The New Model Army - radio-control model aircraft to the test

Remember making model aircraft? Cutting out Balsa wood ribs (slip, there goes another finger), sticking longerons to bulkheads, getting high on glue... aah, childhood. Well, no more. These days, radio-control model aircraftare available ready-made or simply clip together in seconds. Online retailer Flying Gadgets is the source.

 

	HIGHLY REC P51D MUSTANG » Based on OFMC’s ‘Ferocious Frankie’ » Aerobatic » Wingspan 100cm » Assembly 10-15 mins » Flying time 15 mins. Recharge 40 mins » Transmitter range 2500ft Price £114.99
	FOCKE WULF 190 » Same scale and spec as Mustang (above) » Aerobatic » Wingspan 100cm » Assembly 10-15 mins » Flying time 15 mins. Recharge 40 mins » Range 2500ft Price £114.99
	CLASSIC TRAINER » No previous experience necessary » Fly straight from the box » Wingspan 22cm » Flying time 10-15 mins. Recharge 15 mins » Range 50mt Price £29.99
	FIREBIRD FREEDOM » Trainer, with ‘anticrash’ technology » Ready to fly » Wingspan 127cm » Length 70cm » Flying time 15 mins » Range 2500ft Price £89.99
	AEROBIRD EXTREME » Aerobatic » Runway takeoff and landing possible » Assembly 5 mins » Wingspan 140cm » Length 110cm » Flying time 15-20 mins Price £109.99
	SUPER DECATHLON » Aerobatic » Runway takeoff and landing possible » Assembly 5 mins » Wingspan 90cm » Flying time 15 mins Price £109.99
	TYPHOON 3D » Advanced aerobatics including loops and inverted flight » Assembly 15 mins » Wingspan 1 metre » Flying time 10 mins Price £134.99
	LOOP BEST BUY F-27B STRYKER » Aerobatic » High performance » Wingspan 95cm » Length 70cm » Flying time 15-20 mins » Range 2500ft Price £119.99

DEVIL IN THE DETAIL The hand transmitter unit varies in range and spec according to the model of aircraft. At the top end of the scale, such as that supplied with the F-27B Stryker, the transmitter has a ‘Mode Change Flight Control’ which allows the pilot to select between two modes. The bigger, faster models such as the Mustang, Focke Wulf and Stryker require 5-10 hours previous flight experience (of RC models). Start with a trainer – it’s easier on the pocket and nerves! Some models have Anti- Crash Technology (ACT) which cuts the engine in a dive – a sort of Vne limiter. Most are made from a plastic foam which can be repaired, within reason.

THANKS TO
Hunsdon Microlight Centre, Hunsdon
Airfield, Herts, and to Flying Gadgets.

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Flying Gadgets are available online at
www.flyinggadgets.com
They are based at:
Cabair Retail
Terminal Building
Blackbushe Airport, Surrey
T. 0870 777 5939