RC Planes

Great Planes Cherokee Sport-Scale ARF Airplane Overview

Zero — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0600

Great Planes Cherokee Sport-Scale ARF is a 60 in model which could be rigged with either glow or electric power. This scale model is ideally suited to those interested in a scale-looking low wing model and is a great step-up after your first trainer. Being an ARF, they claim 4-6 hours of assembly and your off to the field. This model will perform the basic aerobatic maneuvers and should be an ideal first low wing airplane for the serious RCer.

The cockpit area lifts off providing access to the electrics

Construction features and details on this model are no in short supply. Great Planes has a real winner on their hands with both a great looking scale plan in the Cherokee ARF as well as what should be a good performer when using electric or nitro propulsion. Great Planes explains all the great features on their website, but some of the highlights include: a bolt-on wing and tail for easy assembly and transport, tricycle landing gear, fiberglass wheel pants look great while providing low drag, and with a 5 channel radio you can even operate the included flaps. You will need at least a 4 channel radio (5 channel for the flaps), servos, and electric or nitro power to complete this model.

Specifications

Can be fitted with Electric or Glow power

Wingspan: 60 in (1520 mm)
Wing Area: 606 in² (39 dm²)
Weight: 6.75-7.25 lb (3.1-3.3 kg)
Wing Loading: 26-28 oz/ft² (79-85 g/dm²)
Length: 46 in (1170 mm)
Requires: 4+ channel radio system (5-channel required for operational flaps) w/4-7 standard servos
Electric Power Requirements:
- ElectriFly™ RimFire™ 42-50-800 Out-runner Brushless Motor (GPMG4700);
- ElectriFly Silver Series SS-60 Brushless Electronic Speed Control (GPMM1850);
- 18.5V 3200mAh LiPo battery (GPMP0622 or GPMP0623);
- propeller (10x5E or 11x5E)
Glow Power Requirements:
- 2-stroke .40-.46 cu (7-7.5cc) or 4-stroke .52-.56 cu in (8.5-9.2cc) engine

All the components of this ARF

For more information, check out the Great Planes website.

Carl Goldberg Products Protege ARF Airplane Overview

Zero — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:13:52 -0600

Carl Goldberg Products Protege ARF Airplane

The Carl Goldberg Products Protege ARF Airplane is a great ARF for the beginning flyer ready for their first trainer. Maybe you have flown some park flyers with the sailplane like wings and now your ready for some training at your local field but want something already assembled - well this would be a great choice. You will need to install the engine, radio and make all the adjustments; but after that you will have a quality balsa plane that most instructors will enjoy flying as well.

At 71.5" in wingspan, this plane gives you the size you need as a beginner or immediate to keep track of the orientation. This is important for many flyers since even experienced flyers sometimes loose the orientation during maneuvers or when the plane gets a bit out of sight. This model has nice hardware included as well as features quality balsa construction. You will enjoy this airplane as you advance and who knows it may remain a favorite for years to come. Check out all the specifications and details on Carl Goldberg's website.

Carl Goldberg Products Flight Boxes Overview

Zero — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:09:50 -0500

The Electro Tote with Quick Chill Batter Cooler

The Quik Chill Battery Cooler

The Carl Goldberg Products has announced some nice new products for handling your organizational and storage needs at the field. The first is the Electro Tote which is a great box for the electric flyer. This box even features the new Quik Chill Battery Cooler to keep those hot LiPo in top condition. They also announced the Super Hold'em which is a great holder for your airplane wing as you do service or get ready for that next flight.

The Carl Goldberg Products Flight Boxes feature wood construction and they come in kit form so you are able to paint or cover to your own color choices. No electronics are included except for a fan and banana plus for the QuiK Chill Battery Cooler. The website has all the complete information. Take a look and get better organized as you prefer for your flights at the RC field.

