Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/05
Page Numbers: 14,15
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Worth a Closer Look

As seen at the 2007 AMA Convention held January 12–14, 2007, in Ontario, California.

AstroFlight’s Monster Motors

The AstroFlight 120 motor (the smaller of the two shown) is a new large direct-drive power plant for 10- to 20-pound models. Testing has proven that it delivers 3.5 horsepower spinning a 15- to 22-inch propeller. The 120’s inrunner design is typically more efficient (90%–95% reported) than comparable outrunners, and its torque constant is 5 inch-ounces per amp.

The motor runs on a six- to 12-cell lithium pack and requires a high-voltage, 110-amp brushless speed control such as the Phoenix HV-110 from Castle Creations. The 120 is wound with 13-gauge wire, five turns around each of its eight poles. Its recommended continuous maximum output is 80 amps, with one-minute peaks up to 100 amps.

The 120’s typical power range is 2,000–4,000 watts at a speed range of 6,000–10,000 rpm — more power and thrust than the typical .120–.140 four-stroke engine.

The sturdy 3.2 x 2.0-inch aluminum case supports two heavy-duty ball bearings and the motor weighs 32 ounces. The propeller shaft is 3/8 inch in diameter and holds a 1/4-inch propeller drive screw that fits into a wide aluminum drive washer suitable for popular APC electric propellers.

  • AstroFlight Inc.: 13311 Beach Ave., Marina del Rey, CA 90292
  • Tel.: (310) 821-6242
  • Web site: www.astroflight.com

SR-71 Blackbird

Fly the most distinctive jet to come out of the Skunk Works of the Cold War. Flyboy Models has recreated the high-speed, record-breaking SR-71 as a sport model sized for outstanding performance with the average sport .40 two-stroke engine.

The Blackbird is essentially a delta-wing model that is exceptionally stable and capable of good high-speed performance. Its wing spans just 38 inches and has removable outer wingtips for easy transportation. The fuselage is 47 inches long and the engine is mounted in a pusher configuration roughly midway along the wing root to maintain the sleek profile.

Outstanding performance has been realized with a good .46 BB two-stroke engine. A conversion to electric power shouldn’t be difficult since the top hatch offers access to the long nose of the fuselage. Seven servos and a four-channel radio are required.

The introductory price is $179 plus shipping and handling.

Kelly F1 Reno Air Racer

The full-scale Kelly that competes in the F1 class at the Reno Air Races has been reproduced for the first time as a 70-class RC model by Kyosho.

The mostly preassembled model features a fiberglass fuselage with basic coloring and a cowl that produces a stunningly realistic form. The slanted engine mount contributes to the slim nose.

The precovered balsa main wing features one-piece winglets that increase efficiency and help prevent stalling, improving stability at low speed. The fully featured kit also includes a fuel tank, linkage parts, and tires, leaving little assembly time and cost required to get the model airborne.

The Kelly features factory-finished fiberglass wheel pants that cover the legs to the tires for better aerodynamics and smooth flight. The kit also includes wire linkage parts for the rudder. The steerable tailwheel gives full taxiing control.

This 55.1-inch-wingspan model requires a four-channel radio system with five servos and a .52–.70 four-stroke engine. The wing area is 518 square inches, and the expected finished weight of the aircraft is approximately 5.75 pounds.

  • Kyosho Corporation of America: 20322 Valencia Cir., Lake Forest, CA 92630
  • Tel.: (949) 454-8854
  • Web site: www.kyoshoamerica.com

XtremeLink

The XtremeLink is a module system for most Futaba, JR, Hitec, Multiplex, and Airtronics radio systems that have removable radio-frequency (RF) modules. The system includes a replacement transmitter module that plugs into the RF module bay of your existing transmitter and an XtremeLink receiver. Receivers will be available in six-, eight-, and 10-channel versions.

Installation is transparent to the user. Nothing changes with your transmitter settings; install the XtremeLink receiver and the conversion is finished. Advanced features include the ability to program a fail-safe position for each individual channel in case of catastrophic failure (such as a transmitter battery failure), plus mixing, swapping, and duplicating channels.

The XtremeLink system operates on the license-free 2.4 GHz band, commonly used for wireless networks, cordless telephones, and other devices. XtremeLink’s proprietary spherical RF radiation pattern eliminates the need for multiple antennas and reduces dropouts by using all the available frequencies in the ISM band through an advanced patent-pending frequency-hopping technique.

High-resolution 1024 systems are great; 2048s are even better. The XtremeLink has an unparalleled 65,536 (16-bit) resolution. These systems were expected to be available in April. The introductory price for a module and receiver was anticipated to be $179.

Worth a Closer Look

Miniature Helicopter Fuselage Kits

Pod-and-boom micro and mini helicopters are extremely popular, and a number of top-quality manufacturers sell them. Add to their look and appeal by installing a lightweight scale fuselage.

