The Habu 2’s new color scheme stands out in the
air and on the wet tarmac before its maiden flight.
Before the autumn of 2009, the
only people familiar with the
word habu were herpetologists
and wordsmiths. Before that time, if
you used the word habu in a sentence
you were likely talking about one
of several different venomous Asian
snakes (although in the context of a
magazine devoted to model aviation, I
need to mention that Habu was also the
nickname of the SR-71 Blackbird highaltitude
reconnaissance aircraft).
Things changed in late 2009 when
ParkZone announced the release of its
fi rst electric ducted-fan (EDF) jet model
and immediately made the word Habu a
part of the vernacular of electric-powered
aircraft enthusiasts around the world.
This Z-Foam composition ARF jet
featured a power system anchored by the
E-fl ite Delta V 69mm fan and was fast in
the air. Its quick and modular assembly,
wide speed envelope, and the availability
of replacement parts made it a popular
electric jet aircraft for intermediate-level
pilots.
Within several months of its release,
it was not uncommon to routinely see
several of them in the air together at club
fi elds and fl y-ins. Many of the pilots who
were fl ying pricy turbine-powered aircraft
joined the ranks of Habu owners.
What was not to like about a fastbuilding
and affordable ARF that could
provide a quick jet fi x without needing to
reach for the 5-gallon jug of Jet A?
Fast-forward to the spring of 2012.
ParkZone created a buzz again when
the company announced the imminent
release of a successor to the Habu, the
Habu 2. This second-generation Habu
sticks to the proven power system used in
the fi rst-generation model, but is adorned
in a red, white, and blue color scheme
that is U.S. Air Force Thunderbird-esque.
Is this Habu 2 a mere rerelease of
the original Habu with a fresh coat of
paint, or does its beauty run deeper than
its new skin? Those with a penchant
for reading the fi ne print were quick
to discover that ParkZone now listed
fl aps and electric retracts as available
and factory-supported options for this
second-generation Habu.
The Habu 2 comes out of the box in an advanced state of preassembly.
Fixed gears are included, but the optional E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts drop in and are worth the upgrade.
Both the rudder and elevator servos are premounted in the tail assembly.
First Impressions
Although time goes into engineering model aircraft, one cannot ignore the container in which the Habu 2 arrives. The foam cradle the Habu components are nestled in ensures that the aircraft can withstand the rigors of being shipped around the world.
My review model Habu 2 arrived in pristine, undamaged condition. Strategically placed pieces of bubble wrap, foam retainer blocks, and a throw-away clear nose cone protector keep the Habu safe on its journey to the end user. Thanks to its glueless assembly, the Habu 2 can easily be disassembled and repacked into its original box for storage or shipping. You may want to safely squirrel away that box.
In the decades that I have been immersed in the hobby, I have yet to see an EDF aircraft of this size and complexity come out of the box in such an advanced state of preassembly. The entire brushless EDF power system is preinstalled. All that is required to make the system ready is to insert the recommended 14.8-volt LiPo battery into the factory-installed twin hook-and-loop restraints.
The entire tail assembly comes out of the box as a module, with the rudder and elevator servos already in place. Mount it to the aft end of the fuselage, connect the rudder pushrod, and it is done. The fuselage-based servos are also already installed and connected to the Spektrum AR600 full-range receiver, which is positioned at the factory at the rear of the fuselage.
Opposite the receiver, at the forward end of the fuselage, lies the speed controller. It also is mounted, wired, and ready to go.
The basic Habu 2 kit includes fixed tricycle gear in the box, as did the first Habu. Should you opt to fly the Habu 2 configured as it comes out of the box, total assembly time will likely be less than an hour.
More than a few modelers (including me) kit-bashed flaps and electric retracts into the original Habu. There was no official factory-endorsed retracts option but the E-flite 10- to 15-size tricycle retracts were perfect for the airframe. Adding them took a fair amount of time and effort, but tucking the gear up in flight looked cool and even added to the jet’s top speed.
ParkZone has now made it easy to add the E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts on this second-generation Habu. The airframe was redesigned to make adding them quick and painless. ParkZone prewired the retracts, so the necessary wiring is already in place in the gear wells. The ability to easily add retractable landing gear is one of the main differences between the original Habu and the sequel Habu.
The second extra feature that makes the Habu 2 an improvement over Habu 1 is the option to add flaps. For the cost of two servos, the already amazing slow-speed performance of the stock Habu can be further enhanced. Although adding these two options increases the overall build time, ParkZone has gone to lengths to ensure that they are both easy options that enhance the flight performance of the Habu 2.
An entire family of acronyms is used to define the world of ARF kits. RTF, BNF (Bind-N-Fly), and PNP (Plug-N-Play) were used by ParkZone in the past, but the Habu 2 was made available in a single variant known as the BNF Basic.
The bottom line on this new moniker is that the LiPo flight battery and its basic charger were eliminated from the box. This may have had more to do with recently tightened shipping regulations on LiPo batteries than anything. Shipping model airplane kits with Lithium-based battery chemistry is under increasing scrutiny.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model type: EDF sport jet
Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot
Wingspan: 36.3 inches
Length: 43.3 inches
Weight: 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
EDF system: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm with BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Radio: Four-channel with five
servos
Construction: Z-Foam
Street price: $299.99
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
EDF: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm fan
Motor: E-flite BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Speed controller: E-flite 60-amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC
Battery: E-flite 4S 30C 3200 mAh LiPo
Radio system: JR X9503 2.4 GHz transmitter; Spektrum AR600 2.4 GHz six-channel receiver
Ready-to-fly weight: 51.8 ounces; 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
Flight duration: 4 to 6 minutes
PLUSES
• Comes out of the box in an advanced state
of preassembly.
• Glueless assembly.
• Extra hardware included in the box.
• Excellent aircraft to develop and hone jet
pilot proficiency and skills.
• Optional electric retracts and flaps dress
it up.
MINUSES
• The basic package does not include the
flight battery.
• Hardware bags not labeled.
AT A GLANCE ...
The fuselage has been checked out and is ready to go.
A smooth-running E-flite Delta-V15 69mm fan unit gives the Habu its bite.
Hobby shops that sell ParkZone products will likely stock the necessary and appropriate battery for the Habu 2. The type of charger typically included in the box with a kit such as the Habu 2 is an entry-level unit. The majority of intermediate modelers, to whom this product is marketed, will either already own a more advanced and faster-performing charger or will easily be able to seek out and purchase one.
