The 4-Site™ Bind-N-Fly® Ultra Micro Flyer from E-flite is designed to give experienced 3D pilots, who already have a Spektrum™ or JR® 2.4GHz DSM2™ system, a thoroughly-capable 3D machine that can be flown at the local gym.
The “secret” behind the Ultra-Micro 4-Site’s awesome 3D-capabilities is a unique manufacturing technique that results in foam wing, fuselage and tail parts that are actually lighter, stiffer and more durable than standard sheet foam. It also gives the wing an airfoil shape that provides superior flight performance to standard sheet foam.These parts are further reinforced with carbon rod and foam bracing that minimizes in-flight flexing and twisting. This exceptionally robust construction, combined with the performance of independent aileron servos, gives the 4-Site a level of control and responsiveness any 3D foamie expert will love.
The 4-Site BNF comes completely assembled with a Spektrum AR6400L Ultra Micro DSM2 Receiver/ESC/Servo unit that features two built-in linear long-throw servos for the elevator and rudder. This along with the two independent long-throw Spektrum AS2000L Ultra Micro servos on the ailerons provide great performance. Also included are two 1S 3.7V 150mAh Li-Po battery packs as well as E-flite’s Celectra 4-Port Li-Po charger and AC adapter that allows you to charge up to four 1S Li-Po packs at once.
Reader Reviews
The 4-Site is a nice flier when fully charged, but the foam sheeting is so flimsy that one crash can tear it apart. After a few crashes, tape, and glue, it becomes too heavy and out of whack to fly properly. The rudder was bowed out of the box and difficult to reform, but flew ok once trimmed out. The is no airfoil shape to the wing like E-flight claims. Flat foam sheets are stamped and sort of laminated (with equally flimsy material) so the leading and trailing edges are sharper than a straight cut, but it still has a simple flat sheet "airfoil" cross section.
You can fly the 4-Site in a large indoor space, like a gym or auditorium, or in dead calm winds outside. It only weighs 1.3 oz so any wind will overpower it. The huge optional speed brakes are neat to slow the plane down, but they have to be glued in place so you can't easily remove them. Be sure to use foam safe glue or you'll dissolve large chunks of the plane.
This plane can do a full range of 3D aerobatics, including hover for the first 30 secs of a fresh battery. The plane becomes too underpowered to do aggressive aerobatics in the second half of each flight. One batt charge can last as long as 5 minutes if you mind the throttle--the brushed motor is not very efficient. Needs a second battery. The battery takes 30-40 minutes to charge.
Overall, the 4-Site would be a lot more fun if it was priced to reflect it's flimsy foam sheeting and brief lifespan. Even the best RC pilot will tear this plane up pretty fast. For the same price, there are a lot of full size, fully capable balsa and ply 3D aerobats that will hold up indefinitely with reasonable care. If you need to fly aerobatics in a gym, then it could make sense, but plan on buying a replacement or two.