Lots of storage space

Features of the Electro Tote:

2 Power panel compartments accept most popular brands.
4 sliding drawers for wrenches, connectors, and other items.
Customized compartment for drivers, props, glues and other items.
Large battery compartment for storage and transporting.
Includes Quik Chill Battery Cooler™ compartment
Includes cooling fan, banana plugs, and female adapters
Removable top tray great for carrying your transmitter.
Decals included
All laser cut parts

The Super Hold'em

Features of the Super Hold'em:

Decals included
Length adjusts from 13¼” to 26½"
Cradle adjusts from 2½” to 7½”
All laser cut parts

Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF Airplane Overview

Zero — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:46:50 -0500

Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF

The Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF Airplane is an exciting 67" aerobatic nitro plane. The website has a great video showing the awesome performance and looks of this plane. As an ARF you will be flying it quickly and with Carl Goldberg quality you know you will have a excellent results.

Built for a 4-stroke 1.2 size engine, but you could also use a .6 to .9 2-stroke, the Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF Airplane is a good choice for an advanced weekend flyer or the serious 3-D pilot. The plane has been built with laser cut parts and features an all-wood airframe. It also has aluminum landing gear, fiberglass cowl and fiberglass wheel pants.

The video below comes from the official website where you can also take a look at the instruction manual which shows all the components you will need to complete the model.

Specifications

Wingspan: 67"
Wing Area: 854 Sq. In.
Fuse Length: 64"
Flying Weight: 8-9 lbs.
Power: 2-stroke .60-.90 or 4-stroke .90-1.20
Radio:
4 - Channel Radio
6 - Servos

L-39 Ducted Fan Airplane Overview

fastie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:43:25 -0500

Ready for action

The L-39 Ducted Fan ARF Airplane from ElectriFly is a sport scale ducted fan rc airplane with excellent performance and awesome scale looks. The power system included is an efficient and powerful in-line brushless motor mated with the ElectriFly "Hyperflow" system. As the videos show on the ElectriFly website, this is an easy to build and impressive performing model complete with a nice display stand for your office or home.

L-39 has a convenient magnetic hatch

Looking at the construction characteristics of this plane, it has some very nice features which contribute to it's sport flying capabilities. First, it is constructed of "Aerocell" foam which keeps the weight lower, but this foam also has good strength which equals an airplane with good strength-to-weight ratio. In modeling airplanes, this is key to top performance. A side benefit of this foam is that you can easiely repair a mishap with regular CA glue and not have to use foam safe CA as per ElectriFly's website. Second, the model has an excellent ducted-fan system complete called "Hyperflow" complete with using an Ammo brand brushless motor. These motors are efficient and you then have a powerful, yet light propulsion system. The L-39 has good attention to detail with it's nice finishing scale looks and also some detachable armaments for when you have the plane on it's stand. For the field the L-39 has easily accessed battery compartment with convenient magnetic latches. The only downside I see to this plane, is that you probably need to be an advanced intermediate to an expert RC pilot to handle the speed and snappy performance. Beginners should stay away from this model until they gain some flight time with a sport trainer. Be sure to checkout all the details and videos on ElectriFly's website.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Showing components in kit

Wingspan: 25 in (635 mm)
Wing Area: 141 in² (9.1 dm²)
Weight: 17.5-18.5 oz (500-520 g)
Wing Loading: 17.9-18.9 oz/ft² (55-58 g/dm²)
Length: 31 in (780 mm)
Includes: HyperFlow Ducted Fan Unit with 20-40-3500 Ammo In-Runner Brushless Motor
Requires: 3-channel radio w/3 micro servos, 25A brushless ESC, 910-1250mAh 11.1V LiPo battery

LADO 60-1 Electric Retract Review

Paul Osinski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:15:14 -0500

The Aero-Modeler traditionally had two choices for their models if they needed retractable landing gear. Pneumatic air and servo assisted mechanical retracts. Now our third choice is electric. LADO Technologies has developed an extensive line of electric retracts. For this review, I will be critiquing the 60 sized, 85 degree drop in replacements for Hanger 9 planes.

First impressions:

Underside with integrated controller board

When I opened the box of my first 2 LADO retracts, my first thought was that of incredible craftsmanship. The outside casing is machined from two blocks of aluminum that fit together with pin point precision. The control circuit board is integrated into the bottom of each retract. The lead wire has a universal connector of high quality with a custom rubber seal to hold them in place. Located on the inside of the brass pivot stud, are stainless steel setscrews for fastening the strut. On the top side of the retract units is an adequately thick mounting plate with countersunk holes for screwing your retract to your wing mounts. The casings and circuit board are held together with high quality socket head cap screws. As the units come shipped with the mechanism set at a 45 degree angle for testing before they leave the factory, the brass jackscrew can be seen from the opening. This model retract can be ordered with 5/32 or 3/16 opening for your struts. The total weight of a pair of these units is just a tad over 6 ounces. In my opinion, a well built piece of equipment.

