Quick Specs:
Width: 118" (3000 mm)
Length: 108" (2750 mm)
Weight: 37.5 - 40lbs (17 - 18 kg) dry
Engine Size: 150 - 170cc
Servos: 9 - 11 high power digital servos
Extra 260 3m (118")
How should we improve a very successful design even further ? - Well, we at CARF-Models asked ourselves that question very often – especially when the topic is aerobatics. Our TOC-proven Extra 330S already got many input from Pilots like Jason Shulman, but when he told us about the advantages of the 260, we started listening immediatly. And not only to him. Also Frazer Briggs is known as a big 260 fan and flew his own designed 260 up to the podium at the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout several times.
But why is the 260 so perfect for our kind of IMAC-style flying ? Well, take a closer look at the full size airplane: Wing and stabs are aligned very axial - the secret of every neutral flying plane. They are reasonable streched in wingspan – almost like a modern F3A design. Missing the counterbalances, the elevators perform very well in sequence flying and let the plance track perfectly. Another affinity to pattern planes. And last, but not least, its fuselage side-area is big enough to perform a good knife-edge in every situation, while still keeping a really good aerodynamic shape. Your Extra 260 3m will be a rocket even with an older 150cc engine and have an easy game with strong wind. When your friends are already taking their Yaks apart, you’ll probably laugh about that tiny little breeze...
So far, so good. Let’s take a closer look at our 260. You know it – when there aren’t exclusive details , realizing new thoughts to make a modelers life easier – than it’s something, but not a CompARF.
•It’s always an issue with the canopies: If you’re making them too small, you need the tools of a dentist to fix the simplest things. If you’re making them too big, the plane will be shaky and noisy, especially with that new 170cc engines. Time for a compromise ! That’s exactly what we were thinking while designing the 260 fuselage.
•We listened to our valued customers all the time and we are always trying to improve things. Regarding the landing gear of our 260, we didn’t make experiments, we just made it solid and strong. You have to do a lot to break that. But even if you do so – ordering the spare parts with our new website was never as easy as it is right now. And then, it takes you exactly three bolts to exchange it. Quite simple, isn’t it ?
•As always, all the linkage horns are already glued in when you’re receiving the kit. We’re using high quality phenolic material, which is really hard to get sloppy. All our 3m planes have double horns to use ball-links, like it should be.
•You have the freedom of choice when it comes to the servos. Mounting plates for JR or Futaba servos are included in the kit. While two highest power servos like the JR 8711 or similar are sufficient for each wing, there is also the possibility to use 3 without any modification.
•The elevator doesn’t have any counterbalance, so it will a put a little bit more load at the servos at it usually does. That’s why we recommend the use of 2 highest performance - i.e. JR 8711 - servos for each stab. It’s also possible to use only one, but then you should be really careful to avoid flutter and replace your servo gear when it gets sloppy.
•All twin cylinder engines from 120-170cc will fit under the cowling. A classic 150cc motor like the DA-150 will already provide enough power on canisters for the craziest maneuvers or sequences. A 170 with canisters starts getting insane. If you use a 170 on pipes, it’s not aerobatics anymore – it’s Air-Racing.
We haven’t talked about 3D and freestyle maneuvers so far. Well, it’s good to hear that upcoming, super talented pilots like Chris Brislin from Australia are prefering the 260 also for that, flying it to the podium at the Shootout 2008 with an incredible freestyle routine, featuring all the crazy new maneuvers. With its large control surfaces and its incredible power-to-weight ratio (already with older engine designs), the 260 has everything you’ll need for any freestyle maneuvers you can imagine.
You want to have all the benefits of a Yak, while still prefering the look of an Extra ? - Well, then the decision is easy: The CARF-Models Extra 260 has everything you’ll need.