Construction
The Habu 2 is a glueless, modular ARF kit. Assembly is limited to attaching the landing gear to the wing and fuselage, mounting the empennage assembly, and attaching the wing to the fuselage. Most of the other details have already been addressed by factory personnel.
One will have to bind the included Spektrum AR600 receiver to his or her transmitter, obtain and charge a LiPo battery, and then set up the radio. The total required effort is minimal.
Should you choose to use the included fixed tricycle gear, you can probably assemble the Habu in less than 60 minutes. If you prefer to add the optional electric retracts and flaps, the total assembly time may be two hours.
Adding retracts in the original Habu required that you own a Dremel and weren’t afraid to use it. Preparing the airframe to accept the tricycle retracts required enough material removal to qualify the operation as major surgery.
The wing was barely thick enough to accommodate them. I accidentally punched through in one place when installing mine and had to strategically add a new graphic.
Adding the E-flite electric retracts requires a screwdriver, but you must un-holster the Dremel to trim the length of the coil struts and axles. ParkZone preinstalls the landing gear servo leads in the airframe.
Remove the blue gear cover dummy plates, slide the retracts into position, and secure each with four mounting screws. The retract package includes a three-to-one adapter harness that is used to connect all three retract units to channel five on the Spektrum AR600 receiver.
One important detail not addressed in the assembly manual involves the orientation of the wheel and tire assemblies. All three wheels are concave on one side. Install the nose wheel improperly, and it will be prone to catch on the outer plate that outlines the nose gear bay opening.
ParkZone paid close attention to the little details on the Habu 2, such as making the multicolored stripes on the nose gear opening plate perfectly align with the stripes on the fuselage.
Activating the optional flaps is a straightforward proposition, although it
The Habu 2 penetrates the wind well.
Here it is pulling through a hard turn
Pylon style!
MA Digital Extras!
Experience a fl ight video, product
overview, and additional photos
online. Visit www.ModelAviation.com/
habu2 or download our tablet app!
is best to connect them to your receiver
and confi gure them for correct operation
before you glue them permanently into
the wing pockets.
Removing the blue-and-white tape
that hides the channel routing the servo
leads across the bottom of the wing is
necessary to route the fl aps servo leads.
The adhesive on this should be tackier.
Once removed, it did not want to stick in
place.
Few fasteners are needed to
assemble the Habu 2, but it would be
advantageous to label the packaging
to prevent confusion. The instructions
clearly state the size and length of each
fastener for any given step.
Flying
Intermediate and advanced pilots
will instantly be comfortable fl ying the
Habu 2. It is a well-mannered sport
EDF jet. Newer jet pilots may be slightly
challenged by its performance envelope.
Flying a jet requires staying ahead of it at
all times.
At wide-open throttle, the Habu 2
will quickly eat up sky. As an ARF EDF,
it is surprisingly fast out of the box and
speeds can reach roughly 80 mph on
the stock power system. The Habu 2
is designed to be forgiving in fl ight and
serves as a capable sport EDF with which
to improve one’s jet skills. It can be safely
slowed to speeds that would cause other
jet models to fall from the sky.
It is not uncommon to have a jet
wander off course as it accelerates
down the runway because of a poorly
engineered nose wheel steering system.
This is not true of the Habu 2. The
robust construction and arrangement of
the nose gear
steering system
belies good
design and
engineering.
My Habu 2 tracked
nicely on takeoff and landing
rollouts, and the sight of the tricycle
gear slowly pulling up into the bottom
of the Habu 2 as it climbs out is very
cool!
It is best to fl y the Habu 2 with a little
bit of rudder mixed into the ailerons,
especially at lower speeds. While fl ying it
in close, low, and slow for camera passes,
it slightly dragged its tail in the turns.
A touch of rudder kicked it back into
position.
I fl ew several of my early fl ights in
gusty 10- to 15-mph winds. The Habu 2
penetrated nicely, and landings with full
fl aps were uneventful.
It is important to watch your speed
on fi nal approach. You should never
completely cut the power. Doing so will
likely create bouncy landings. Keeping
the throttle active throughout the entire
approach will yield the best landings.
It is a good practice to slow the Habu
before entering the landing pattern.
Once you have achieved this, drop the
fl aps to the fi rst position and enter the
downwind leg. Keep the power on and
don’t let the nose rise above the horizon.
Flying a large approach pattern allows
you to keep your turns gradual and
controlled. Go to full fl aps as you enter
base or fi nal approach and modulate the
power to control the rate of descent.
The Habu is not diffi cult to land, but
rushing into landing approach or failing
to properly set it up can result in a small
snakebite. Don’t forget to drop the
retractable landing gear before you enter
the pattern!
The Habu is truly in its element
when the throttle stick is pushed to the
maximum. Full throttle passes on the
deck are easy and exciting. The new red,
white, and blue color scheme looks great
in the air. The Delta V fan ran smoothly
over most of the rpm band, although I
heard slight resonance in one small range
toward mid-stick.
Using quality LiPo batteries with a
30C or higher rating will keep the EDF
power system happiest. Flights range
from 3 to 7 minutes. The determining
factor is the amount of lead in your
throttle thumb!
Conclusion
ParkZone has taken a successful
product and, by monitoring the
comments of the users, brought it to
the next level. The Habu 2 possesses
the same wide speed envelope as the
original. Those who prefer to option
out their jets with retracts and fl aps can
now do so easily. All of the engineering is
completed by the designers.
Although some may raise a
questioning eyebrow when considering
the price point of this model, stopping
to consider the true value of what comes
in the box is enlightening. Because
of the advanced state of preassembly,
completing the Habu 2 can take as little
as an hour.
Adding retracts and fl ap options will
at least double the assembly time. As
a comparison, it is not uncommon for
other ARF kits to require that a builder
devote fi ve to 10 hours to the assembly.
If we were to pay ourselves the
prevailing wage that is received at our
secular jobs, the average cost to build an
ARF would be expensive. Time is money,
and what time is more valuable than our
personal time?
The quick-building Habu 2 appears
to be a good value considering the short
amount of time that it takes to assemble.
In an hour or two, you can be tearing
through the skies at 80 mph in a greatlooking
EDF jet!
—Jon Barnes
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
ParkZone/Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
SOURCES:
Spektrum RC
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 61,62,63,64
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 61,62,63,64
The Habu 2’s new color scheme stands out in the
air and on the wet tarmac before its maiden flight.
