Worth a Closer Look
Extra MX
Steve Evans of Precision Aerobatics North America is shown with the new Extra MX: the company's largest electric-powered model to date. It utilizes FiberFusion construction, which bonds carbon fiber to the airframe for strength and durability.
Pilots will appreciate the MX's fully airfoiled control surfaces and a unique aileron design that allows the ailerons to fit into the wings' trailing-edge (TE) tunnels, sealing the hinge gap.
Designed around a power system that runs from two 3S 2200 mAh battery packs in parallel, the Extra MX has a wingspan of 58 inches, a wing area of 721 square inches, a flying weight of 3.85 pounds, and a wing loading of approximately 12 ounces per square foot.
Precision Aerobatics North America: 6625 Hwy. 53 E., Suite 410‑PMB‑101, Dawsonville, GA 30534; Tel.: (770) 292‑9122; Web site: www.precisionaerobatics.com
Handcrafted Pilots
If you are looking for a pilot figure that's not afraid to show its face, look no further than Red Aero RC. We were amazed by the realism packed into this line. Each pilot is handcrafted from durable epoxy fiberglass and then hand-painted with red, blue, or silver helmets.
We received the "visor-up" 33% IMAC-style figure for an upcoming review. Our pilot even came in under the advertised weight, at only 3.2 ounces. Also available are "visor-down" and "full-helmet" versions in 33% and 40% sizes.
Also shown is the new Classic Aviator, which comes fully painted and assembled using the same process as the IMAC-style line. The goggles even have clear lenses, adding a further touch of realism to your scale project.
Red Aero RC: www.redaerorc.com
Radio Ready Mini Spitfire
The Phase 3 Mini Spitfire is the answer for pilots who are looking for a nimble WWII fighter in a small package. Assembly is a breeze, requiring only the tail to be mounted, the landing gear to be installed if desired, and your flight receiver to be added.
Included with the model:
- 3.7-volt, 1300 mAh Li-Poly battery and charger
- extra propeller and spinner
We fitted the optional gear to allow takeoffs and landings on a paved runway. Since there is no rudder, we found it is best to take off at full throttle to get the Spitfire airborne quickly.
Two things amazed us on the first flight: the model's speed on its brushed motor and single-cell battery, and the feeling that you are flying a larger aircraft. This Battle of Britain thoroughbred was at home flying outdoors in the wind and handled like a fighter twice its size. It is capable of basic aerobatics, with loops that require a dive before entry and rolls that look typical of fighters of this era.
The Spitfire is controlled with aileron, elevator, and throttle. It has a wingspan of 21.25 inches and a flying weight of 6.5 ounces. The Phase 3 Spitfire will get you into the battle quickly and keep you there for approximately eight minutes with the included battery.
Hobby People: 18480 Bandilier Cir., Fountain Valley, CA 92708; Tel.: (714) 963‑9881; Web site: www.hobbypeople.net
Mega Lipo Safe
We like to feature products that make our hobby safer. The new Mega Lipo Safe from Common Sense RC does that by giving us another option for charging, transporting, and storing our Li-Poly batteries.
Larger than traditional sack-type holders, the Mega Lipo Safe is reported to hold as many as 16 three-cell, 2100 mAh batteries, or a smaller combination of batteries and a charger.
We used it to hold some six-cell packs for a Giant Scale project and had no problem fitting them into the compartment (7 x 9 x 3 inches). The snap-on cover allows charge leads to enter the safe between the snaps.
The carry handle makes transporting easy, even when you have other gear to lug to the field. Common Sense even offers a free replacement guarantee in case your Mega Lipo Safe is ever involved in a battery failure.
Common Sense RC: 9725 Owensmouth Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311; Tel.: (866) 405‑8811; Web site: www.commonsenserc.com
Flying Different Airplanes is a Snap
We first saw Jie Zhao’s vision of “modularized” aircraft at last year’s iHobby Expo. He showed how one power module could easily be transplanted among any of the three included airframes, with a snap of the magnets and a minor adjustment on the transmitter for mixing.
Three distinctly different aircraft in one RTF package, controlled by a 900 MHz transmitter, is a micro-flier’s dream. Impressed with the forward-thinking approach and potential of the Snap&Fly concept, we eagerly awaited its release.
The wait was worth it; the Snap&Fly models performed exactly as Jie and his company, ItCanFly, promised. Each airplane flies completely different from the next. The "hot rod" of the bunch is the canard, which flies faster and in a more agile manner with its aileron-type controls. As expected, the biplane with rudder and elevator control is capable of the slowest flight, and the midwing V-tail model fits in between the two.
These models can be flown indoors or outdoors in calm conditions, and their light weight has allowed them to survive minor mishaps without damage.
The RTF package includes:
- transmitter with built-in charger for two flight batteries
- power module
- three airframes
- three batteries
- spare motor, mount, and propeller
Snap&Fly provides triple the fun in one RTF package.
ItCanFly: 14241 Midlothian Tpke. #148, Midlothian, VA 23113; Tel.: (804) 591-9838; Web site: www.itcanfly.com
Battery Buddies
Battery Buddies are soft vinyl caps designed to cover male and female Deans-style connectors. Available in packages of six, these covers come in two colors—red and black—so you can use them to help keep track of which batteries are ready to use and which need a charge.
Battery Buddies can also be used in other RC applications, such as carburetor plugs, glow igniter caps, and exhaust plugs. Look for additional colors to be available in the future.
Colorado Radio Control Products: (303) 507-8427; Web site: www.batterybuddies.com
World of Indoor/Micro Radio Controlled Models
Are you looking for updated information about the why and how of micro and indoor models? Bob Aberle, editor-at-large for RC Micro World Online Magazine and technical editor of Model Aviation, has you covered with his new book on CD.
The World of Indoor/Micro Radio Controlled Model Aircraft covers everything from submicro to backyard flying. It offers a wealth of information about receivers, servos, motors, and batteries, as well as details on some of the top products available today.
Containing 118 pages of text and 138 color photos, this resource provides the information needed to help you along as you venture into this segment of the hobby.
RC Micro World: www.cloud9rc.com
Pitts Model 12R "The Beast"
With the help of Quique Somenzini, Kevin Kimball, and Bryan Jensen, Horizon Hobby surprised attendees at this year’s Joe Nall Fly-In. The company’s new model Pitts received a lot of attention, especially when Quique put it through its paces with smoke on.
The even bigger surprise followed when Bryan Jensen made a smoke-on pass with the full-scale Beast, in formation with Matt Chapman and his Eagle 580. The model and full-scale Beast, in matching colors, were then displayed at the event.
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is that the airplane design has been a collaboration between full-scale builder/designer Kevin Kimball and Quique Somenzini. The full-scale Beast will make limited air show appearances this year, and Horizon Hobby will soon release its smaller counterpart.
Although not all of the model’s specifications have been released, we do know it has a wingspan of 89 inches and a flying weight of approximately 26 pounds. Engine recommendations are for either an 80cc or 100cc gas engine.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 352-1913; Web site: www.hangar-9.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