Installation:

3/4 view

Installing the LADO retracts are very straight forward. Fit them to your wing with your strut trimmed and aligned and screw them down. Join the lead wires with a Y adaptor and plug the end into your channel 5 pins on your receiver. Turn on your transmitter and receiver and flip the switch. The units are powered by the receiver. The LADO’s come to life with a sweet motor sound, then a forceful locking sound can be heard as the built in motors labor slightly. Current draw is .3 Amps during movement and .5 Amps for about 1/4 second during locking. Movement is slow compared to mechanical or air retracts. Using a regulator set to 6 volts, it took about 6 seconds for them to fully deploy. Great for modelers that want realistic retract speed. You can even purchase an accessory board to replace your Y adaptor that will stagger the retracts for even more realism.

Practical operation:

Side view

I installed my LADO’s in a 9 pound War Bird with 3/16 spring struts. Simply put, they work flawlessly. I start to retract the gear right after the first turn after liftoff so I can watch the gear slowly tuck under the wing as the plane is flying level above the runway. What a joy to watch! I do the same for landing as well. Special attention should be paid for landing. It is going to take around 6 or 7 seconds for the retract gear to lock down so plan ahead to avoid any mishaps. On landing, the retracts are solid. Not a single budge.

Durability:

Side view with wire strut and wheel

I can not say I have had hundreds of flights using these retracts. I will however share an experience. On my maiden flight of my War Bird, one of the struts got a tad bent on landing. Since I had blocked my gear mount bay with bass and plywood I figured it would be alright to try to bend the strut back without taking out the retract or causing any damage to the wing. I retracted the gear till the strut was about at 10 degrees to the wing and turned off the receiver to stop the retracts from further travel. I then grabbed the wheel and tugged till the strut was strait again. After that I cycled the retracts several times to be sure they would be fine. Not a single problem then, or ever since. From that experience, I am convinced the durability of these units is far more than need be.

Maintenance:

According to the manufacturer this model may need a little light machine oil after 2 years.

Overall conclusion:

If you want worry free retracts this is the way to go. Imagine not having to worry about a stalled servo, bent rods, having to pump air into your system or concern yourself about a loose air line. LADO retracts are built with the highest quality standards for years of service.

Company history:

Lado Technologies

Lado Technologies is owned by Doug Pientak. Located in Orville California. Like many great company’s it all started in a big garage.

The idea for electric retracts was a result of a conversation with Kalvin of Keleo Creations. He wanted some trouble free retracts for a plane he was working on. Doug, an Aero-Modeler himself thought it was an awesome idea as he was not happy with mechanical or air retracts either. Early in the 1 ½ year development, Doug realized that a Jack Screw design was the best way to design the new equipment.

Doug is an Electrical Engineer with a background in Product Development. With that experience it still was not a smooth beginning. “I am not a machinist by trade”, as a result he had to learn how to work a milling machine. “It was very frustrating in the beginning because I started with an old machine”. In retrospect, the end product was worth the frustration.

Much has happened in the last three years for LADO Technologies. Just after 8 months of development his Father, Larry partnered with Doug. In September of 2007 the company moved to its current facility. Shortly after the move a new lathe was purchased to help with production. The beginning of 2008 Doug’s wife, Lanae joined the team to help with electronics assembly, bookkeeping and to answer the phone. A HAAS Vertical Mill was purchased with high volume capabilities. “The HAAS is a joy to run. Simply input the parameters and push the button” Doug told me with obvious excitement in his voice. The latest change was made on 8/5/08 which is LADO’s web site. It has a new look and is much more user friendly than the original. “An account must be setup and has many advantages for the customer with this feature”. The improvement to the web site lets the customer get actual shipping costs, lets the customer check the status of their order and if an order is shipped that has a tracking or delivery confirmation number, the buyer can get that as well. If an item is not in stock the web site will not let you place an order. This eliminates any backorder problems. Another one of the site’s great improvements is the ‘Gear Finder’. This feature lets you match your plane or gear with the appropriate LADO equipment. Doug informed me that the only thing missing from the web site is the LADO Guarantee. He will Guarantee LADO Retracts for a one year period, including parts and labor.