Before the autumn of 2009, the
only people familiar with the
word habu were herpetologists
and wordsmiths. Before that time, if
you used the word habu in a sentence
you were likely talking about one
of several different venomous Asian
snakes (although in the context of a
magazine devoted to model aviation, I
need to mention that Habu was also the
nickname of the SR-71 Blackbird highaltitude
reconnaissance aircraft).
Things changed in late 2009 when
ParkZone announced the release of its
fi rst electric ducted-fan (EDF) jet model
and immediately made the word Habu a
part of the vernacular of electric-powered
aircraft enthusiasts around the world.
This Z-Foam composition ARF jet
featured a power system anchored by the
E-fl ite Delta V 69mm fan and was fast in
the air. Its quick and modular assembly,
wide speed envelope, and the availability
of replacement parts made it a popular
electric jet aircraft for intermediate-level
pilots.
Within several months of its release,
it was not uncommon to routinely see
several of them in the air together at club
fi elds and fl y-ins. Many of the pilots who
were fl ying pricy turbine-powered aircraft
joined the ranks of Habu owners.
What was not to like about a fastbuilding
and affordable ARF that could
provide a quick jet fi x without needing to
reach for the 5-gallon jug of Jet A?
Fast-forward to the spring of 2012.
ParkZone created a buzz again when
the company announced the imminent
release of a successor to the Habu, the
Habu 2. This second-generation Habu
sticks to the proven power system used in
the fi rst-generation model, but is adorned
in a red, white, and blue color scheme
that is U.S. Air Force Thunderbird-esque.
Is this Habu 2 a mere rerelease of
the original Habu with a fresh coat of
paint, or does its beauty run deeper than
its new skin? Those with a penchant
for reading the fi ne print were quick
to discover that ParkZone now listed
fl aps and electric retracts as available
and factory-supported options for this
second-generation Habu.
The Habu 2 comes out of the box in an advanced state of preassembly.
Fixed gears are included, but the optional E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts drop in and are worth the upgrade.
Both the rudder and elevator servos are premounted in the tail assembly.
First Impressions
Although time goes into engineering model aircraft, one cannot ignore the container in which the Habu 2 arrives. The foam cradle the Habu components are nestled in ensures that the aircraft can withstand the rigors of being shipped around the world.
My review model Habu 2 arrived in pristine, undamaged condition. Strategically placed pieces of bubble wrap, foam retainer blocks, and a throw-away clear nose cone protector keep the Habu safe on its journey to the end user. Thanks to its glueless assembly, the Habu 2 can easily be disassembled and repacked into its original box for storage or shipping. You may want to safely squirrel away that box.
In the decades that I have been immersed in the hobby, I have yet to see an EDF aircraft of this size and complexity come out of the box in such an advanced state of preassembly. The entire brushless EDF power system is preinstalled. All that is required to make the system ready is to insert the recommended 14.8-volt LiPo battery into the factory-installed twin hook-and-loop restraints.
The entire tail assembly comes out of the box as a module, with the rudder and elevator servos already in place. Mount it to the aft end of the fuselage, connect the rudder pushrod, and it is done. The fuselage-based servos are also already installed and connected to the Spektrum AR600 full-range receiver, which is positioned at the factory at the rear of the fuselage.
Opposite the receiver, at the forward end of the fuselage, lies the speed controller. It also is mounted, wired, and ready to go.
The basic Habu 2 kit includes fixed tricycle gear in the box, as did the first Habu. Should you opt to fly the Habu 2 configured as it comes out of the box, total assembly time will likely be less than an hour.
More than a few modelers (including me) kit-bashed flaps and electric retracts into the original Habu. There was no official factory-endorsed retracts option but the E-flite 10- to 15-size tricycle retracts were perfect for the airframe. Adding them took a fair amount of time and effort, but tucking the gear up in flight looked cool and even added to the jet’s top speed.
ParkZone has now made it easy to add the E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts on this second-generation Habu. The airframe was redesigned to make adding them quick and painless. ParkZone prewired the retracts, so the necessary wiring is already in place in the gear wells. The ability to easily add retractable landing gear is one of the main differences between the original Habu and the sequel Habu.
The second extra feature that makes the Habu 2 an improvement over Habu 1 is the option to add flaps. For the cost of two servos, the already amazing slow-speed performance of the stock Habu can be further enhanced. Although adding these two options increases the overall build time, ParkZone has gone to lengths to ensure that they are both easy options that enhance the flight performance of the Habu 2.
An entire family of acronyms is used to define the world of ARF kits. RTF, BNF (Bind-N-Fly), and PNP (Plug-N-Play) were used by ParkZone in the past, but the Habu 2 was made available in a single variant known as the BNF Basic.
The bottom line on this new moniker is that the LiPo flight battery and its basic charger were eliminated from the box. This may have had more to do with recently tightened shipping regulations on LiPo batteries than anything. Shipping model airplane kits with Lithium-based battery chemistry is under increasing scrutiny.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model type: EDF sport jet
Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot
Wingspan: 36.3 inches
Length: 43.3 inches
Weight: 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
EDF system: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm with BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Radio: Four-channel with five
servos
Construction: Z-Foam
Street price: $299.99
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
EDF: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm fan
Motor: E-flite BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Speed controller: E-flite 60-amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC
Battery: E-flite 4S 30C 3200 mAh LiPo
Radio system: JR X9503 2.4 GHz transmitter; Spektrum AR600 2.4 GHz six-channel receiver
Ready-to-fly weight: 51.8 ounces; 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
Flight duration: 4 to 6 minutes
PLUSES
• Comes out of the box in an advanced state
of preassembly.
• Glueless assembly.
• Extra hardware included in the box.
• Excellent aircraft to develop and hone jet
pilot proficiency and skills.
• Optional electric retracts and flaps dress
it up.
MINUSES
• The basic package does not include the
flight battery.
• Hardware bags not labeled.
AT A GLANCE ...
The fuselage has been checked out and is ready to go.
A smooth-running E-flite Delta-V15 69mm fan unit gives the Habu its bite.
Hobby shops that sell ParkZone products will likely stock the necessary and appropriate battery for the Habu 2. The type of charger typically included in the box with a kit such as the Habu 2 is an entry-level unit. The majority of intermediate modelers, to whom this product is marketed, will either already own a more advanced and faster-performing charger or will easily be able to seek out and purchase one.