JMD Models offers scale fuselage kits of the Jet Ranger, A-Star, BK 117, Hughes 300, Hughes 500D, and Bell 222 (Airwolf) for the 300- and 400-class mini helicopters such as the Shogun, T-Rex, MX-400, Blade CP, and E-Sky machines.

JMD also released the Jet Ranger and A-Star bodies for the new 100-class machines such as the Pixy and for cross-rotor blade machines such as the Blade CX or equivalent.

Each kit is vacuum-formed clear plastic to obtain the lightest weight possible. Some kits include scale landing gear. JMD offers a how-to DVD that is a must-have for any modeler looking to make his or her model a showstopper.

Kit prices range from $20 to $45. Optional retractable landing gear is available for the Bell 222.

  • JMD Models: 10249 Randwick Dr., Temple City, CA 91780
  • Tel.: (626) 350-8342
  • Web site: www.jmdmodels.com

Clip Wing Monocoupe ARF

Race pilot Johnny Livingston created the full-scale Clip Wing Monocoupe in 1932 by cutting 9 feet off his standard Monocoupe's wings and adding a 60% bigger engine. After World War II the Clip Wing was used for aerobatic competition and air shows. It was extremely successful, winning the first World Aerobatic Championship in 1948.

Pacific Aeromodel brings this classic to modeling as a 1/4-scale replica that captures the original's tough good looks, but the company tamed its nature so it is as easy to fly as any intermediate sport model. The airplane is fully aerobatic, yet it lands like a trainer.

The Monocoupe has a wingspan of 69.0 inches and an overall length of 63.5 inches. Expect the flying weight to be 12.5–14.0 pounds with either a .120–.180 glow or 25–35cc gas engine. Construction is all balsa, with a two-piece wing and dummy radial engine.

The introductory price is $429.95 plus shipping and handling.

  • Pacific Aeromodel Mfg., Inc.: 12368 Valley Blvd., Ste. 109, El Monte, CA 91732
  • Tel.: (800) 780-0100
  • Web site: www.pacaeromodel.com

Supreme IIS Receiver

Hitec's trusted series of dual-conversion Supreme receivers has been updated with the new eight-channel Supreme IIS that features Auto Shift. The Supreme IIS can be used with any brand of modern FM transmitter, regardless of positive or negative shift, eliminating the need for two versions of the same receiver.

Additional improvements include a more compact case and a 26% savings in weight (0.99 ounce).

All new Hitec receivers with Auto Shift are available in a single version. The company recommends using only its frequency crystals to ensure the best performance.

Hitec's new receivers feature Auto Gain Lock, which distinguishes the transmitter's signal with higher accuracy and can even discriminate between two transmitters on the same channel.

  • Street price: $54.99
  • Hitec RCD USA, LLC: 12115 Paine St., Poway, CA 92064
  • Tel.: (858) 748-6948
  • Web site: www.hitecrcd.com

Hangar 9 F-22 Progressive Training System

The F-22 Raptor—the US Air Force's newest aircraft at the time—is the most advanced stealth fighter in aviation technology. With the F-22 PTS, beginners can learn to fly on a trainer that looks and handles like a jet.

PTS stands for "Progressive Trainer System." It provides an aircraft that will allow you to go from training to jetlike aerobatics without upgrading or purchasing a new model.

This trainer sports removable NACA droops and wing extensions and a progressive three-position flap system to provide extra stability and slow flying characteristics. Once the basics have been mastered, it's easy to modify the model so the pilot can move up to the next level and enjoy jetlike aerobatics.

The F-22 has a wingspan of 52 inches with droops and tip extensions (48 inches without). The overall length from the Alpha engine to the simulated afterburning exhaust openings is 50.3 inches. Expect the weight to be 7.0–7.5 pounds.

The street price of $429.99 includes the 98% completely assembled model with the engine and radio system.

  • Horizon Hobby, Inc.: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
  • Tel.: (217) 352-1913
  • Web site: www.hangar-9.com

Aristo-Cat ARF

Polk's Hobby enters the 3-D electric market with an ARF all-wood model John S. Gill designed called the Aristo-Cat.

"This cat ain't no dog," the designer said when asked if this model would keep up with the demanding needs of the 3-D expert and aerobatics learner.

The profile fuselage is constructed from laminated wood layers with inlaid reinforcement for longitudinal and torsional stiffness.

The 35-inch balsa wings sport ailerons that are nearly half the total wing area and bolt onto the fuselage for easy maintenance and storage. The rudder and elevator are large.

The fully assembled model's all-up weight is 20 ounces.

The RTF package includes a 2-amp brushless outrunner motor, four servos, control links, propeller, wheels, and a propeller mount. All the builder must add to complete the Aristo-Cat is the ESC, a three-cell Li-Poly battery, and a four- to six-channel radio.

  • Polk's Hobby: 698 S. 21st St., Irvington, NJ 07111
  • Tel.: (973) 351-9800
  • Web site: www.polks-hobby.com

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.