The ultimate guide: E-flite Slick 3D 480 ARF - Das Kunstflugwunder im 42-inchFormat

As an enthusiastic RC pilot, you are constantly looking for the perfect flight model that highlights your aerobatic skills to the next level? The E-flite Slick 3D 480 ARF with its 42 inch span could be exactly what you are looking for. This aerodynamic masterpiece combines lightweight construction with impressive maneuverability for stunning art flight experiences. In this comprehensive article we illuminate all aspects of this fascinating model and give you valuable information for your purchase decision.

Technical data and specifications

Before we get into the details, we get an overview of the most important technical data of this art flight model:

E-flite's art flight trainer impresses with its sophisticated design. The ultra-light design of laser-cut balsa wood and plywood allows an optimal balance between stability and weight reduction. The two-piece, plug-in wings with carbon fiber connecting pipe not only facilitate transport, but also ensure a reliable connection for precise flight maneuvers.

Performance characteristics and flight characteristics

Drive system and power

The aerobatic miracle work has been specially designed for the recommended E-flite Park 480 Brushless outdoor runner motor. In combination with a 3S 11.1V LiPo battery (1800-2200 mAh), this engine delivers an impressive performance that unfolds the full potential of the model. The power reserves are more than sufficient for spectacular 3D art flight maneuvers, even in limited flight areas.

Flight time and performance parameters

The recommended battery pack allows you to expect flight times between 7-12 minutes depending on the flight style. With moderate flight style, longer flight times are possible, while intensive 3D maneuvers increase energy consumption accordingly. The climbing performance is impressive - the model climbs almost vertically and allows sufficient height reserves for complex figures.

Art skills

The Slick 3D by E-flite has been specially designed for impressive 3D maneuvers. The aerodynamic design combined with the precise control allows:

• Clean rolls and dot rolls
• Impressive hovering maneuver
• Precise knife flight passages
• Controlled Torque Rolls
• Spectacular Harrier Pads

Particularly noteworthy is the stability of the model at low speeds, which makes it attractive for beginners to the world of 3D art flight.

Construction and assembly

Installation experience

As an ARF model (Almost Ready to Fly), the Slick 3D is already preassembled to a large extent. The final assembly is mainly limited to:

1. Installation of electronic components
2. Assembly of the engine
3. Installation of servos
4. Connecting the wings to the fuselage
5. Adjustment of rudder rudders

For an experienced model builder, the complete structure can be achieved within 4-6 hours. Even beginners with basic knowledge can successfully assemble the model with a little more time (8-10 hours).

Quality of construction instructions

The attached instructions are written in detail and understandable. Step-by-step instructions with clear illustrations also lead less experienced model builders safely through the assembly process. The recommendations for the recommended rudder deflections for different flight styles - from moderate art flight to extreme 3D maneuvers.

Material quality and processing

Design features

The combination of ultra-light, laser-cut balsa and plywood construction results in a robust yet lightweight flight model. The precision of the laser-cut parts ensures precise fitting and contributes to structural integrity.

The model is equipped with a high-quality UltraCote clothing that not only ensures an attractive appearance, but also ensures good visibility in the sky. The striking color design facilitates orientation during complex flight maneuvers.

Durability in everyday life

Despite its lightweight design, the art flight model shows a considerable resilience to loads during flight. The reinforcements at critical points such as the motor spant and the support surface connections ensure additional stability. With normal landings and small mishaps, the model is robust, but - like most lightweight models - it is not designed for hard crashes.

Customer experiences and reviews

Positive feedback

The majority of pilots report exceptional flight characteristics and highlight the following points:

• Precise control: The model responds directly and precisely to tax inputs, which facilitates controlled art flight maneuvers.
• Impressive 3D capabilities: Even at slow speeds, the model remains easy to control.
• Lightweight design: The low weight allows gentle landings and reduces the risk of damage.
• Quality of preassembly: The precision of fit of the components is praised throughout.

Critical aspects

A few criticisms are also mentioned:

• Some users report light asymmetries in extreme 3D manoeuvres, but can be eliminated by careful trimming.
• The engine mount could be a bit more robust for particularly powerful engines.
• Some pilots want a more robust suspension mount for landings on less perfect ground.

Transportability and Storage

A great advantage of this aerobatic model is the modular design. The two-piece, plug-in wings with carbon fiber connecting pipe allow for a fast up and down on the airfield and a space-saving transport. The model fits into most cars without any need for a special transport container.

However, suitable protection is recommended for storage in order to protect the high-quality covering and the sensitive components. Many users have made positive experiences with special aircraft bags or self-built transport boxes.

Spare parts supply and support

Availability of spare parts

The spare parts supply for the E-flite model is consistently positive. As a product of Horizon Hobby, a long-term availability of original spare parts is guaranteed. The following components are particularly frequently asked as spare parts and are readily available:

• Propeller
• Chassis components
• Rudder steering
• Carbon fiber connecting pipes
• Engine spant components

Community and Support

The active community around e-flite models is another plus point. In numerous forums and social media, owners of the 3D art flight model exchange, share experiences and provide support for problems. This informal support complements the excellent customer service of Horizon Hobby.

