Pay attention to the addendum regarding the main gear as the screws (above left) used to secure the gear are now self tapping, not machine as illustrated in the manual. The rudder horn (above center) also locks the tail gear in place
wing and bolting on the prop, you’re done. I had the entire airframe assembled in the span of maybe 30 minutes.
I next followed the instructions that were included with the AnyLink and proceeded to use the device with my Futaba 8FG. It was simply a matter of using the included indus- trial hook and loop adhesive to apply the AnyLink module to the back of my 8FG transmitter case, plugging the AnyLink’s cord into the 8FG’s trainer jack, and turning on the 8FG. Next, I plugged the flight pack into the Acro Wot and pushed the bind but- ton on the Tactic receiver and I was done. I spent the rest of my time fine-tuning the servo expo and rates. One thing I did notice and should be checked is that all of the ser- vos are at neutral. I had to adjust one of the arms on the port side wing servo. Checking this will allow your servo to have complete and equal throw on both sides of the flight surface. Don’t get lazy and use your sub trims to center the servo.
With the radio set up and battery charged, I set off to the flying field the next day. I checked the center of gravity and found it spot on. The first flight was done with low rates and about –20% expo on the aileron and elevator surfaces, –15% on the rudder. Takeoff was smooth and only required a small amount of pressure of right rudder stick to get the Acro Wot tracking down the runway nice and straight. The tail will lift off quickly but avoid the temptation to yank her back. Let the Acro Wot build up speed and she will become light quickly.
keeping the wear on the foam rudder to a minimum. All one really needs is a Phillips screw driver and a 10mm wrench (above right) for the prop nut; it doesn’t get any more turn key!
Immediately I had to dial in some trim, a
few clicks down and a few clicks right. With trim out of the way, I found the Acro Wot would fly a nice straight line at around three-quarter throttle, hands off. Landing the Acro Wot is a non-event. In fact, down- right easy. I simply lined the plane up to the runway, and steadily decreased power until it settled in on its mains. It will want to keep the tail up a bit, so be ready with the rudder. About a week later I had a chance to re- ally fly the Acro Wot at a local all electric fun fly and try some aerobatics. With the rates on high and expo turned up a bit to –25% on all surfaces, –20% on rudder, I took off and shot a straight up vertical into a hammerhead. The maneuver is easy enough, power on, straight up, reduce pow- er till forward momentum is lost. As the plane is about to tail slide, deflect rudder, point the nose down and gain speed before resuming level flight.
Inside loops, both tight and large are easy as are the outside loops. Rolls on high rates are very nice and more of a corkscrew on low rates. Inverted flight is very easy, a bit of pressure is required on down elevator but still very manageable, Cuban Eights are a thing of beauty. My favorite maneuver with this plane is the Knife Edge. High rates, and a bit of throttle to rudder work well, but by no means are hard, and easy to learn for the aerobatics rookie. Short of 3D, this plane can do a whole range of maneuvers without taking the pilot out of their comfort zone. The plane has no real bad habits. The day
I was flying, the winds were anywhere be- tween 10–15 mph and the Acro Wot had no real problem with this. Battery time varies on throttle usage. For now, I have set my timer on seven minutes. During the flights where I had a lot of wind and was using a higher throttle output, seven minutes gave me enough time to land with room for a go around before finally hitting the cut-off at 8 minutes, 23 seconds. Calm weather will not require as much throttle and your results may vary.
This plane has become my go-to fun fly
plane. Since it is electric, I can simply toss it in the back of the Jeep and head to the field. With its size and airfoiled tail surfaces, winds that would ground smaller electrics are not an issue. Yet it will still fit in most small cars or in my case, my trusty Wran- gler. In other words, a minivan or large SUV is not a requirement.
That said, it is most definitely not a park flyer. You will need a bit larger space to fly the Acro Wot. I prefer my local flying field. I believe the Acro Wot MkII is the perfect transition from a primary trainer—say the Flyzone Sensei. On low rates, the Acro Wot behaves nicely with predictable flight char- acteristics. Open up the throttle, turn up the rates and it becomes a great aerobatic trainer and fun fly plane. So once again, like the Beatles or Pink Floyd, James Bond and Aston Martins, the British got it right with the Acro Wot. Now Flyzone allows you to take part of your own “British invasion” at the local field.
PHOTOS: ANGELA HAYNES
On low rates the Acro Wotis a docile flyer with no bad habits, excellent for a second plane. Once you become comfortable, turn up the rates and the Acro Wotbecomes a hot rod. Typical fun fly patterns such as the Knife Edge (above
FLYING MODELS
left) are no problem with just a bit of rudder coupling. When you’re ready to bring it in (above right), the Acro Wot rewards you with solid tracking, even in a breeze that would ground smaller electrics.
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