RC Spitfire Mk IX 250 SQN 1400mm Maiden: Flight One

This is the FMS ‘Spitfire Mk IX’ with a 1400mm wingspan, running a 70A ESC on a 5000mAh 4S LiPo, powered by a 580KV motor turning a 14 x 8 tri blade propeller with electric retracts,, finished in the classic RAF grey and green scheme with “AL” squadron markings from No. 250 Squadron. Flight Review: Picked this one up from a subscriber for a steal. It came with some proper issues no wing spar, no working motor, and a few electrical problems but I tracked it down to a dry solder, sorted it out, fitted a spar, and had it ready for the field within the week. Lined up on the tarmac and took off to the north. Once airborne it needed a bit of work to settle in and find that Spitfire feel. It was slightly tail heavy with the camera onboard so I kept it simple with a few aileron rolls and basic passes while feeling it out. The tail heavy setup made things tricky especially on approach. It wanted to climb with any speed, but slow it too much and it was right on the edge of a stall. That balance made judging sink rate pretty uncomfortable on the first landing. Brought it in a bit heavy but managed to roll it out onto the grass. The narrow gear definitely keeps you on your toes. Not the easiest maiden but it is going to be a solid flyer once dialled in and it will be back on the channel soon.