41% WH Extra 300

[Fixed Wing]

Last week I received a production version of the new WH 41% Extra 300. It has a 121” WS in a mid-wing design. The fuse is 109” long without spinner. I thought I’d share a little bit about the plane, show some pictures and answer questions as they come up. First, let me say that this plane is engineered very light yet strong. It employs many unique features not found in other ARF’s and can not be recognized as your typical WH. I have weighed all the individual parts of the airframe, motor, radio, hardware, etc. and calculate it will come in around 39.5 pounds all up. This is with a DA150 using canisters and also includes that “mystical pound” that you never know where it comes from. Tom, has definitely stepped it up several levels with this plane and probably won’t be able to keep it in stock. I predict it will become very competitive at all levels for either IMAC or 3D style flying.

Here are a few of my quick observations of what you see right out of the boxes:
* Includes 1.75” carbon fiber wing tube and carbon fiber stab tube.
* 2 wing socket locations are provided in the fuse. This helps solve balancing issues depending on engine choice and layout of other components.
* Canopy is pre-painted and smoked.
* Pocket hinges are preinstalled on all control surfaces. Hinge lines are secured with full length CF rods making for a slop free super strong hinge. This also allows for ridiculously large throws if you want them - up to 65 degrees (notice this in the pictures).
* Cowl is pre-painted and contains a cowl ring that uniquely attaches it to the fuse.
* Accurate covering design with no wrinkles.
* Canister tunnel box is huge and pre-built.
* Pre-polished main gear included (looks like chrome). Decent tail wheel assembly also included.
* Includes landing gear cuffs that mount on main gear next to the fuse. These are separate from the pre-painted wheel pants.
* 2 separate rudders are provided giving you the option of which one to use. One is a bit larger than the other and can be changed out at the field if you desire.
* 2 sets of stabs can be included (this is an option). One set is counter balanced while the other is not. These also can be easily changed at the field. One set could be set up for precision flying while the other could be set up for extremely wild 3D if you wanted.

[SleepyC]

That plane looks great.

I have one question though, and its in no way meant to be negative, I am just curious.
Why does WH choose to use the "paper" wing tube sleeves?
I have a few planes with paper ones and they seem to be very sensitive to tempature. (ie. when they get hot, the wing tube gets stuck)

Is there a benifit to them compared to the phenolic (sp?) tubes??

AGAIN.. that plane looks killer, I LOVE the hinges!

[adrian]

yup looks good - hinges absolutely marvelous!!

[Bushman]

I took this picture of Bill with the proto on its maiden flight.
I also have a nice video that I will upload later
Alex

[Fixed Wing]

SLeepyC,

"Why does WH choose to use the "paper" wing tube sleeves?"

I'm not exactly sure why so Tom will need to answer that question.

However, I've had several planes with cardboard sockets and haven't had the swelling issue. On a previous plane I purchased a CF wing tube from Troybuilt and it was too snug for the plane I bought it for. Thank goodness that plane had a card board socket because I was able to easily sand it so the new CF tube would fit. It didn't bother me to do that because these sockets are really for alignment of the wing tube spar and don't really provide any structural support. In fact, I've seen where some people have cut the middle section of the socket out of their fuse in order to save a little weight. However, I don't so that.

[airborneSGT]

That thing looks sweet! I need one for sure.

[airborneSGT]

Ordered mine up today. Its gona get the 3W 150.

[wildhare]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Fixed Wing
	SLeepyC, "Why does WH choose to use the "paper" wing tube sleeves?"

I switched to paper tubes (this plane originally had phenolic) because they can be sanded a little if the wing tube fit is too tight. You can't do that with phenolic.

If one buys an aftermarket wing tube that's a few thousandths oversize at least with paper tubes you can adjust them a little. You should never reduce the size of the aluminum or CF wing tube.

TF

[SleepyC]

THANKS FOR THE EXPLANATION!!

Like I said earlier, I wasn't trying to be negative at all, I just knew there must be a reason, and you just stated it.

PS: Besides this extra, I have to say "NICE JOB" on all the new planes.
That 33% 260 and now the 540 look KILLER!!!
If I could sneak another plane into the house past the wife, that 540 would have a new home!

Thanks for the info. Killer planes!

[Jaybird]

That plane looks really good. nice lines. Could the starburst be peeled off or is the ultracote seamed?
Brian

[Fixed Wing]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Jaybird
	That plane looks really good. nice lines. Could the starburst be peeled off or is the ultracote seamed? Brian

I believe this is Ultracote but not sure. The covering is seemed so it would require a lot of work to remove the starburst and recover those sections. If enough people were to want an all white version then maybe Tom would do that???

[Jcarte]

Smoken Hot