorite of mine, and is still on my list of micro RC airplanes to design, but with the release of the new E-flite UMX B-17G Flying Fortress BNF, I will put that project on hold to enjoy flying this exciting new model.
We have come a long way since the early days of micro RC. Just a few years ago, it was unimaginable to think that you could purchase a BNF four-motor micro RC model of a B-17. Thanks to innovative designers, that dream is now a reality!
The E-flite UMX B-17G comes nicely packaged in its protective carrying/storage case. Included in the box are the completely built B-17G, landing gear, 250 mAh LiPo battery, charger, and instructions. Only a four-plus-channel transmitter with Spektrum 2.4 GHz DSM2/DSMX technology is required to fly the model.
This nice-size, 1/48-scale B-17G has a 26-inch wingspan. It is beautifully painted in the B-17G Man O War II scheme. The model has some great scale detail in the form of panel lines, machine guns, markings, and three-blade propellers. Scalelike propellers make a model of any size appear more realistic.
Before flying the airplane, the 250 mAh LiPo battery must be charged and the model needs to be bound to the transmitter. The battery installs in the nose under the removable hatch that is held in place by magnets.
After checking the controls for proper direction and movement, the aircraft is ready to fly! The model features the AS3X stabilization system that is built into the six-channel receiver. This helps keep the model stable when flying on windy days, and gives the aircraft the feel of a larger airplane.
Another nice feature of the airplane is that the main landing gear is removable and can be replaced with a simulated pair of included retracted wheels. This is great because I usually do most of my flying over grass.
In the Air
The model weighs 2.75 ounces ready to fly and it has a fairly light wing loading. I was excited to get it into the air and see how it flew!
For my first flight I installed the simulated retracted wheels, and tested the four motors to make sure they were all running okay. The model has counter-rotating propellers, which help with the torque. I gave it a nice toss and the model climbed out with a nose-high attitude. I dialed in full down-trim and continued the flight.
I proceeded to evaluate the model in fast and slow flight. I did some stalls, and then brought it in for a nice landing. The model flew well and had good stall characteristics because of the light wing loading and the AS3X stabilization system. I adjusted the elevator control rod to give it more down-trim and took it up for another flight. This time I wanted to ring it out and see what it could do.
The model easily did nice loops and slow rolls. They were not scale for a B-17, but it’s nice to know that it can perform them.
I had to wait for another calm day to try the model with the main landing gear on and see how it did with takeoffs from the ground and landing. Ironically, with the bad winter we had in the Northeast, I had to wait several weeks before I could fly again. This was good and bad because I had nearly a foot of snow in my yard and it was a very cold February day! The good part was that I could make takeoffs and landings on my cold, hard, snow-covered field right in front of my home.
The model handled well on the ground, and takeoffs were easy with a short ground roll. Landings were also simple to make with this aircraft.
The E-flite UMX B-17G BNF Flying Fortress is a great model for anyone looking for something slightly different than your average micro RC airplane. The only negative I found is that I had to adjust the elevator control rod for level flight out of the box. I also tested it with a 300 mAh LiPo battery and that helped move the CG slightly forward. Other than that, it is all thumbs up!
The fact that the aircraft is 1/48 scale means decals and other scale items from 1/48-scale plastic B-17 kits can be used and the airplane can have different paint schemes. I enjoyed flying the model as it was designed (as a bomber), but doing aerobatics was also fun.
Now I just need a few of my friends to purchase the B-17G so I can fly in formation with them!