Construction
The Habu 2 is a glueless, modular ARF kit. Assembly is limited to attaching the landing gear to the wing and fuselage, mounting the empennage assembly, and attaching the wing to the fuselage. Most of the other details have already been addressed by factory personnel.
One will have to bind the included Spektrum AR600 receiver to his or her transmitter, obtain and charge a LiPo battery, and then set up the radio. The total required effort is minimal.
Should you choose to use the included fixed tricycle gear, you can probably assemble the Habu in less than 60 minutes. If you prefer to add the optional electric retracts and flaps, the total assembly time may be two hours.
Adding retracts in the original Habu required that you own a Dremel and weren’t afraid to use it. Preparing the airframe to accept the tricycle retracts required enough material removal to qualify the operation as major surgery.
The wing was barely thick enough to accommodate them. I accidentally punched through in one place when installing mine and had to strategically add a new graphic.
Adding the E-flite electric retracts requires a screwdriver, but you must un-holster the Dremel to trim the length of the coil struts and axles. ParkZone preinstalls the landing gear servo leads in the airframe.
Remove the blue gear cover dummy plates, slide the retracts into position, and secure each with four mounting screws. The retract package includes a three-to-one adapter harness that is used to connect all three retract units to channel five on the Spektrum AR600 receiver.
One important detail not addressed in the assembly manual involves the orientation of the wheel and tire assemblies. All three wheels are concave on one side. Install the nose wheel improperly, and it will be prone to catch on the outer plate that outlines the nose gear bay opening.
ParkZone paid close attention to the little details on the Habu 2, such as making the multicolored stripes on the nose gear opening plate perfectly align with the stripes on the fuselage.
Activating the optional flaps is a straightforward proposition, although it
The Habu 2 penetrates the wind well.
Here it is pulling through a hard turn
Pylon style!
MA Digital Extras!
Experience a fl ight video, product
overview, and additional photos
online. Visit www.ModelAviation.com/
habu2 or download our tablet app!
is best to connect them to your receiver
and confi gure them for correct operation
before you glue them permanently into
the wing pockets.
Removing the blue-and-white tape
that hides the channel routing the servo
leads across the bottom of the wing is
necessary to route the fl aps servo leads.
The adhesive on this should be tackier.
Once removed, it did not want to stick in
place.
Few fasteners are needed to
assemble the Habu 2, but it would be
advantageous to label the packaging
to prevent confusion. The instructions
clearly state the size and length of each
fastener for any given step.
Flying
Intermediate and advanced pilots
will instantly be comfortable fl ying the
Habu 2. It is a well-mannered sport
EDF jet. Newer jet pilots may be slightly
challenged by its performance envelope.
Flying a jet requires staying ahead of it at
all times.
At wide-open throttle, the Habu 2
will quickly eat up sky. As an ARF EDF,
it is surprisingly fast out of the box and
speeds can reach roughly 80 mph on
the stock power system. The Habu 2
is designed to be forgiving in fl ight and
serves as a capable sport EDF with which
to improve one’s jet skills. It can be safely
slowed to speeds that would cause other
jet models to fall from the sky.
It is not uncommon to have a jet
wander off course as it accelerates
down the runway because of a poorly
engineered nose wheel steering system.
This is not true of the Habu 2. The
robust construction and arrangement of
the nose gear
steering system
belies good
design and
engineering.
My Habu 2 tracked
nicely on takeoff and landing
rollouts, and the sight of the tricycle
gear slowly pulling up into the bottom
of the Habu 2 as it climbs out is very
cool!
It is best to fl y the Habu 2 with a little
bit of rudder mixed into the ailerons,
especially at lower speeds. While fl ying it
in close, low, and slow for camera passes,
it slightly dragged its tail in the turns.
A touch of rudder kicked it back into
position.
I fl ew several of my early fl ights in
gusty 10- to 15-mph winds. The Habu 2
penetrated nicely, and landings with full
fl aps were uneventful.
It is important to watch your speed
on fi nal approach. You should never
completely cut the power. Doing so will
likely create bouncy landings. Keeping
the throttle active throughout the entire
approach will yield the best landings.
It is a good practice to slow the Habu
before entering the landing pattern.
Once you have achieved this, drop the
fl aps to the fi rst position and enter the
downwind leg. Keep the power on and
don’t let the nose rise above the horizon.
Flying a large approach pattern allows
you to keep your turns gradual and
controlled. Go to full fl aps as you enter
base or fi nal approach and modulate the
power to control the rate of descent.
The Habu is not diffi cult to land, but
rushing into landing approach or failing
to properly set it up can result in a small
snakebite. Don’t forget to drop the
retractable landing gear before you enter
the pattern!
The Habu is truly in its element
when the throttle stick is pushed to the
maximum. Full throttle passes on the
deck are easy and exciting. The new red,
white, and blue color scheme looks great
in the air. The Delta V fan ran smoothly
over most of the rpm band, although I
heard slight resonance in one small range
toward mid-stick.
Using quality LiPo batteries with a
30C or higher rating will keep the EDF
power system happiest. Flights range
from 3 to 7 minutes. The determining
factor is the amount of lead in your
throttle thumb!
Conclusion
ParkZone has taken a successful
product and, by monitoring the
comments of the users, brought it to
the next level. The Habu 2 possesses
the same wide speed envelope as the
original. Those who prefer to option
out their jets with retracts and fl aps can
now do so easily. All of the engineering is
completed by the designers.
Although some may raise a
questioning eyebrow when considering
the price point of this model, stopping
to consider the true value of what comes
in the box is enlightening. Because
of the advanced state of preassembly,
completing the Habu 2 can take as little
as an hour.
Adding retracts and fl ap options will
at least double the assembly time. As
a comparison, it is not uncommon for
other ARF kits to require that a builder
devote fi ve to 10 hours to the assembly.
If we were to pay ourselves the
prevailing wage that is received at our
secular jobs, the average cost to build an
ARF would be expensive. Time is money,
and what time is more valuable than our
personal time?
The quick-building Habu 2 appears
to be a good value considering the short
amount of time that it takes to assemble.
In an hour or two, you can be tearing
through the skies at 80 mph in a greatlooking
EDF jet!
—Jon Barnes
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
ParkZone/Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
SOURCES:
Spektrum RC
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 61,62,63,64
The Habu 2’s new color scheme stands out in the
air and on the wet tarmac before its maiden flight.