During my phone interview with Doug, he also told me: “Business is booming, the economy has had no effect on the volume of orders”. Building LADO retracts are his only source of income. LADO Technologies is actively developing new products and will add them to the product line as they become available. The LADO facility also has a company mascot, an African Gray Parrot. Doug, how about a picture of your mascot on your site? Aero-Modelers, as you know have great senses of humor.

My overall conclusion:

LADO Retracts are well designed and durable equipment well worth the price. The owner of this small business is dedicated to Aero-Modeling as well as producing a quality product.

But wait, there’s more!

LADO Technologies produces a wide variety of retract products. Products like; Actuators that transform your air retracts into electric and controller Actuators. Check them out today.

Flyzone SkyFly 2 Overview

fastie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

Tactic 3-channel radio

New from FlyZone is an exciting trainer airplane called the SkyFly 2. What makes this airplane unique is the pusher style prop which provides the efficient thrust and also helps protect the propellor on the inevitable hard landings newcomers are bound to have during their first few flights. The SkyFly 2 comes as a complete ready-to-fly electric airplane so you will be ready to get to field in no time.

The SkyFly 2 is a complete RC airplane system including a 3-channel Radio system, a 380-size electric motor, a 8.4 V 900mAh NiMH Battery, electronic speed control with auto cut-off and a 12V DC Peak charger with AC adapter. With this complete kit the beginner is more focused on flying and learning the basics of RC flight. At the field, the beginner is further helped by the design features built into the model. It has rubber band attached wing which helps soften the damage to the wing in case of a rough landing. The pusher style motor design has the benefits of protecting the prop behind the front of the nose cone of the plane. In addition, the landing gear are built study and rugged to help with those hard landings. The fuselage is even designed to be flexible and more impact-resistant. The fuselage and wing also has nice graphics which also help in orienting the plane in flight. Go to the FlyZone planes SkyFly 2 for more details and some videos of the plane in action.

SkyFly 2 has a flexible and rugged fuselage

Model Specifications:

Wingspan: 42 in (1065mm)
Wing Area: 186 in² (12 dm²)
Weight: 19.2 oz (545 g)
Wing Loading: 14.9 oz/ft² (45 g/dm²)
Length: 30.75 in (780 mm)
Requires: .Eight AA batteries

ElectriFly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane Overview

fastie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

ElectiFly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane

Pluma's Parts are laser cut

The Electifly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane by Great Planes is an exciting new entry in their collection of foamie electric airplanes. What makes this almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) airplane unique is it's strong solid fuselage which gives the plane excellent stiffness for fine aerobatic performance. This plane is ready for some serious 3D stunts with an experienced pilot on the stick in just about an hour with it's easy assembly. The ElectriFly Pluma is one exiting aerobatic plane for your next indoor or outdoor flying meet.

Strong Fuselage with room for a variety of batteries

Flat foamy performance is just an hour away as you prepare this exciting new electric plane from ElectriFly. It has excellent features to ensure exciting 3D aerobatics for the experienced pilot such as a strong center fuselage, laser cut parts, 3M Blenderm tape for great hinges for the control surfaces, and excellent graphics. The Pluma is also designed to use the Rimfire Outrunner motors for excellent performance both indoor and outdoor.

The following specs show the recommended set-up:

INDOOR:

Motor- Rimfire 28-22-1380 (GPMG4505)
Prop- GWS 8x4 (GWSQ2009) or APC 8x3.8 slo-flyer (APCQ5000)
Battery- GP Power Series 11.1v 300mAh LiPo 20c(GPMG0595)
ESC- GP Silver Series SS-8 brushless (GPMM1800)

OUTDOOR

Motor- Rimfire 28-26-1000 (GPMG4525)
Prop- GP 10x4.5 slo-flyer (GPMQ6660)
Battery- GP Power Series 11.1v 640mAh LiPo 20c(GPMG0601)
ESC- GP Silver Series SS-12 brushless (GPMM1810)

Electrifly Pluma is the right size for indoor or outdoor fun

Model Specification:

Stock Number: GPMA1130
Wingspan: 32.5 in (830 mm)
Wing Area: 518 in² (33.4 dm²)
Weight Range: 8.4-9.5 oz (240-270 g)
Wing Loading: 2.3-2.6 oz/ft² (7.2-8.1 g/dm²)
Length: 38 in (955 mm)
Requires: 4-channel radio w/3 micro servos, out-runner brushless motor, 8A brushless ESC (minimum) & 11.1V 300mAh LiPo battery.

