Maxa Pro 4e

First, advice from Neil on choice of accessories was very much appreciated and every aspect of service from HyperFlight is consistent with the high reputation of which everyone writes.

Not much to say about this impressive aircraft that hasn't been said before. Used a Powerline Micro Turbo 1015 with GM 16x8 blades, 60A ESC, 3S 1000mAh, Spektrum AR9320T and 6 x MKS DS6100 for a flying mass of 1280g, CG at +113 mm from the root LE. Wing IDS makes set up very easy, especially if you make templates from the pdfs available on Vladimir's website. I used the universal fuselage LDS set which makes the fuse setup almost as easy as the wings. I had the impression from some earlier build logs that the pod to boom fit needed great care to make it accurate, but found negligible slop and only needed to align it in the rotational axis. Flight is superb and easy, as everyone says.

Only three reservations, none of which relate to Hyperflight: (1) One tip panel was about 18g heavier than the other. I don't have enough experience with these aircraft to judge if that is within tolerance, but it felt wrong to have to glue lead into such a light wing panel - and that is only giving a static (not dynamic) balance. (2) Quality of fasteners for the horizontal stab and elevator control horn was a bit ordinary. I suggest replacing the soft, cross head screws with stainless steel countersunk socket heads, sizes are M3 x 8mm (stab) and M2.5 x 10mm (control horn). Socket head reduces the risk of the driver slipping and punching a neat hold through the stab ... I upgraded the wing and ballast tube screws to stainless as well: M4 x 10mm countersunk. (3) This was obviously part of the design brief, but the 'mega' low mass comes at a cost of durability. Might not be a problem for the super-careful, but I found the wing skins especially prone to dents. You have to be very careful where you apply pressure when fitting the outer panels, installing and changing servos requires delicacy to avoid deforming the skins beneath and I've learnt not to use fingernails when rubbing down tape for servo hatches. Definitely make or buy wing and stab bags for transport. While it is a great pleasure to own and fly something so light, if I were buying something similar again I'd probably go for a heavier, and hopefully more robust, layup for regular flying. Overall, though, it is a source of great satisfaction.

There has already been a lot said about this model. My findings concur with all the positive comments. This a superb example of precision engineering and gives a beautiful result. There is very little to do in terms of building especially with the IDS installed for you and the loom from servos to receiver already fabricated.
I collected the Maxa from Neil and he made suggestions as to the assembly and as a result used the Leomotion L3007-5000 F5J 6.7:1 motor and Universal Fuselage LDS for the fuse servos. The servo frame is a breeze to in install. The servos are mounted upside down so the bowden cables in the the fuse can be kept straight. absolutely no slop. One thing I would comment on is the wings are very susceptible to physical damage so I used an old towel on the work bench and keep it clean. It's certainly worth investing in the wing/fin bags to protect your investment.
Flying.
I used the Leomotion motor, Hacker 55 amp ESC, Hyper spinner, GM 16X8 prop and 3s 1400 mA battery. The all up weight is a little under 1500 grams. The flying is oh so easy. I have only had 4 flights and it does not want to come down. The controls are well balanced, the rudder certainly is effective allowing tight turns into thermals and because of the good manners of Maxa this can be done close to the ground. Those flights were on a calm day and I realised that if I want to fly in a breeze I'm going to need to install ballast.
As ever that was ordered and arrived the next day. Thank you Neil for good advice, and service which is second to none.

Customer service:
precise, fast, excellent packaging. One of the best suppliers I know. Buying from Hyperfligth is a security.
MAXA 4 pro is a very beautiful model, refined construction, very precise, definitely a perfect product!
The definitive model.

I couldn't take delivery of this model for several weeks but Neil at Hyperflight took a deposit and held the model for me until I was ready to take delivery. The day arrived and the model arrived the next day in a very strong box. On unpacking the model was well protected from damage with bubble wrap and careful taping. What a model! The finish has to be seen to be appreciated. The whole model just slots together like a fine jigsaw only much easier. It comes pre wired ready to plug into the receiver of your choice. Servo mounts with the exception of the rudder and all moving tail plane are already installed. The fuselage comes in three pieces. The nose pod, the boom and the fin/rudder assembly. I bought all the accessories from hyperflight and Neil was very helpful in assisting my selection of top grade fittings to accompany such a high quality model. All I need now is a bit of spare time to assemble and set up the model. I hope to have it in the air before the end of the summer.