Before the autumn of 2009, the
only people familiar with the
word habu were herpetologists
and wordsmiths. Before that time, if
you used the word habu in a sentence
you were likely talking about one
of several different venomous Asian
snakes (although in the context of a
magazine devoted to model aviation, I
need to mention that Habu was also the
nickname of the SR-71 Blackbird highaltitude
reconnaissance aircraft).
Things changed in late 2009 when
ParkZone announced the release of its
fi rst electric ducted-fan (EDF) jet model
and immediately made the word Habu a
part of the vernacular of electric-powered
aircraft enthusiasts around the world.
This Z-Foam composition ARF jet
featured a power system anchored by the
E-fl ite Delta V 69mm fan and was fast in
the air. Its quick and modular assembly,
wide speed envelope, and the availability
of replacement parts made it a popular
electric jet aircraft for intermediate-level
pilots.
Within several months of its release,
it was not uncommon to routinely see
several of them in the air together at club
fi elds and fl y-ins. Many of the pilots who
were fl ying pricy turbine-powered aircraft
joined the ranks of Habu owners.
What was not to like about a fastbuilding
and affordable ARF that could
provide a quick jet fi x without needing to
reach for the 5-gallon jug of Jet A?
Fast-forward to the spring of 2012.
ParkZone created a buzz again when
the company announced the imminent
release of a successor to the Habu, the
Habu 2. This second-generation Habu
sticks to the proven power system used in
the fi rst-generation model, but is adorned
in a red, white, and blue color scheme
that is U.S. Air Force Thunderbird-esque.
Is this Habu 2 a mere rerelease of
the original Habu with a fresh coat of
paint, or does its beauty run deeper than
its new skin? Those with a penchant
for reading the fi ne print were quick
to discover that ParkZone now listed
fl aps and electric retracts as available
and factory-supported options for this
second-generation Habu.
The Habu 2 comes out of the box in an advanced state of preassembly.
Fixed gears are included, but the optional E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts drop in and are worth the upgrade.
Both the rudder and elevator servos are premounted in the tail assembly.
First Impressions
Although time goes into engineering model aircraft, one cannot ignore the container in which the Habu 2 arrives. The foam cradle the Habu components are nestled in ensures that the aircraft can withstand the rigors of being shipped around the world.
My review model Habu 2 arrived in pristine, undamaged condition. Strategically placed pieces of bubble wrap, foam retainer blocks, and a throw-away clear nose cone protector keep the Habu safe on its journey to the end user. Thanks to its glueless assembly, the Habu 2 can easily be disassembled and repacked into its original box for storage or shipping. You may want to safely squirrel away that box.
In the decades that I have been immersed in the hobby, I have yet to see an EDF aircraft of this size and complexity come out of the box in such an advanced state of preassembly. The entire brushless EDF power system is preinstalled. All that is required to make the system ready is to insert the recommended 14.8-volt LiPo battery into the factory-installed twin hook-and-loop restraints.
The entire tail assembly comes out of the box as a module, with the rudder and elevator servos already in place. Mount it to the aft end of the fuselage, connect the rudder pushrod, and it is done. The fuselage-based servos are also already installed and connected to the Spektrum AR600 full-range receiver, which is positioned at the factory at the rear of the fuselage.
Opposite the receiver, at the forward end of the fuselage, lies the speed controller. It also is mounted, wired, and ready to go.
The basic Habu 2 kit includes fixed tricycle gear in the box, as did the first Habu. Should you opt to fly the Habu 2 configured as it comes out of the box, total assembly time will likely be less than an hour.
More than a few modelers (including me) kit-bashed flaps and electric retracts into the original Habu. There was no official factory-endorsed retracts option but the E-flite 10- to 15-size tricycle retracts were perfect for the airframe. Adding them took a fair amount of time and effort, but tucking the gear up in flight looked cool and even added to the jet’s top speed.
ParkZone has now made it easy to add the E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts on this second-generation Habu. The airframe was redesigned to make adding them quick and painless. ParkZone prewired the retracts, so the necessary wiring is already in place in the gear wells. The ability to easily add retractable landing gear is one of the main differences between the original Habu and the sequel Habu.
The second extra feature that makes the Habu 2 an improvement over Habu 1 is the option to add flaps. For the cost of two servos, the already amazing slow-speed performance of the stock Habu can be further enhanced. Although adding these two options increases the overall build time, ParkZone has gone to lengths to ensure that they are both easy options that enhance the flight performance of the Habu 2.
An entire family of acronyms is used to define the world of ARF kits. RTF, BNF (Bind-N-Fly), and PNP (Plug-N-Play) were used by ParkZone in the past, but the Habu 2 was made available in a single variant known as the BNF Basic.
The bottom line on this new moniker is that the LiPo flight battery and its basic charger were eliminated from the box. This may have had more to do with recently tightened shipping regulations on LiPo batteries than anything. Shipping model airplane kits with Lithium-based battery chemistry is under increasing scrutiny.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model type: EDF sport jet
Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot
Wingspan: 36.3 inches
Length: 43.3 inches
Weight: 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
EDF system: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm with BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Radio: Four-channel with five
servos
Construction: Z-Foam
Street price: $299.99
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
EDF: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm fan
Motor: E-flite BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Speed controller: E-flite 60-amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC
Battery: E-flite 4S 30C 3200 mAh LiPo
Radio system: JR X9503 2.4 GHz transmitter; Spektrum AR600 2.4 GHz six-channel receiver
Ready-to-fly weight: 51.8 ounces; 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
Flight duration: 4 to 6 minutes
PLUSES
• Comes out of the box in an advanced state
of preassembly.
• Glueless assembly.
• Extra hardware included in the box.
• Excellent aircraft to develop and hone jet
pilot proficiency and skills.
• Optional electric retracts and flaps dress
it up.
MINUSES
• The basic package does not include the
flight battery.
• Hardware bags not labeled.
AT A GLANCE ...
The fuselage has been checked out and is ready to go.
A smooth-running E-flite Delta-V15 69mm fan unit gives the Habu its bite.
Hobby shops that sell ParkZone products will likely stock the necessary and appropriate battery for the Habu 2. The type of charger typically included in the box with a kit such as the Habu 2 is an entry-level unit. The majority of intermediate modelers, to whom this product is marketed, will either already own a more advanced and faster-performing charger or will easily be able to seek out and purchase one.