Lanier S.E.5a EP ARF Plane Overview

fastie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0500

Lanier S.E.5a EP ARF Plane

Top View of Lanier S.E.5a EP ARF Plane

The S.E.5a EP ARF Plane is one of the latest semi-scale military planes from Lanier RC. With a wingspan measuring 38", this is an impressible electric ARF based on a famous 1916 plane from WWI called the Scout Experimental Number 5 used by British Aces. Lanier finished this pre-built model nicely with excellent semi-scale features. This is sure to be a hit at your next military fun fly.

The S.E.5a is not just a nice replica of a WWI fighter, but featured with excellent flight characteristics. It has both upper and lower aerilons for great performance. Also, the plane comes 90% pre-built to get you to the field faster. Lanier's website further explains what is included:

Shows nice scale detail of pilot and machine gun

Lightweight, All Wood Airframe
All Wood Built-up Wing
Decals
Scale Like Wheels
Upper and Lower Wing Ailerons
Scale Like Guns
Scale Like Engine and exhaust
Jig Built With Lasercut Parts
Premium Iron-on Covering
All Hardware Included.

Lanier suggests to complete this model you will need a brushless motor, prop & spinner, battery, electronic speed control and an aircraft radio. Also see their website where you can download a manual to see further suggestions. This model not only is going to go together fast, but you will enjoy watching this military warplane showing it's scale looks and fun performance at your field.

Realistic wheel covers

Model Specifications

Wing Span: 38”
Overall Length: 29”
Wing Area: 508 Sq. In.
Flying Weight: 28 oz. (794g)
Engine: Brushless 400, 25A Speed Control
Radio: 4 - Channel Radio, 4 - Micro Servos

Mountain Models Dandy Electric RC Airplane Overview

fastie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

Mountain Models builds some nice electric kits for the beginner and experienced models. Their models like the Dandy are not only popular with the new flyers, but even some models like the Magpie are not only great durable foam beginner platforms but used extensively by those interested in Aerial Photography.

Mountain Models Dandy Electric RC airplane

The Mountain Models Dandy Electric RC airplane is a great plane for those interested in learning about RC flying, but also wanting a lightweight balsa platform and electric propulsion. The flight characteristics are geared to relaxing, but enthusiast flight when you push the Dandy a bit harder making it a great beginner plane.

The Dandy Electric RC Airplane is a great beginner platform with the suggested geared 280 motor or the more experienced pilot could build it with a brushless motor. The components of the Dandy are nicely prepared and laser-cut for precise building and assembly. Although this is a kit, it is a great introduction to building models and will give the beginner an extra bit of pride to see her fly. You will have this model built fairly quick and be ready for a nice learning experience or if an experienced pilot you will easily be able to catch some thermals and enjoy an occasional leasurely flight.

Mountain Models Dandy in action

Specifications

Wingspan: 47"
Wing Area: 320 sq in
Length: 28 in
Weight: 12 oz All Up Weight
Wing Loading: ~5.4 oz/sq ft
Channels: 3 (Elevator, Rudder, Motor)

Kit Contents

Laser cut wood
Landing gear and wheels
Control system and connectors
Misc. hardware

Tools Needed

Sharp knife (#11 X-Acto)
Sealing Iron for covering
Sandpaper
Screwdrivers

Items Needed to Complete

1 Roll SoLite (Covering)
Thin and Thick CA
3+ Ch Radio
3+ Ch Receiver
2 ea. GWS Picos, HS-55, or similar servos

Good Power

GWS EPS100 A
9.6V 650 KAN NiMH Battery

More Power

70+ Watt Brushless Motor
3S 800+ MAh LiPo

See their website for some excellent videos of the Dandy in action and extras like the PDF manual and the extra parts offered by Mountain Models to complete your project.