Target group and requirement profile

This aerobatic model is primarily aimed at:

• Advanced art flight pilots: The outstanding 3D properties make it an ideal model for pilots who want to perfect their art skills.
• Ambient Beginners: With moderate rudder fittings, the model is also suitable for pilots who want to take first steps in 3D art flight.
• Pilots with limited flight area: The compact size allows spectacular manoeuvres even on smaller airfields.

The prerequisite for the successful operation is experience with art flight models. Absolute beginners should first gain experiences with a humbler coach model before moving to this challenging art flight model.

Compared to competitors

Alternative art flight models compared

To provide a comprehensive overview, we compare the E-flite art flight model with similar models in the same segment:

In a direct comparison, the Slick 3D of E-flite is positioned as a balanced mix of performance, quality and price. It is particularly impressed by the excellent 3D flight properties with moderate weight and compact dimensions.

Value for money

With a price in the middle segment, the art flight model offers excellent value for money. The combination of high-quality construction material, precise pre-processing and outstanding flight properties makes the investment completely justified. Especially in comparison to larger models with similar flight characteristics, which are significantly more expensive, the Slick 3D stands out positively.

Tips, tricks and optimizations

Setting recommendations

For optimal flight properties, the following settings have proven:

1. Priority: 85-90mm measured from the front edge of the wing

2. Rudder fittings for precision art flight:

   • Swingers: 12-15mm up and down
   • Height: 10-12mm up and down
   • Side rods: 20-25mm left and right

3. Rudder fittings for extreme 3D art flight:

   • Swingers: 25-30mm up and down
   • Height Rudder: 30-35mm up and down
   • Side rods: 40-45mm left and right

Performance optimizations

Experienced pilots have developed various modifications to further increase performance:

• Engine upgrade: A more powerful 500-class motor can further improve the climbing performance, but requires an increase in the motor-spant.
• Lighter servos: The use of modern digital servos with lower weight can reduce the overall mass and increase the agility.
• Increased rowing connections: For extreme 3D maneuvers it is recommended to strengthen the row connections with carbon fiber.
• Optimized propeller selection: Depending on flight style, different propellers can deliver better results:
  • For maximum thrust: 11x5,5 propeller
  • For longer flight time: 10x6 propeller
  • For balanced performance: 10x7 propeller

Maintenance tips

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of the model:

1. Control of all screw connections before every day of flight
2. Checking of rudder steering for wear
3. Regular clamping of the stress when required
4. Cleaning of the engine of dust and dirt
5. Control of batteries for damage

Frequent questions and solutions

Problems and their solutions

Question: My model shows an asymmetric rolling behavior. What can I do?

Solution: First check whether both cross members are set exactly the same. Check the focus and make sure it is in the recommended position. Fine tuning via subtrimm at the transmitter can usually fix the problem.

Question: After falling, the model springs back. Is that normal?

Solution: The light balsa wood construction has a certain elasticity, which can actually be advantageous with moderate loads. However, check whether all bonds are intact and no structural damage is present.

Question: How can I extend the flight time?

Solution: Use a higher capacity battery (up to 2200 mAh) and fly with more moderate gas positions. Avoid continuous full gas phases and use thermal uptake to gain height.

Question: Is an upgrade of the receiver to AS3X technology really useful?

Solution: Yes, especially for 3D art flight, AS3X technology offers significant advantages through stabilization in turbulences and more precise maneuvers. The investment is definitely worth for ambitious pilots.

Question: Can I also operate the model with 4S batteries?

Solution: In principle, this is possible, but requires a correspondingly dimensioned controller and can load the structure of the model more strongly. When using 4S batteries, the gas path should be limited in order to avoid overloads.

Conclusion - Does the acquisition pay?

The E-flite Slick 3D 480 ARF with 42 inch span is an impressive art flight model that convinces with its excellent 3D flight properties and high-quality processing. The combination of lightweight design, precise control and moderate price makes it an excellent choice for pilots who want to develop their art skills.

Particularly noteworthy are the compact dimensions that allow spectacular manoeuvres on smaller airfields. The modular design considerably facilitates transport and storage.

The few points of criticism are hardly significant in view of the numerous strengths and can easily be eliminated by specific modifications. The excellent spare parts supply and the active community complete the positive overall picture.

Who is this aerobatic masterpiece suitable for? It is the ideal choice for advanced pilots and ambitious starters in the 3D art flight, who are looking for a high-quality model with outstanding flying characteristics without having to enter the top price class.

The investment in this art flight talent is worthwhile for anyone who wants to raise their pilot skills to the next level, thereby placing value on quality, performance and a fair value for money.