E-FLITE UMX NIGHT VAPOR
New Products that are Worth a Closer Look
REMARKABLY, THE CURRENT ITERATION of the Night Vapor is available as both a BNF and an RTF version at the same price as it was upon its original release more than 10 years ago but with more technology included. The latest version has a stronger, reinforced airframe that includes more durable, metal landing gear. It features LED lights with the ability to change between different color options to easily identify your Vapor when flying with others, and it is outfitted with AS3X and SAFE Select stabilization technology.
The included 1S USB LiPo charger works well to charge the included battery, and the light on the charger makes it easy to identify when the battery is charged. I have the RTF version and after unpacking the model, the radio, charger, and battery, only charging was required. I recommend getting a few extra batteries. Additional 1S 150 mAh batteries, such as the one that comes with the Vapor, can be purchased for $4.50 each. Having three or four batteries is perfect to keep you flying for a while.
If you have never flown a Vapor, it is important to point out that although it is capable of being flown indoors, you need a large room or space for it to be enjoyable. Something the size of a two-car garage is about right, although I have flown it in my single-car garage. The larger the indoor space, the more enjoyable it is to fly. Smaller spaces might require the Vapor to be flown in a high-alpha, near-stall situation to decrease the flying speed.
The Vapor is fun to fly indoors and is sturdy enough to handle minor alterations with various objects that you might have in your indoor flying space. Taking off and landing on the coffee table, for instance, is a blast!
You can fly the Vapor outdoors, but you need calm conditions for it to be enjoyable, given its light weight. I fly mine in my yard and it makes for a nice-flying model on calm days, early mornings, or late evenings, and the lights help to extend when you can fly.
If you decide on the RTF version, a nice feature of the transmitter is the ability to see telemetry data to show flight battery voltage via the light on the front of the transmitter. Green indicates the battery is at or above 3.7 volts; yellow is between 3.3 and 3.7 volts; and red is less than 3.3 volts. The right stick of the RTF version allows you to change the control rates by depressing the stick.
The front and rear LED colors on the Night Vapor are selectable through your transmitter. The default colors are yellow in front and white in the rear. The other available colors are blue, red, green, or purple.
The Night Vapor’s AS3X works behind the scenes to decrease the effects of wind and turbulence. The optional-use SAFE Select offers pitch and bank angle limits, along with automatic self-leveling. SAFE can be turned on or off at the flick of a switch on the transmitter.
Throughout the years, the Vapor has proven to be an enjoyable indoor/outdoor model for those who are looking to fly in small spaces, and the Night Vapor includes all of the fun of its predecessors, with a few new features to keep things fresh.
At a Glance
Specifications
Battery: LiPo (3.7 volts per cell)
Charger: Included
Completion level: RTF
Flying weight: 250 grams
Motor: Brushed
Length: 16.5 inches
Weight: 0.9 ounces with battery; 0.7 ounces without battery
Propeller size: 5.9 inches
Wingspan: 14.8 inches
Price: $129.99 RTF; $99.99 BNF
SOURCES:
Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
New Products from the Modeler’s Mall
One Click Plug and One Click Plug Plus Multi-Servo Connector Plugs @ $8.95 - $12.95 + S&H from Advanced Radio
Email: sales@boomarc.com; website: www.boomarc.com
The AR One Click and One Click Plus multi-servo connector plugs from Advanced Radio and BoomaRC make putting your model together amazingly quick and easy! Designed for 3D, International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC), and aerobatic airplanes, One Click quickly connects dual servos in a single connector. Its bigger brother, the One Click Plus, is aimed at warbirds and jets and is designed to accommodate two servos and up to four electrical circuits, including electric retracts, electric brakes, and two independent light circuits, in a plug the size of a dime.
Both connectors feature a unique, keyed, anti-reverse shape and a keeper clip for secure connection throughout thousands of flights. Made of high-temperature 100mm 20 AWG silicon wire that is connected to 10-amp-capable pins, each servo connector has its own separate pins to allow you to use them with different voltages, such as high-voltage servos, a 12-volt lighting system, and separate batteries for electric landing gear and brakes.
The AR One Click and One Click Plus multi-servo connector plug sets come ready-to-use with 100mm of silicon cable that is pre-crimped for easy installation, whether the aircraft is already flying or during the building process. They are available from BoomaRC or any Advanced Radio retailer.
vegas Raven @ $217+ S&H from BMJR Models
Box 1210, Sharpes FL 32959; Tel.: (321) 537-1159; website: www.bmj rmodels.com
Inspired by the elliptical wing and tail of Dave Platt’s Free Flight Raven design, the vegas Raven is an all-balsa and plywood, 2-meter RC glider that is equipped with rudder, elevator, and spoilers.
The model has a 74-inch wingspan and an area of 712 sq. in. The flying weight of BMJR’s prototype came in at 27 ounces, giving it a wing loading of less than 6 ounces per square foot. It features a two-piece wing for ease of transport and an interchangeable nose.
The hi-start version, featured in the May 2021 issue of Model Aviation, includes an adjustable tow hook. This F5B powered version is ready to fly with 200-watt electric power using a Himax 2816 motor and three 1,000 mAh LiPo batteries, for a weight of 31 ounces.
E-flite UMX A-10 Thunderbolt II 30mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select @ $159.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.horizonhobby.com/e-flite/
The E-flite UMX A-10 Thunderbolt II 30mm EDF ultramicro BNF jet has been updated and upgraded for durability and power! Affectionately called the “Warthog,” this RC jet now enables pilots to fly in more places!
The carbon-fiber-reinforced nose and airframe on this completely factory-assembled aircraft are stronger, and the 2S- to 3S-compatible outrunner motor power system matches the larger-diameter 30mm fans to improve vertical performance and speed. Equipped with Spektrum AS3X and optional-use SAFE Select technologies, real-time battery voltage telemetry via compatible transmitters make it easier than ever to fly and enjoy.
Featuring full four-channel control, functional dual rudders, and stronger, removable landing gear with a steerable nose wheel, the AT-10’s desert camouflage trim scheme is factory applied.
Use a recommended 450 to 850 mAh LiPo battery for longer-than-average flight times. A full-range, five-plus-channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2-compatible transmitter and compatible LiPo charger and charge lead are also required.
