Worth a Closer Look
Hobby Lobby Jets!
Hobby Lobby is offering a large number of small electric-ducted-fan jets in both ARF and RTF form. The Executive Jet has a 47-inch wingspan, is 53.25 inches long, has 370 square inches of wing area, and weighs 47 ounces ready to fly with the fixed gear (retracts optional).
The F/A-18 RTF is available in the Hornet and Red Viper color schemes, has a 28-inch wingspan, is 37 inches long, and is completely ready to fly right out of the box—everything is included.
Many of these jets feature hollow molded-foam construction. All the jets are completely prepainted and ready for final assembly. The surface of the foam is toughened, and the areas on the bottom of the jet that contact the ground are made from durable plastic. Carbon fiber and plywood are used where necessary for added strength.
Flight performance is remarkable. The gear-equipped aircraft can easily rise off grass (grass takeoff). Slow-speed performance is excellent, and hand launching, if necessary, is a comfortable action. Fixed gear or retracts are an option on many of these models.
Magnetic closures are popular on these aircraft, giving quick and easy access to the flight battery. Balance is critical on these models, so the optimum CG is molded into the bottom surface of the wing for easy reference.
Total assembly time is roughly six to eight hours. Builders can choose a three- to six-channel setup and options such as nose-wheel steering, rudder, retract, and flap control.
Average flight times are between seven and ten minutes. Most jets in this lineup require one or two 1800 mAh 20C Li-Poly battery packs.
- Hobby Lobby
- 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood, TN 37027
- Tel.: (615) 373-1444
- Web: www.hobby-lobby.com
Cellpro Grows to 10
FMA Direct introduces the Cellpro 10s Charger, a highly engineered charger that can be used to charge any brand of lithium pack using either Cellpro adapters or pigtails. The 10s Charger includes two 5s output connectors and two simple 5s-to-4s adapters, enabling use with existing Cellpro 4s adapters for other-brand batteries.
A key part of the system is FMA Direct’s Cellpro Node Connector, which lets the charger monitor individual cells and independently charge each cell to its optimum level. Using the Cellpro 10s Charge Control Software, the charger can be set to work with virtually any good, regulated power supply—even if the supply is not designed for high power.
By entering current capability (e.g., 1–25 A), the 10s Charger will automatically adjust the maximum charge current to protect the programmed power supply. This feature lets users decide how much to invest in a power supply.
The Cellpro 10s Charger retains all the features of the trusted Cellpro 4s Charger. It can handle Li-Poly or A123 cells with variable charge rates for both. The 10s charges one pack of 1s–10s or two packs of 1s–5s cells simultaneously, and it has Internet upgradability—no need to send the charger to the factory for firmware upgrades.
- FMA Direct
- 5716A Industry Ln., Frederick, MD 21704
- Tel.: (800) 343-2934
- Web: www.fmadirect.com
Something Scale for World War I Buffs
Hangar 9’s new Fokker D.VII 60 ARF is an accurate scale reproduction of Germany’s legendary fighter. The model features an exceptional level of detail, from the scale pilot figure to the dummy six-cylinder Mercedes engine with exhaust stack and simulated rocker arms.
The trim scheme includes authentic German lozenge camouflage on the wings and tail. Scale details include wheels, guns, and more. The model was designed to accommodate two- and four-stroke glow engines, as well as electric motors. A four-channel radio system is required, with five standard-size servos.
The 63.4-inch-span D.VII is constructed from laser-cut wood and has painted fiberglass parts for detail. Covering is genuine Hangar 9 UltraCote, including the lozenge pattern, which will be offered separately in case a repair is required. The model’s wing area exceeds 1,100 square inches, and its flying weight is expected to be 8–10 pounds.
- Horizon Hobby Inc.
- 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
- Tel.: (800) 338-4639
- Web: www.horizonhobby.com
Apogee Sport DLG
The Apogee Sport is a high-performance rudder/elevator Discus-Launch Glider (DLG) with a 40-inch wingspan and an all-up weight of approximately 3.6 ounces, producing a wing loading of roughly 2.9 ounces per square foot. The model uses the popular AG airfoil, designed for both thermal performance and penetration.
The kit was developed to be accessible to modelers with average building and flying skills, to accommodate modern radio systems, and to withstand full-force discus launches. Contest-grade balsa is used, and the kit includes hardware, accessories, and full-size plans.