Construction
The Habu 2 is a glueless, modular ARF kit. Assembly is limited to attaching the landing gear to the wing and fuselage, mounting the empennage assembly, and attaching the wing to the fuselage. Most of the other details have already been addressed by factory personnel.
One will have to bind the included Spektrum AR600 receiver to his or her transmitter, obtain and charge a LiPo battery, and then set up the radio. The total required effort is minimal.
Should you choose to use the included fixed tricycle gear, you can probably assemble the Habu in less than 60 minutes. If you prefer to add the optional electric retracts and flaps, the total assembly time may be two hours.
Adding retracts in the original Habu required that you own a Dremel and weren’t afraid to use it. Preparing the airframe to accept the tricycle retracts required enough material removal to qualify the operation as major surgery.
The wing was barely thick enough to accommodate them. I accidentally punched through in one place when installing mine and had to strategically add a new graphic.
Adding the E-flite electric retracts requires a screwdriver, but you must un-holster the Dremel to trim the length of the coil struts and axles. ParkZone preinstalls the landing gear servo leads in the airframe.
Remove the blue gear cover dummy plates, slide the retracts into position, and secure each with four mounting screws. The retract package includes a three-to-one adapter harness that is used to connect all three retract units to channel five on the Spektrum AR600 receiver.
One important detail not addressed in the assembly manual involves the orientation of the wheel and tire assemblies. All three wheels are concave on one side. Install the nose wheel improperly, and it will be prone to catch on the outer plate that outlines the nose gear bay opening.
ParkZone paid close attention to the little details on the Habu 2, such as making the multicolored stripes on the nose gear opening plate perfectly align with the stripes on the fuselage.
Activating the optional flaps is a straightforward proposition, although it
The Habu 2 penetrates the wind well.
Here it is pulling through a hard turn
Pylon style!
MA Digital Extras!
Experience a fl ight video, product
overview, and additional photos
online. Visit www.ModelAviation.com/
habu2 or download our tablet app!
is best to connect them to your receiver
and confi gure them for correct operation
before you glue them permanently into
the wing pockets.
Removing the blue-and-white tape
that hides the channel routing the servo
leads across the bottom of the wing is
necessary to route the fl aps servo leads.
The adhesive on this should be tackier.
Once removed, it did not want to stick in
place.
Few fasteners are needed to
assemble the Habu 2, but it would be
advantageous to label the packaging
to prevent confusion. The instructions
clearly state the size and length of each
fastener for any given step.
Flying
Intermediate and advanced pilots
will instantly be comfortable fl ying the
Habu 2. It is a well-mannered sport
EDF jet. Newer jet pilots may be slightly
challenged by its performance envelope.
Flying a jet requires staying ahead of it at
all times.
At wide-open throttle, the Habu 2
will quickly eat up sky. As an ARF EDF,
it is surprisingly fast out of the box and
speeds can reach roughly 80 mph on
the stock power system. The Habu 2
is designed to be forgiving in fl ight and
serves as a capable sport EDF with which
to improve one’s jet skills. It can be safely
slowed to speeds that would cause other
jet models to fall from the sky.
It is not uncommon to have a jet
wander off course as it accelerates
down the runway because of a poorly
engineered nose wheel steering system.
This is not true of the Habu 2. The
robust construction and arrangement of
the nose gear
steering system
belies good
design and
engineering.
My Habu 2 tracked
nicely on takeoff and landing
rollouts, and the sight of the tricycle
gear slowly pulling up into the bottom
of the Habu 2 as it climbs out is very
cool!
It is best to fl y the Habu 2 with a little
bit of rudder mixed into the ailerons,
especially at lower speeds. While fl ying it
in close, low, and slow for camera passes,
it slightly dragged its tail in the turns.
A touch of rudder kicked it back into
position.
I fl ew several of my early fl ights in
gusty 10- to 15-mph winds. The Habu 2
penetrated nicely, and landings with full
fl aps were uneventful.
It is important to watch your speed
on fi nal approach. You should never
completely cut the power. Doing so will
likely create bouncy landings. Keeping
the throttle active throughout the entire
approach will yield the best landings.
It is a good practice to slow the Habu
before entering the landing pattern.
Once you have achieved this, drop the
fl aps to the fi rst position and enter the
downwind leg. Keep the power on and
don’t let the nose rise above the horizon.
Flying a large approach pattern allows
you to keep your turns gradual and
controlled. Go to full fl aps as you enter
base or fi nal approach and modulate the
power to control the rate of descent.
The Habu is not diffi cult to land, but
rushing into landing approach or failing
to properly set it up can result in a small
snakebite. Don’t forget to drop the
retractable landing gear before you enter
the pattern!
The Habu is truly in its element
when the throttle stick is pushed to the
maximum. Full throttle passes on the
deck are easy and exciting. The new red,
white, and blue color scheme looks great
in the air. The Delta V fan ran smoothly
over most of the rpm band, although I
heard slight resonance in one small range
toward mid-stick.
Using quality LiPo batteries with a
30C or higher rating will keep the EDF
power system happiest. Flights range
from 3 to 7 minutes. The determining
factor is the amount of lead in your
throttle thumb!
Conclusion
ParkZone has taken a successful
product and, by monitoring the
comments of the users, brought it to
the next level. The Habu 2 possesses
the same wide speed envelope as the
original. Those who prefer to option
out their jets with retracts and fl aps can
now do so easily. All of the engineering is
completed by the designers.
Although some may raise a
questioning eyebrow when considering
the price point of this model, stopping
to consider the true value of what comes
in the box is enlightening. Because
of the advanced state of preassembly,
completing the Habu 2 can take as little
as an hour.
Adding retracts and fl ap options will
at least double the assembly time. As
a comparison, it is not uncommon for
other ARF kits to require that a builder
devote fi ve to 10 hours to the assembly.
If we were to pay ourselves the
prevailing wage that is received at our
secular jobs, the average cost to build an
ARF would be expensive. Time is money,
and what time is more valuable than our
personal time?
The quick-building Habu 2 appears
to be a good value considering the short
amount of time that it takes to assemble.
In an hour or two, you can be tearing
through the skies at 80 mph in a greatlooking
EDF jet!
—Jon Barnes
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
ParkZone/Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
SOURCES:
Spektrum RC
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 61,62,63,64
The Habu 2’s new color scheme stands out in the
air and on the wet tarmac before its maiden flight.
