E-flite/Horizon Hobby Opterra 1.2m BNF Basic
The can-do-anything flying wing
If you have never tried a flying wing before, the easyto-set up Opterra 1.2m BNF Basic is an excellent choice. With its lightweight and durable hollow-core EPO foam construction and internal carbon-fiber reinforcement, the Opterra is rugged and has pilotfriendly flight performance. The Opterra 1.2 is a smaller version of its 2m predecessor, and it has the same exciting flight performance and versatility. Relatively speaking, the elevons on the 1.2m version are somewhat larger than with the 2m version, so the roll rate is a bit quicker when comparing the two.
There are three versions of the Opterra 1.2m. A PlugN-Play (PNP) option requires pilots to install their own control and first-person-view (FPV) systems, and the Bind-N-Fly (BNF) Basic package (reviewed here) includes Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) Select and Artificial Stabilization 3-Axis (AS3X) technologies but does not come with any FPV equipment or global-positioning system (GPS) features. A BNF Basic with FPV package includes SAFE Plus technology, which adds GPS-based features for advanced dronelike capabilities. GPS also enables an on-screen display (OSD) system to show heads-up information for the flight on top of the video image.
In the BNF Basic box, along with the E-flite Opterra 1.2m, you find a well-illustrated user manual and the Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 A3235 receiver with AS3X and SAFE Select
technologies, two micro servos, a 30A brushless speed control, and a 480-size 880Kv brushless outrunner motor, all factory installed. To get the Opterra 1.2 airborne, you need to supply a 5-channel DSMX/DSM2 transmitter and a 2200 to 3200mAh 3S or 4S LiPo flight battery. Equipped with AS3X technology and SAFE Select technology, the Opterra is ideally suited to both beginner and advanced pilots. With its integrated, formed plastic keel, hand launches are easy, and at the end of the flight, it provides added landing protection. This flying wing even has molded-in LED channels for optional nightflying capability.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The Opterra is quick and easy to assemble and transport. With its plug-in wing panels, you can take it anywhere. It has handsfree elevon servo connections,
and the wing panels are secured without any tools or fasteners required; they just click into place and are ready to go. Assembly or disassembly takes almost no time at all. The high-powered brushless power system (compatible with either 3S or 4S LiPo packs) provides excellent performance. With the 3S pack, the model is fast, but with the 4S installed, the Opterra is even faster. For carrying FPV camera payloads or for performing sport aerobatics, the 3S LiPo is all you need. But when you feel the need for even more speed, the 4S battery can be dropped right in with no need for any modifications or upgrades. With the power off, the Opterra 1.2m can glide easily and find thermal lift for extended flight times. The folding prop reduces drag for enhanced glider performance.
One of the reasons the Opterra 1.2 is such a versatile flier is its advanced aerodynamic shape. This includes an efficient airfoil, winglets, dual fins that snap into place in the fuselage, and vortex generators near the leading edge of the top of the wing and just ahead of the elevons on the bottom. All this produces an expanded flight envelope with smooth, high-speed performance and enhanced slow-speed stability and control.
CAMERA OPTIONS
In addition to the sleek, low-drag nose cone for soaring and sport flying, the Opterra 1.2m includes an optional nose cone that’s designed to accept an FPV camera. There’s also a forward-facing station just above the nose cone where you can mount a GoPro
Session, RunCam HD, or other similar highdefinition video camera with which to record your flight. EASY SETUP
For this flight test, I chose the Spektrum DX8e as my transmitter. The instruction manual makes setting up and binding the Opterra 1.2 BNF Basic quick and easy. First, you do not have to choose an elevon wing type. The onboard receiver flight controller does all the basic mixing configuration for you. All you need to do is set the high and low rates according to the instructions
(high rate at 100% and low rate at 70% for elevator, aileron, and rudder). In all, it took me less than 10 minutes to have everything assembled and properly set up and ready for flight. (Note that the Opterra 1.2m is not compatible with DX4e or DX5e transmitters.)
In addition to making the airplane generally stable and easy to fly, SAFE Plus technology can keep the airplane within the flying area, let the pilot have time to think while the aircraft cruises in a holding pattern, and even land the Opterra automatically. No complex programming is required for AutoLand, Holding Pattern, and Virtual
Fence. When flying in Beginner mode, the airplane has sensors to prevent aggressive maneuvering. In that mode, limitations keep the pilot from overcontrolling, and automatic self-leveling makes recovery from risky or confusing attitudes as simple as releasing the sticks. SAFE Plus technology flight modes are selected at the flip of a switch and include an Intermediate mode and Advanced mode. Experienced pilots can fly without restraints in the AS3X flight mode. When flying in the AS3X flight mode, the self-leveling features are disabled.
(Note: For the PNP versions of this Opterra 1.2, elevon mixing is required. Both ailerons need to operate together as elevators and opposite as ailerons for correct flight controls. The instructions include all the specs for the proper setup of the control surfaces.)
IN THE AIR
With a fully charged 3S LiPo battery pack, I easily had flight times of 10 minutes or more, with an occasional power-off glide or two. If you have a need for speed, a 4S pack really kicks up the speed and the excitement, especially during low-level highspeed passes.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: Out of the box, the Opterra 1.2m flying wing is stable without sacrificing maneuverability. With AS3X, it always feels as if you’re flying your model on a calm weather day.
Tracking: For a flying wing without rudder control, the Opterra tracks very well. It has winglets as well as two miniature fins in front of the motor, and this helps keep the flying wing on a smooth, straight track.
Aerobatics: There’s more than enough power for most no-rudder aerobatics. I was pleased how slow and axial the roll response is, and the elevator response allows for big towering loops or tighter high-G ones. Even while flying inverted, the Opterra is well behaved and smooth.
Glide and stall performance: Being a flying wing with a folding prop, the Opterra has an excellent glide performance. You can even climb high at full power, cut power so that the propeller blades fold, and go hunting for thermals. Equipped with the vortex generators, the Opterra has excellent slow-speed characteristics and a mild stall break.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
For takeoff, I found that a healthy toss from a standing position is good enough. For landing, I like to start the downwind run at about 1/2 power and then, while getting the approach aligned with the runway, I bring the power down to 1/4 power, depending on the amount of wind. As you come over the end of the runway, shoot for about two wingspans of altitude and pull the power off all the way. Then just as the model is about to touch down, start applying up to hold it off and flare it nose high until it slides to a stop. Try to avoid a steep approach angle, which builds unnecessary airspeed that will make you overshoot your approach.