Ace simple extra 230

[sircrashalotnot]

Has any one built and flown a extra 230 from ace? And does any one know where to get a mach nun built by ace r/c.

[KeithLuneau]

I had a Simple Extra230. It was short lived though, about 5 flights. I had standard radio gear in it, and a Killer Bee .051 with a 1 ounce tank. It flew great, was a bit fast. On the last flight, I got mixed up, and ended up going down fast, I yanked it up, and the wing broke just where it exits the fuselage. It went into a plowed field, and suffered no other damage! I always meant to re-build it, but never did.

[Lynn S]

I have built the Simple Extra. This plane has to have a lot of speed to fly well. It wants to tip stall if you fly it too slow. I flew it from my front yard and didn't use the landing gear. It was hard to get a good launch by hand. I never did try a runway take-off. It would probably fly ok with a good take-off to have it up to speed.
Use at least a .061 for power.
I have removed the Ace wing and fitted a Wattage Giles 202 wing on my Extra. This wing was on a plane that crashed but was an excellent flyer. I hope to have it flying soon.

Edit: I'm sure I built my Extra a little heavy. Be sure to build yours as light as you can. I know I will keep that in mind with the next one I build. The fuse is very strong and it can take a lot of abuse.

[TEM]

I still have mine... Look in the 1/2A Pics thread for a pic of it.. Covered in black with a batman head for pilot. Norvel .074, FMA micro servos(S60's and S80's). Futaba standard RX. Weights in at 19oz. I've only got a few flights on it cause I can't handle it. Yes; it does stall very easily and needs to fly FAST. Like suggested, a runway to pick up speed is a good idea. I've put it away until I learn to fly better.

If you want a real good aerobatic plane for 1/2A, I think converting mountain model's electric planes would be your best bet. ie switch back, miniflash, etc..

[easytiger]

I have one, econokoted and light, a nice flyer with the Norvel 061.
The foam wing is not that light, and they use heavy, cheap wood for the fuse, so I am not surprised that some are coming out heavy. It SHOULD be a pretty docile plane if the weight is right, mine is about 16 ounces. Flies nicely. Norvel 06.
I might suggest that this works best as a two channel plane, skip the throttle and rudder and any extranous weight. If you want all four channels, you might want to start with a different kit, or replace a lot of wood, and think up a very light finish.

[Lynn S]

easytiger,
Could you hand launch your Extra? or did you always take off on pavement.?

[easytiger]

Always hand launched it. Eventually took the gear off to save weight.

[Lynn S]

I like the idea of a "simple" two channel plane.... mine started life with a Black Widow for power....easy to stall... a little too simple.
The next one I build I will try to keep at 16 oz or less. Here is my 3 channel Simple Extra with a Wattage Giles G202 wing on it and front cowl. It has a Norvel .074 for power and flys great!

[easytiger]

Simple is right. This has been going on with 1/2a ever since it first really took hold in the Seventies.
People try to make four channel full house models out of them, start playing with landing gear, or retracts, heavy finishes...the weight goes up, and the performance goes down.
Those HOB warbirds, ace simple series, stuff like that...they fly great with a Tee Dee 049 and two channels, when they are kept simple and light.
Now...the Norvel 074...it's a gem, has a lot more power, opens up all sorts of possibilities...

[Lynn S]

Easytiger,
Did you find the CG on the plans too far forward? I couldn't get mine to fly until I moved it back about an inch. This was with .049 power.

[easytiger]

You know, I don't remember.

[kablah]

I built the Simple Me-109 and converted it to electric with a park 400 and 11.1v 1300mah lipo. This thing screams, but the landings are hot. anyone had success on slowing these things down to counter the tip stalling?

[eroc144]

I've built several Ace Simple kits - they're all pretty much bricks and land hot. The only way to slow them down is to make them lighter - a LOT lighter. The foam wing and the wood are relatively heavy (1 - 2 ounces at this scale is significant). Someone once said that the best thing to do with an Ace kit is to use the supplied wood as a pattern over contest grade balsa, then toss the kit wood!

So in your case, I guess the best thing to do is to learn to love "hot" landings!

EG