Before the autumn of 2009, the
only people familiar with the
word habu were herpetologists
and wordsmiths. Before that time, if
you used the word habu in a sentence
you were likely talking about one
of several different venomous Asian
snakes (although in the context of a
magazine devoted to model aviation, I
need to mention that Habu was also the
nickname of the SR-71 Blackbird highaltitude
reconnaissance aircraft).
Things changed in late 2009 when
ParkZone announced the release of its
fi rst electric ducted-fan (EDF) jet model
and immediately made the word Habu a
part of the vernacular of electric-powered
aircraft enthusiasts around the world.
This Z-Foam composition ARF jet
featured a power system anchored by the
E-fl ite Delta V 69mm fan and was fast in
the air. Its quick and modular assembly,
wide speed envelope, and the availability
of replacement parts made it a popular
electric jet aircraft for intermediate-level
pilots.
Within several months of its release,
it was not uncommon to routinely see
several of them in the air together at club
fi elds and fl y-ins. Many of the pilots who
were fl ying pricy turbine-powered aircraft
joined the ranks of Habu owners.
What was not to like about a fastbuilding
and affordable ARF that could
provide a quick jet fi x without needing to
reach for the 5-gallon jug of Jet A?
Fast-forward to the spring of 2012.
ParkZone created a buzz again when
the company announced the imminent
release of a successor to the Habu, the
Habu 2. This second-generation Habu
sticks to the proven power system used in
the fi rst-generation model, but is adorned
in a red, white, and blue color scheme
that is U.S. Air Force Thunderbird-esque.
Is this Habu 2 a mere rerelease of
the original Habu with a fresh coat of
paint, or does its beauty run deeper than
its new skin? Those with a penchant
for reading the fi ne print were quick
to discover that ParkZone now listed
fl aps and electric retracts as available
and factory-supported options for this
second-generation Habu.
The Habu 2 comes out of the box in an advanced state of preassembly.
Fixed gears are included, but the optional E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts drop in and are worth the upgrade.
Both the rudder and elevator servos are premounted in the tail assembly.
First Impressions
Although time goes into engineering model aircraft, one cannot ignore the container in which the Habu 2 arrives. The foam cradle the Habu components are nestled in ensures that the aircraft can withstand the rigors of being shipped around the world.
My review model Habu 2 arrived in pristine, undamaged condition. Strategically placed pieces of bubble wrap, foam retainer blocks, and a throw-away clear nose cone protector keep the Habu safe on its journey to the end user. Thanks to its glueless assembly, the Habu 2 can easily be disassembled and repacked into its original box for storage or shipping. You may want to safely squirrel away that box.
In the decades that I have been immersed in the hobby, I have yet to see an EDF aircraft of this size and complexity come out of the box in such an advanced state of preassembly. The entire brushless EDF power system is preinstalled. All that is required to make the system ready is to insert the recommended 14.8-volt LiPo battery into the factory-installed twin hook-and-loop restraints.
The entire tail assembly comes out of the box as a module, with the rudder and elevator servos already in place. Mount it to the aft end of the fuselage, connect the rudder pushrod, and it is done. The fuselage-based servos are also already installed and connected to the Spektrum AR600 full-range receiver, which is positioned at the factory at the rear of the fuselage.
Opposite the receiver, at the forward end of the fuselage, lies the speed controller. It also is mounted, wired, and ready to go.
The basic Habu 2 kit includes fixed tricycle gear in the box, as did the first Habu. Should you opt to fly the Habu 2 configured as it comes out of the box, total assembly time will likely be less than an hour.
More than a few modelers (including me) kit-bashed flaps and electric retracts into the original Habu. There was no official factory-endorsed retracts option but the E-flite 10- to 15-size tricycle retracts were perfect for the airframe. Adding them took a fair amount of time and effort, but tucking the gear up in flight looked cool and even added to the jet’s top speed.
ParkZone has now made it easy to add the E-flite 10- to 15-size electric retracts on this second-generation Habu. The airframe was redesigned to make adding them quick and painless. ParkZone prewired the retracts, so the necessary wiring is already in place in the gear wells. The ability to easily add retractable landing gear is one of the main differences between the original Habu and the sequel Habu.
The second extra feature that makes the Habu 2 an improvement over Habu 1 is the option to add flaps. For the cost of two servos, the already amazing slow-speed performance of the stock Habu can be further enhanced. Although adding these two options increases the overall build time, ParkZone has gone to lengths to ensure that they are both easy options that enhance the flight performance of the Habu 2.
An entire family of acronyms is used to define the world of ARF kits. RTF, BNF (Bind-N-Fly), and PNP (Plug-N-Play) were used by ParkZone in the past, but the Habu 2 was made available in a single variant known as the BNF Basic.
The bottom line on this new moniker is that the LiPo flight battery and its basic charger were eliminated from the box. This may have had more to do with recently tightened shipping regulations on LiPo batteries than anything. Shipping model airplane kits with Lithium-based battery chemistry is under increasing scrutiny.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model type: EDF sport jet
Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot
Wingspan: 36.3 inches
Length: 43.3 inches
Weight: 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
EDF system: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm with BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Radio: Four-channel with five
servos
Construction: Z-Foam
Street price: $299.99
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
EDF: E-flite Delta V 15 69mm fan
Motor: E-flite BL15 3200 Kv brushless inrunner
Speed controller: E-flite 60-amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC
Battery: E-flite 4S 30C 3200 mAh LiPo
Radio system: JR X9503 2.4 GHz transmitter; Spektrum AR600 2.4 GHz six-channel receiver
Ready-to-fly weight: 51.8 ounces; 54.7 ounces with retracts and flaps
Flight duration: 4 to 6 minutes
PLUSES
• Comes out of the box in an advanced state
of preassembly.
• Glueless assembly.
• Extra hardware included in the box.
• Excellent aircraft to develop and hone jet
pilot proficiency and skills.
• Optional electric retracts and flaps dress
it up.
MINUSES
• The basic package does not include the
flight battery.
• Hardware bags not labeled.
AT A GLANCE ...
The fuselage has been checked out and is ready to go.
A smooth-running E-flite Delta-V15 69mm fan unit gives the Habu its bite.
Hobby shops that sell ParkZone products will likely stock the necessary and appropriate battery for the Habu 2. The type of charger typically included in the box with a kit such as the Habu 2 is an entry-level unit. The majority of intermediate modelers, to whom this product is marketed, will either already own a more advanced and faster-performing charger or will easily be able to seek out and purchase one.
