Precision Aerobatics
Jay Smith [email protected]
Precision Aerobatics (PA) is a well-known manufacturer of lightweight, versatile, electric-powered aircraft popular with devotees of 3-D flight. While many pilots know models such as the Addiction and the Ultimate AMR, PA began its rise building Giant Scale aircraft.
Founder and origins
PA was founded by Shaun Vanunu, who began flying at age six in Australia. As his skills progressed he transitioned through different aircraft types and eventually settled on Giant Scale models. When building aircraft, Shaun commonly built a couple of extra airframes to sell and help cover the cost of his own projects. Demand soon exceeded what he could produce as a hobbyist builder.
To meet demand and expand production while maintaining quality, Shaun traveled from Australia to China to establish a factory.
Establishing the company and early models
In 2003, Shaun and his wife, Adad, started Precision Aerobatics. The company's first offerings were a profile model called the Bad Boy and a 106-inch Extra developed with assistance from an established Chinese factory. After the first shipping container of aircraft was delivered, PA set up its own factory in northern China in an area known for producing fishing tackle. The plant was equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including balsa cutting and a balsa sheeting machine that greatly aided production.
Each successive release typically required a development cycle of a year or more because Shaun wanted to incorporate new ideas and enhancements. Shaun designs every aircraft and draws from his experience as an aeronautical engineer and as a full-scale pilot.
Notable early releases:
- Bad Boy (profile model)
- 106-inch Extra
- Katana Mini (immediate success)
- Katana MD (2005 release, pivotal design)
- Addiction (PA's biggest success)
- Ultimate AMR
Design innovation: FiberFusion and iPAs
The Katana MD, developed over 18 months and released in 2005, was a pivotal moment for PA because it incorporated FiberFusion. PA describes FiberFusion as "a method of combining carbon fiber, balsa, and plywood in a way never seen before, utilizing the strengths of the fibers within each raw material, with the end result being lighter, stronger, and more rigid."
Shaun examined each component installed in the aircraft and, with help from an electrical engineer, released a line of Thrust brushless motors and PA Quantum speed controllers. This led to the Integrated Performance Airframe Drive System (iPAs), which provides customers with tested components that best complement the aircraft. Many of these components were designed from scratch.
Hardware and accessories
PA pays attention to even the smallest details. The hardware package included with each aircraft is specially selected and incorporates quality accessories such as:
- metal clevises
- ball links
- servo wire imported from Germany
Quality control
Quality is a central tenet at PA; the company slogan is "'cause quality counts." Adad emphasized quality throughout our conversation. For example: "When we construct the airplanes, for quality control we match the wing set with the fuselage. We check the incidence and wing alignment. We do it on each aircraft, same with the canopy. The parts are numbered; the wing root and the firewall have the same number. The parts are matched."
Model release process and team input
Adad said the main influence for new models is customer requests. "We brainstorm with 12 to 15 team pilots and keep them involved with the process and value their feedback. We also draw from experience from the previous designs," she explained.
Flight testing begins with Shaun, followed by team pilots who conduct more real-world testing. Typically, after two or three prototypes and when everyone is satisfied, the design is finalized for release.
Graphics and finishing
An eye-catching, easy-to-see color scheme is important. A talented graphic designer named Malcolm works closely with Adad to create the paint and decal schemes; each aircraft is treated as a blank canvas awaiting an artistic expression of color.
Distribution and US presence
Although PA's headquarters are in Australia, its aircraft are distributed worldwide. In 2008, PA opened a U.S. branch to serve its largest market. The 4,000-square-foot showroom and shipping facility in Winamac, Indiana, is operated by Jim and Cheryl Widner. They maintain a large stock of aircraft and spare parts and represent PA at many events and trade shows.
During a visit to Winamac, I was impressed by the amount of stock on hand and the large assortment of spare parts that occupied an entire room.
Conclusion
In its first 11 years, Precision Aerobatics has pushed the envelope of aircraft design and continues to innovate. The company appears ready to continue that trend and has additional surprises planned for future releases—some of which may move beyond the 3-D arena.
—Jay Smith [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
