About IFO Models

What are the differences between the Mini IFO and IFO Mk3?
The Mini IFO has a noticeably faster roll rate and loops are tighter. At 45 deg control throw, the mini IFO does a ridiculously tight loop. 50% exponential is needed to keep the mini under control though at these high control surface deflections. Both models fly the same outdoors with light breezes but many believe that the IFO Mk3 is better for outdoors - perhaps just being easier to see. The wing loading of the two is similar.

The IFO Mk3 is also able to carry more weight. I anticipate that we will be selling (or link to web sites that are selling) affordable onboard live video cameras and lightweight airborne lights some day. The Mini IFO is well suited for school gyms.
The IFO Mk3 requires more experience to fly in a gym. I find that I am much more relaxed when letting others fly the Mini IFO in a gym as opposed to the IFO Mk3 . The Mini IFO is much more weight sensitive compared to the IFO mk3. An extra * ounce in weight on the Mini IFO is quite noticeable. The Mini IFO was specifically sized to fit in a large standard suitcase. The Mini IFO would need to be protected by a sandwich of foam-lined plywood if it is to be transported this way. All IFO models are designed to fold flat - less than 1" thick. Folding the elevons over on top of the wings can further reduce their size.

How is the Trainer different from the IFO Mk3 and Mini IFO?
The Trainer is in between the IFO Mk3 and the Mini IFO in size but uses the same motor and battery pack as the Mini IFO. The biggest difference is the method of control. The Trainer uses Rudder and Elevator control as opposed to the Elevon control of the IFO Mk3 and Mini IFO. The Trainer also has some dihedral (upward sweep of the wingtips) for better stability. The Trainer can be flown using a simple three channel radio without Elevon mixing. As your flying skills advance, the Trainer can be modified to use Elevon control as described below.

Can the trainer be converted to elevon control?
Yes, the conversion is easy! Remove the dihedral string (string across the ends of the trailing edge rod) and put new control rods on the servos so that one half of the elevator on each side is now controlled by one of the servos (elevons) Setup your Transmitter for elevon mixing and glue or tie the rudder so it doesn't move.

How can I further reduce IFO's weight?
Shave the servo mount ears off. Leave the servo arm screws off at your own risk. (It has caused me to crash a couple of times when the servo arm fell off the servo.) Lighter receiver. Play with shorter antenna wires or "loaded" short wire antennas. Keep wire runs short. No decals. If the airspeed is kept LOW, the cirrus 10bb servos could be used. Leave off the landing gear and skids and fly using hand launch and catch? Use a lighter wing covering.

What type of radio do I need for the IFO's?
The Trainer can use a simple three channel radio for Rudder, Elevator, and Motor control. The Mk3 and Mini also need three channels, but they require Elevon mixing. We sell an inexpensive Hitec Focus three channel system that will work with all the models. If you want to do the really extreme aerobatics, it would be advisable to upgrade to a radio with dual rates or exponential functions. Exponential allows fairly docile control throws when the stick is near the center of travel, but the throws increase as they get near the extremes of travel. This makes the model docile in normal flight and a “Tiger” when you want to do aerobatics. We sell the Hitec Flash 5 which includes those features. Other brands, such as Futaba and JR with the same features will work equally well.

Do I need special servos and receiver for the IFO's?
Light weight is the key here. We like the GWS Micro servo for the Mk3, and the GWS Sub micro servo for the Mini and the trainer. We like the GWS Pico FM 4 Channel Receiver for its small size and light weight. Other equipment can be used, just check the weight, and for the servos the torque rating.

Can I use a different motor for increased performance on the IFO's?
Yes, there are lots of choices, but the most common would be to change to the GWS Twin motor. This motor will increase performance on any of the three models. I would stay with the two cell LiPoly packs with the Mini and Trainer and use the three cell pack with a Mk3, being careful to use heat sinks and proper lubrication. There are many other motor choices, depending on how much you want to spend. We stock the ones that work well but are still economical.  


Wild R/C, Inc.