A comprehensive online manual provides full-color, detailed photographs and instructions tailored to a wide range of building skills. A live online forum and telephone support are available to assist builders.
- Enduro Composite Models
- Box 4068, Queensbury, NY 12804
- Tel.: (518) 832-6726
- Web: www.flyecm.com
Worth a Closer Look
Sceadu Evo 50 CCPM
Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC) is shipping the Sceadu Evo 50 as a 120° CCPM (Hirobo's SWM system) control-equipped kit. Like the popular HPM kit, the Evo 50 includes a split gear-driven tail system for authority in autorotations, a full complement of ball and thrust bearings in the head and tail-rotor grips, and can accept 620 main blades, which can be used with 95mm tail blades.
The fully adjustable weighted paddles allow the pilot to set the helicopter for wild to mild flight. All bearings in the drivetrain are easy to access for quick maintenance. The tail drive uses Hirobo's proven belt system with a neoprene-coated, fiber-reinforced, fine-toothed belt for smooth power transfer and minimal power loss.
The Sceadu Evo 50 lends itself to many customizations with true optional parts. For Scale flying enthusiasts, a number of Scale bodies are available that will bolt directly onto the Evo 50 kit.
- Model Rectifier Corporation
- 80 Newfield Ave., Edison, NJ 08837
- Tel.: (732) 225-2100
- Web: www.modelrec.com
Super-Flying SuperFly
The SuperFly is a versatile, tough EPP foam airplane ideal for beginners and experienced pilots who want a durable trainer. If you have a receiver, two mini servos, a brushless ESC, a two-cell 1200 mAh Li-Poly battery, and a few spare hours, you can build an airplane that flies nicely and is almost impossible to break.
The EPP foam used for the SuperFly is tough and flexible; it will forgive mistakes without breaking and will maintain its aerodynamic shape, so the airplane will fly consistently after impacts. While not intended to encourage abusive flying, the SuperFly is perfect for building confidence for maneuvers such as low inverted flight.
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 27 inches
- Length: 22 inches
- Flying weight: less than 11 ounces
The SuperFly is ideal for parks and small fields. Most radio systems include elevon mixing, so no special equipment is required. Acrylic paint works best for decoration. The kit is intended to provide maximum fun per dollar, and there will be foam left over for customization.
- SuperFly RC
- 505 Tamara Dr., Georgetown, TX 78628
- Tel.: (512) 686-4249
- Web: www.superflyrc.com
Reactor Bipe EP 3-D
Accomplished pilots know that many 3-D models do not transition well into precision/pattern flying. The ElectriFly Reactor Bipe, however, is slightly larger and stronger than many 3-D models, so it tracks better and offers prefabrication features that enhance assembly ease and construction quality.
The 35-inch-wingspan Reactor biplane evolved from the original Reactor monoplane and includes fiberglass parts and composite hardware. The Reactor Bipe includes a CG balancer so the builder can set and balance the airplane to match their flying style. Expect a flying weight of 34–38 ounces. This ARF requires a 650-watt motor; a 35-amp ESC; a four-channel radio; and a 1200–2100 mAh, 11.1-volt Li-Poly battery.
- Great Planes Model Distributors
- Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826
- Tel.: (217) 398-3630
- Web: www.electrifly.com
Living Aviation History
The Roaring Glory Warbirds series of DVDs takes viewers back in time to aircraft such as the Tomahawk, Mustang, and Hellcat. Each disc includes a history lesson, a modern-day look at the aircraft, and right-seat flights with pilots who demonstrate them at air shows worldwide.
Expert hosts Jeff Ethell and Steve Hinton tour aircraft including the B-17, A6M5 Zero, B-25, Corsair, Lightning, Avenger, and Thunderbolt, taking viewers through check rides and demonstrations. Dolby Digital Surround sound enhances the experience, and hybrid DVD functionality appeals to Scale buffs: each of the 10 discs offers walk-around photography that is printable from a Mac or PC.
Bonus features such as fact sheets, original training films, and dramatic re-enactments make these 88- to 103-minute presentations enjoyable and informative.
- AMA Cloud 9 Museum Store
- 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302
- Tel.: (800) 435-9262
- Web: www.modelaircraft.org/shopama
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