This is the 6th model I have purchased from Hyperflight over the past 6 or 7 years, + many servo's & accessories.

Every order has been promptly dispatched and received the next day, and is always exactly as detailed and personally checked by Neil. In addition nothing has ever been damaged because he employs a staff member solely to pack things up in an almost bullet-proof manner with no expense spared. (The boxes he uses are such good quality most use them to store models!)

I would also like to complement Neil on the Website - everything works exactly as it should and it has all the detail you need. (I believe he also runs a company that develops web pages much more complicated than this).

I look forward to flying this model in the near future!

Just a follow up note to say that I flew the Maxa Megalight last weekend at the Midland League esoaring comp at Hawling. Her first proper outing so to speak and a chance to fine tune her.

The fairly light wind conditions (8mph) and reduced launch height (to 150m) on the day made it an enjoyable challenge. Of the 7 rounds, 4 slot wins and 2 others I should have won if I landed better is the headline. A zero score in R6 is another story and unrelated to the Megalight. The Megalight got away from low down (circa 10-20m) in 3 slots to subsequently go on to fly out the slots. A good test for her. The extra 20 gms or so makes no appreciable difference (if not aids the handling as it is concentrated in the centre panel). She is incredibly mild mannered and shows the lift well.

Very pleased, very impressed and looking forward to using her in the season to come.

About 2 years ago I bought a Maxa 4E from Hyperflight. It's taken me that long to get it finished - and I was very careful. I maidened it about 4 weeks ago and am entranced by it. As many say, Vladimir makes beautiful models and this is no exception. It flies perfectly using the recommended set-up. It can fly amazingly slowly with zero tendency to tip stall - it is a very forgiving plane to fly. It picks up even gentle thermals well. It's not cheap but it's a brilliant model, thanks!

About 2 years ago I bought a Maxa4E from Hyperflight. It's taken me that long to get it finished - and I was very careful.

I maidened it about 4 weeks ago and am entranced by it. As many say, Vladimir makes beautiful models and this is no exception. It flies perfectly using the recommended set-up. It can fly amazingly slowly with zero tendency to tip stall - it is a very forgiving plane to fly. It picks up even gentle thermals well. It's not cheap but it's a brilliant model, thanks!

Design, build quality, finish and appearance are exceptional as befits an aircraft of this quality - and price!
I received one of the first 2014 models and the supplied fuselage instructions do not apply - servo positioning and empennage assembly is incorrect. An expert modeller can work this out but some time is lost unnecessarily.
Wing centre section was 50g over advertised weight (Light version) but overall weight kept to under 1900g by using light power train (Red Fox 500 outrunner with 4:1 GB, 3S pack and 13x9 folder - fine for F5J).
Flying is certainly as advertised - ie superb! Currently still trimming and adjusting but thoughts so far are:
Keep weight as far forward as possible with 110g motor. I am using 7 degree wing joiners. Recommended/template throws for Ailerons and Flaps about right for Launch, Thermal and Speed modes. Ailerons are quite slow so mix in some flaps and 100% rudder. Forty percent + rudder throw needed. All the flying comments based upon an early Maxa in Mike Proctor's review still apply.

An exceptionally pleasing model. I was pleasantly surprised at how it was a very straightforward assembly process, with no hidden surprises. Amazing fit, and I had no need to change any of the fittings at all. The longest part of the build was waiting for the epoxy fixing the wing servos to cure.
I opted for a bigger than strictly required motor, as this will primarily be a sport model. As a consequence I needed to add 50g of ballast inside the tail boom, under the rudder. I replaced the carbon rudder fix peg with a 3mm screw, which now secures both the rudder and ballast slug. Waiting for suitable weather to flight test.