Flying Model Reviews

The first thing that attracted me to the Beam E4 helicopter was the fine machining of the all-metal head. Like platinum jewelry, the workmanship simply beamed at me. Looking closer into its mechanics showed me how precisely and smoothly the linkages and mixing controls operated. Elements like an all-metal flybar cage and serviceable swashplate had me fooled into thinking I was looking at a much larger helicopter; it has all the performance goodies of the giant, glow-powered models. 

    The Beam E4, distributed by Advantage Hobby, is a 450-class electric helicopter that is designed to take the wearing forces that 3D flying impales on a helicopter. Moreover, this attention to long life and strength benefits the machine in every other way. The first time I flew a Beam E4 was at an indoor fun fly, when my friend J.C. Zankl said, “Dude, you have got to try this machine!” 

    My first impression was how easy it was to hover solidly; the machine just locks in. It wasn’t mine, and flying it hard would have been rude, so I simply flew it around slowly. When the battery was spent, I landed the E4 with a huge smile. 

    J.C. then attacked the air with his Beam on a fresh battery doing hardcore 3D — tick-tocks, chaos spins, inverted backward flight, you name it. He flew the helicopter as if it was a rental, and all the while it never shook or sputtered. 

    Later, J.C. told me that its outdoor performance was another special experience — it locks in like a much larger machine, even in windy conditions, and it has the ability to penetrate. The thought of having unlimited control that didn’t feel twitchy was almost too good to be true; I had to have a Beam of my own. 

    With regard to equipment selection, the Beam deserves careful thought. For the CCPM swashplate, digital servos offer the best performance. I chose an R617FS receiver with three Futaba S3153 digital servos to go along with my Futaba 10C FASST radio. For tail rotor control, I used the Futaba GY401 gyro with the matching high-speed S9254 digital servo. 

    The machined, aluminum motor mount accepts just about any 28mm outrunner or inrunner motor. For optimal performance, a 3400-4200Kv motor is required. Castle Creations’ Neu motors are rated high in output and efficiency. I chose the Neu1107H/2Y, which is their recommended 3D setup for this class helicopter, and the Phoenix-35 ESC with built-in helicopter programming options. 

    The Beam requires minimal tools to assemble, but it isn’t an ARF. This is a kit, neatly packaged and organized. Every step has a bag of parts, each of which is clearly depicted in the illustrated manual. The drawings are isometric, and it’s easy to see how the parts fit and in what order they should be installed. There’s a lot of written detail for the radio setup and flying. 

    I had a lot of fun building this machine, and because I built it, I can tear it down and rebuild it with total confidence, if anything negative should happen to it. The instructions show how every part installs. Other than a few bearings in the tail case, which just drop into place, all the bearings come factory pressed into place. The swashplate, even though it’s completely serviceable, comes fully assembled. Like the mixing arms and other parts of the mechanics, just the ball-links need to be fastened. 

    Carbon and aluminum parts are used throughout the Beam E4, and two kinds of plastic are used sparingly for the landing gear struts and the tail servo mount, and these are made of a flexible material. The tail rotor control arm and flybar paddles are made of rigid nylon reinforced plastic and are very stiff. The quality of materials truly impressed me. 

    The carbon fiber side frames and mounting spreader plates lock into each other’s tabs and slots. They don’t require additional hardware, and still add beauty and strength. When it came time to organize and route all the wiring, I especially appreciated the milled openings in the frame for the nylon zip-ties. 

    I’ve recently learned that in addition to Advantage Hobby, Beam E4 full kits and accessories, as well as spare parts, are now available through Horizon Hobby. Horizon works with a lot of hobby shops, so if anything is ever needed for your Beam, satisfaction might be as convenient as a fun trip to the local dealer. Sounds like a great partnership. 

    My Beam first lifted from the ground needing only slight tail rotor and right aileron trim. The balance was right on with an ElectriFly 2100mAh 3S LiPo strapped over the cushioned carbon fiber tray. The power from the Neu motor is unbelievable, and I went with the lower gear ratio. The high head speed lets the carbon-enhanced fiberglass blades run solidly. Pirouettes are amazingly stable; almost no cyclic correction is needed as the helicopter rotates. Flying the Beam had me confident quickly, and ready for performing my own 3D action