Extreme Flight Yak 55 SP-e The Extreme Flight Yak 55 SP-e is a small profile electric 3D ARTF with beautiful interlocking construction. You can buy one yourself here: http://www.freestyle-rc.com/ I chose it because I wanted a small but 3D capable introduction to electric flight. I had zilch knowledge of electric matters and so wanted a complete package with the motor and speed control already picked for me. I also wanted ARTF and 3D capability. My initial search for such a model was notable for its total confusion! Which motor for which model? Which speed control for which motor and motor type? What type of batteries are best for which type of motor? And so on. None of this was helped by the totally meaningless, to the newcomer at least, identification numbering systems of motors etc. However, it soon became obvious, even to a newbie like me, that Lithium Polymer batteries were the way to go. I was initially put off by the high cost of chargers but soon realised that some of the cheap 12v types were perfectly adequate. I use a Robbe Power Peak Lipoly 300. The search continued fruitlessly and confusingly and I was on the verge of giving up the whole idea when my Holy Grail appeared in the shape of a promo' video from Extreme Flight. It showed the lovely little aeroplane you see here, and it met all my criteria; small, 3D capable, ARTF and best of all it could be bought for a very attractive price with a geared brushless motor and speed control, better yet the amazing antics of the model shown in the promo' video used exactly those parts too, so I knew it would perform! The only parts for me to supply were radio gear and Lipo' batteries. The promo' video `plane used Hitec HS55 servo's and Thunder Power 1350 3 cell 11.1 volt Lipo', so that's what I bought too. Building, if that's the word, the model is quick and easy, there really isn't much to do at all. Fitting the control horns, push rod guides, radio gear, motor and speed control is about all there is to it. I fitted the Lipo' on Velcro so that it would be easy to swap them over during a flying session, and this works well. I haven't lost a Lipo' yet! Servo's are conventionally mounted and I fitted the receiver inside the wing with its own hatch, which also mounts the receiver switch. The aerial trails down the fuselage and behind as usual. I set all control surfaces for as much throw as I could get. The Hitec HS55 servo's are fast and accurate, unlike some of their bigger brethren. I also fitted an audible low voltage warning alarm which cost £12. This protects your Lipo's from low voltage damage. Flying the thing is fun, fun, fun! It's capable of just about anything and then some. I needed a little mixing for knife edge flight - about 6% up elevator correction for full rudder, mind you, I have a lot of travel on the rudder and to be honest, that amount isn't needed. I've managed to crash it quite badly on three occasions, once when trying to catch it from a hover, I caught the rudder with my hand as I made a grab for it and flipped it straight into the ground! The second time was due to losing synchronisation during low harrier rolls, and lastly, I flew it into my lower leg at high speed. Those of you who have flown this type of model will nod sagely and smile, while those who have not will think I'm an idiot… The damage in each case was to the nose only and was readily repaired. The model draws you into doing things you wouldn't ordinarily attempt, and therein lies its strength, because in attempting this stuff you're learning all the while. High alpha knife flight is one of its specialities and all the usual 3D moves are easily accomplished. Use plenty of expo' if you have extreme throws otherwise normal flight is pretty twitchy. On reduced throws it's a nice and safe model to fly and could be handled by anyone who's through the basic trainer stage. It can handle a good breeze and in fact can be a lot of fun when the wind is up. All in all a good and useful introduction to electric flight for the more advanced modeller looking for a first electric or someone on the early learning curve wanting to get into 3D flying. Yes, all the stories are true - what a delight it is to go flying without all the usual stuff you have to cart around. Also you can fly virtually anywhwere. There's very little noise and somehow, because of this, there seems to be less general stress. Electric is ideal for 3D flying as you're not having to fight the engine the whole time as it leans or stumbles depending on which way the nose is pointing and, of course, you don't have to worry about it suddenly going quiet! Throttle response compared to a glow motor is simply amazing. And when the day is done everything is clean and oil free too. G:-) Spec's: Span:  30.5 inches Length:  31.5 inches Wing Area:  320 sq ins AUW:  14 - 16 ounces Extreme Flight BL-20 brushless geared motor 15 Amp ESC 10x4.7 prop' HS-55 servo's Webra RX FF-20-6-06