RADIO CONTROL SCALE AEROBATICS
Author
Mike Hurley, 11542 Decatur Ct., Westminster, CO 80234 E-mail: [email protected]
I was lucky this year to get a chance to go to the annual Toledo Weak Signals RC industry show in Toledo, Ohio. As Scale Aerobatics (SA) enthusiasts, we are probably the most fortunate Special Interest Group in AMA. The show was packed to the ceilings with loads of SA airplanes and equipment.
What was hot and new at Toledo
I'd like to try to clear up recently developed confusion about FiberClassics aircraft. The aircraft we used to know as FiberClassics are now manufactured and distributed by CompositeARFs.com. They are the same all-composite aircraft made in Thailand that we've known for years, just with a new name, distribution network, and attractive new prices. These Composite Almost Ready to Flys (ARFs) are the same models Jason Shulman and other competitors fly in the Tournament of Champions (TOC).
The company called FiberClassics consists of an entirely new line of composite and foam SA aircraft, with an impressive 40% Extra 300S and Edge 540. Planes Plus will distribute the new FiberClassics aircraft in the U.S., but Planes Plus no longer sells the old FiberClassics line now known as CompositeARFs.com. Is that as clear as mud?
Another manufacturer that is new to the Planes Plus stable this year is Germany's FMG. FMG makes some of the most beautifully sculpted models on the market, including a 42% and 30% Raven and a new-for-this-year 40% Extra 300L. The FMG Extra was, by far, my favorite new airplane of the show.
Two price-busting standouts at this year's show were Radiowave — with some slightly reworked versions of the old RadioCraft line of airplanes and a few new additions to the lineup — and Dave Patrick's new 40% Edge 540 ARF, complete with all necessary hardware for a paltry $1,500. The new Dave Patrick Edge will no doubt begin to define the marketplace.
Notable new items on display
- Hangar 9's 46% Ultimate biplane.
- Carden's second-generation 35% Extra 330.
- Desert Aircraft's new "baby" 50cc single-cylinder gas engine.
Not new news, but a first look for most of us, were Hangar 9's 46% Ultimate biplane, Carden's second-generation 35% Extra 330s, and Desert Aircraft's new baby 50cc single-cylinder gas engine. All of these items will likely make a big splash at local clubs this summer.
Hangar 9 Ultimate biplane
Designed by TOC competitor Mike McConville, the new Ultimate biplane is Hangar 9's largest and most sophisticated model to date. The airplane has a wingspan of 98.5 inches and a length of 110 inches. It features a removable tail section and wings that split in half for easy storage and transportation. I'm hoping that one of these beauties will make it into my hangar this summer.
Carden 35% Extra 330
Carden's new 35% Extra 330 is the little brother to the TOC-level 40% Extra that was introduced to much acclaim last year. The talk is that the new Extra is one of the best-performing designs in its class.
Desert Aircraft DA-50 (50cc)
Because my next design project will focus on the entry point into gasoline engines and 3-D, I have the new baby Desert Aircraft engine in my shop. It marks a significant step forward in the quality of an entry-level gasoline engine, giving those who are new to the gas-engine world a chance to fly a TOC-quality engine design at an affordable price point.
Key specs and features:
- Displacement: 50 cc (approximately 3.05 cu in).
- Power: produces approximately 5 horsepower.
- Weight: about 2.94 pounds.
- Ignition: fully electronic ignition.
- Construction: CNC-milled high-grade 7075 aluminum crankcase.
- Design: rear-carbureted, a common practice in Europe and somewhat new to the U.S. market.
- Mufflers: a wide variety of muffler systems are available, useful for difficult mounting issues and noise-restricted flying environments.
Noise and muffler information
Speaking of noise restrictions, for more information on how your fellow modelers are making their SA airplanes quieter, visit www.quiet.rcflier.com. The site gives a lot of information on how to mount a canister muffler system in an aerobatic model.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