Construction
The Habu 2 is a glueless, modular ARF kit. Assembly is limited to attaching the landing gear to the wing and fuselage, mounting the empennage assembly, and attaching the wing to the fuselage. Most of the other details have already been addressed by factory personnel.
One will have to bind the included Spektrum AR600 receiver to his or her transmitter, obtain and charge a LiPo battery, and then set up the radio. The total required effort is minimal.
Should you choose to use the included fixed tricycle gear, you can probably assemble the Habu in less than 60 minutes. If you prefer to add the optional electric retracts and flaps, the total assembly time may be two hours.
Adding retracts in the original Habu required that you own a Dremel and weren’t afraid to use it. Preparing the airframe to accept the tricycle retracts required enough material removal to qualify the operation as major surgery.
The wing was barely thick enough to accommodate them. I accidentally punched through in one place when installing mine and had to strategically add a new graphic.
Adding the E-flite electric retracts requires a screwdriver, but you must un-holster the Dremel to trim the length of the coil struts and axles. ParkZone preinstalls the landing gear servo leads in the airframe.
Remove the blue gear cover dummy plates, slide the retracts into position, and secure each with four mounting screws. The retract package includes a three-to-one adapter harness that is used to connect all three retract units to channel five on the Spektrum AR600 receiver.
One important detail not addressed in the assembly manual involves the orientation of the wheel and tire assemblies. All three wheels are concave on one side. Install the nose wheel improperly, and it will be prone to catch on the outer plate that outlines the nose gear bay opening.
ParkZone paid close attention to the little details on the Habu 2, such as making the multicolored stripes on the nose gear opening plate perfectly align with the stripes on the fuselage.
Activating the optional flaps is a straightforward proposition, although it
The Habu 2 penetrates the wind well.
Here it is pulling through a hard turn
Pylon style!
MA Digital Extras!
Experience a fl ight video, product
overview, and additional photos
online. Visit www.ModelAviation.com/
habu2 or download our tablet app!
is best to connect them to your receiver
and confi gure them for correct operation
before you glue them permanently into
the wing pockets.
Removing the blue-and-white tape
that hides the channel routing the servo
leads across the bottom of the wing is
necessary to route the fl aps servo leads.
The adhesive on this should be tackier.
Once removed, it did not want to stick in
place.
Few fasteners are needed to
assemble the Habu 2, but it would be
advantageous to label the packaging
to prevent confusion. The instructions
clearly state the size and length of each
fastener for any given step.
Flying
Intermediate and advanced pilots
will instantly be comfortable fl ying the
Habu 2. It is a well-mannered sport
EDF jet. Newer jet pilots may be slightly
challenged by its performance envelope.
Flying a jet requires staying ahead of it at
all times.
At wide-open throttle, the Habu 2
will quickly eat up sky. As an ARF EDF,
it is surprisingly fast out of the box and
speeds can reach roughly 80 mph on
the stock power system. The Habu 2
is designed to be forgiving in fl ight and
serves as a capable sport EDF with which
to improve one’s jet skills. It can be safely
slowed to speeds that would cause other
jet models to fall from the sky.
It is not uncommon to have a jet
wander off course as it accelerates
down the runway because of a poorly
engineered nose wheel steering system.
This is not true of the Habu 2. The
robust construction and arrangement of
the nose gear
steering system
belies good
design and
engineering.
My Habu 2 tracked
nicely on takeoff and landing
rollouts, and the sight of the tricycle
gear slowly pulling up into the bottom
of the Habu 2 as it climbs out is very
cool!
It is best to fl y the Habu 2 with a little
bit of rudder mixed into the ailerons,
especially at lower speeds. While fl ying it
in close, low, and slow for camera passes,
it slightly dragged its tail in the turns.
A touch of rudder kicked it back into
position.
I fl ew several of my early fl ights in
gusty 10- to 15-mph winds. The Habu 2
penetrated nicely, and landings with full
fl aps were uneventful.
It is important to watch your speed
on fi nal approach. You should never
completely cut the power. Doing so will
likely create bouncy landings. Keeping
the throttle active throughout the entire
approach will yield the best landings.
It is a good practice to slow the Habu
before entering the landing pattern.
Once you have achieved this, drop the
fl aps to the fi rst position and enter the
downwind leg. Keep the power on and
don’t let the nose rise above the horizon.
Flying a large approach pattern allows
you to keep your turns gradual and
controlled. Go to full fl aps as you enter
base or fi nal approach and modulate the
power to control the rate of descent.
The Habu is not diffi cult to land, but
rushing into landing approach or failing
to properly set it up can result in a small
snakebite. Don’t forget to drop the
retractable landing gear before you enter
the pattern!
The Habu is truly in its element
when the throttle stick is pushed to the
maximum. Full throttle passes on the
deck are easy and exciting. The new red,
white, and blue color scheme looks great
in the air. The Delta V fan ran smoothly
over most of the rpm band, although I
heard slight resonance in one small range
toward mid-stick.
Using quality LiPo batteries with a
30C or higher rating will keep the EDF
power system happiest. Flights range
from 3 to 7 minutes. The determining
factor is the amount of lead in your
throttle thumb!
Conclusion
ParkZone has taken a successful
product and, by monitoring the
comments of the users, brought it to
the next level. The Habu 2 possesses
the same wide speed envelope as the
original. Those who prefer to option
out their jets with retracts and fl aps can
now do so easily. All of the engineering is
completed by the designers.
Although some may raise a
questioning eyebrow when considering
the price point of this model, stopping
to consider the true value of what comes
in the box is enlightening. Because
of the advanced state of preassembly,
completing the Habu 2 can take as little
as an hour.
Adding retracts and fl ap options will
at least double the assembly time. As
a comparison, it is not uncommon for
other ARF kits to require that a builder
devote fi ve to 10 hours to the assembly.
If we were to pay ourselves the
prevailing wage that is received at our
secular jobs, the average cost to build an
ARF would be expensive. Time is money,
and what time is more valuable than our
personal time?
The quick-building Habu 2 appears
to be a good value considering the short
amount of time that it takes to assemble.
In an hour or two, you can be tearing
through the skies at 80 mph in a greatlooking
EDF jet!
—Jon Barnes
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
ParkZone/Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
SOURCES:
Spektrum RC
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com