REVIEW AEROWORKS FREESTYLE EXTRA 260 ARF QB-L - 201209
Aeroworks has built a reputation for manufacturing quality aircraft that have been flown in competitions such as the Extreme Flight Championships (XFC) and countless International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) events.
To date, most Aeroworks offerings have been designed for electric or glow engines in the .60 to .90 range, with larger models set up for gas. The new Aeroworks Freestyle Extra 260 QB-L, however, was designed as an electric-powered thrill ride for pilots who want a model capable of both aerobatics and 3-D flight.
Assembly
Part of the name QB-L stands for Quick Build‑Light, meaning extra care has been taken to provide a lightweight yet strong airframe. Right out of the box you’ll find several premounted or prefinished items, including a premounted cowling, premounted wheel pants, and a quick‑release premounted canopy.
Other notable features include:
- Carbon-fiber main landing gear and wing tube
- New non-flex carbon control horns
- Premounted components and quality hardware
- Genuine UltraCote covering that requires little work with a covering iron
The included 31-page manual provides photographs of every assembly step and is also available on Aeroworks’ website. Because the manual is well written and illustrated, only a few key points are highlighted here.
- The trim scheme does not come with Aeroworks or Extra decals applied, allowing custom detailing.
- The horizontal stabilizer comes with the covering removed where it is glued to ensure a strong bond.
- When installing the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, ensure proper alignment. The horizontal stabilizer has a locator dowel built into the leading edge to center the front of the stabilizer in the fuselage.
- Aeroworks provides eight 1/8‑inch standoff blocks to accommodate several motor spacing options. With the recommended Hacker A30‑12XL V2, four blocks were required to achieve proper spacing.
- Cowl mounting is simplified with predrilled holes, 4‑40 bolts, and bonded washers. The cowl also includes an air scoop for cooling and two laser-cut mounting locations for an optional switch.
- The airplane includes both inboard and wingtip Side‑Force Generators (SFGs). Outboard SFGs are mounted with two button-head screws and bonded washers. Inboard SFGs are installed by removing covering over the slots, sliding them into the top and bottom wing slots, and tabbing them in place. If they feel loose, a thin piece of tape is recommended, though no flight issues were experienced with them as supplied.
- The included Micro CG Buddy and Custom Throw Meter simplify checking the CG and control throws.
- The battery tray accommodates batteries in the 2,600–3,000 mAh range and can be adjusted to obtain the recommended CG of 3 7/8 inches from the wing leading edge adjacent to the fuselage.
Flight Impressions
The Extra 260 handles well on the ground and requires little to no rudder input on takeoff. With full throttle from a hard surface it was airborne in less than 15 feet. Well powered with the recommended Hacker motor, the model offers a wide flight envelope.
Rate settings:
- Low rate: Flies like a sport model and is suited for IMAC‑style aerobatics.
- Medium rate: Provides authority for most advanced aerobatic maneuvers.
- High rate: Offers ample control for 3‑D flight and low‑speed, high‑alpha maneuvers.
The SFGs add significant area for knife‑edge flight, reducing the power and rudder input needed to maintain angle of attack and altitude. The Extra is stable in high‑alpha flight, making rolling harriers and inverted harriers easy and assisting transitions into a hover and torque rolls. Low‑rate settings give the model a sportlike feel and allow smaller control throws.
Testing was performed with the inboard SFGs both installed and removed. Removing them slightly reduced rudder authority during knife‑edge and rolling maneuvers but improved top‑end speed.
Landing is straightforward; the model has good glide characteristics at low throttle. The stock nylon spinner required trimming to fit the recommended propeller.
AT A GLANCE ...
SPECIFICATIONS
- Model type: Aerobatic ARF
- Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot
- Wingspan: 52 inches
- Wing area: 560 square inches
- Length: 47 inches
- Weight: 52 ounces
- Power system: 600‑watt outrunner
- Radio: Four channels with four servos
- Construction: Balsa and light plywood
- Covering/finish: UltraCote iron‑on covering
- Street price: $249.95
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
- Motor used: Hacker A30‑12XL V2
- Battery: Thunder Power 4‑cell 2700 mAh 45C
- Propeller: APC 14 x 7
- Radio system: Futaba 8FG transmitter, Futaba R617FS FASST receiver, two Hitec HS‑85MG and two Hitec HS‑65MG servos
- Ready‑to‑fly weight: 62.5 ounces
- Flight duration: 6 to 7 minutes
PLUSES
- Lightweight construction
- Quality hardware included
- Removable inboard and wingtip side‑force generators
- Airfoiled tail surfaces
MINUSES
- Spinner required trimming to accommodate the recommended propeller
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
