Worth a Closer Look
These products were shown at the Weak Signals' R/C Expo, which took place April 3–5, 2009, in Toledo, Ohio.
RC Goes Blu-Ray
Scott Stauffer of SKS Video Productions has provided Rich LaGrange, AMA historian, with the first Blu-ray release featuring model airplanes. Florida Jets covers the largest gathering of RC jets in the world. Held March 5–8 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida, this event continues to assemble the hottest pilots and jets from around the globe.
Footage includes Thomas Singer of Germany demonstrating his CARF Eurosport's 3-D capabilities, Jorge Escalona burning up the skies with his F-4 Phantom, and several aircraft debuts, such as the Mibo Mirage F1 flown by Pablo Fernandez and the Skymaster Viper Jet that Ali Machinchy brought from England.
Other aircraft of note include Adrian Valencia's twin-engine Velox, Bob Fiorenze's electric-powered T-38, and Jason Somes' MiG-29.
Total running time: DVD — 103 minutes; Blu-ray — 115 minutes.
- SKS Video Productions
Address: 85 Pine Rd., Abbotstown, PA 17301 Tel.: (800) 988-6488 Web site: www.sksvideo.com
AJ Slick
3D Hobby Shop has expanded its line of Slick aircraft in a big way. Andrew Jesky designed the series, which is modeled after the full-scale Slick 540 — one of the latest, high-tech aerobatic aircraft flying today.
The new Slick model was designed around a 170cc–200cc gasoline engine, with aerobatic competition in mind. Proven to be a strong performer in knife-edge flight and no-rock Harriers, it has a wingspan of 126 inches and weighs approximately 42 pounds.
- 3D Hobby Shop
Address: 603 FM 2093, Ste. 1601, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Tel.: (830) 990-6978 Web site: www.3dhobbyshop.com
Extra 300 EXP
Loosely based on the midwing Extra 300 design, Extreme Flight R/C's new Extra 300 EXP (Experimental Progressive) ARF incorporates several forward-thinking design concepts that contribute to its unique construction and flight characteristics.
The tall fuselage and forward canopy placement contribute to the model's knife-edge ability, which is further enhanced by the included removable side force generators. Carbon-fiber engine-box supports prevent twisting and reduce the structure's overall mass, while carbon-fiber longerons add strength and durability to the fuselage.
Airfoiled one-piece carbon-fiber landing gear is included, as is a lightweight miniature carbon-fiber tail-wheel assembly. A carbon-fiber wing tube is provided as standard equipment, along with carbon-fiber pushrods and micro ball links.
A unique geodetic structure used for the elevator and rudder allows for a lightweight yet rigid airfoiled tail section. Two high-visibility UltraCote color schemes are available, and a matching painted fiberglass cowl-and-wheel-pant set finishes the EXP in style.
A complete hardware package and decal set are included. Specifications: 48-inch wingspan; 48 inches long; 500 sq in wing area; flying weight 42–46 oz.
- Extreme Flight R/C
Address: 3600 North Pkwy., Suite 101, Cumming, GA 30040 Tel.: (770) 887-1794 Web site: www.extremeflightrc.com
Cessna 195 Quick Build ARF
Rocco Mariani of Aeroworks showed the company's newest release: the Cessna 195. This model of the late-1940s gem of aviation is designed around a 30cc–35cc gas engine or a 1.60–2.20 glow engine.
An ARF from the Quick Build series comes out of the box with extra steps taken at the factory to help eliminate assembly time. This gets the aircraft into the air quicker.
Specifications: 90-inch wingspan; 1,350 sq in wing area; flying weight 15–17 lb (depending on equipment).
- Aeroworks
Address: 4903 Nome St., Denver, CO 80239 Tel.: (303) 371-4222 Web site: www.aero-works.net
Quarter-Scale de Havilland D.H.4
Balsa USA proudly displayed its D.H.4 uncovered, allowing show attendees to get a good look at this beautiful kit. Its 127-inch wingspan drew a lot of attention. The model has a wing area of 4,100 sq in and weighs 30–35 lb using a 60cc–80cc gasoline engine.
The kit includes full-size rolled plans and instructions, fixture- and die-cut parts, prebent wire landing gear, name-brand hardware, and an ABS plastic cowl.
- Balsa USA
Address: Box 164, Marinette, WI 54143 Tel.: (906) 863-6421 Web site: www.balsausa.com
Wright Stick
Dave Thacker of Radical RC had a vision of a semiscale Wright Flyer for everyday flying. He designed this conversion kit, combined with parts from two GWS Slow Stick slope-glider kits, to produce a sport-scale model of the 1905 Wright Flyer. Best of all, it flies using wing warping.
A servo drives the top canard, which, in turn, drives the bottom canard through a simple transfer rod. The canards move up and down together on their own individual pivots, similar to the original 1905 Flyer. This process causes the wings to warp. According to Dave, this model flies like a trainer.
- Radical RC
Address: 5339 Huberville Ave., Dayton, OH 45431 Tel.: (937) 256-7727 Web site: www.radicalrc.com
Saturn V
Steve Eves' 1/10-scale Saturn V was so impressive that it won the 2009 Director's Award for Achievement at the Toledo Show. At 36.3 feet tall, the Saturn was poised to be the largest model rocket ever launched.
Built using 3/8-inch plywood, the Saturn's expected flying weight is 1,648 lb, and it requires nine motors to launch. The total cost to build and launch the model is nearly $25,000.
The Saturn was launched on April 25 (shortly after the R/C Expo) in Maryland. It reached approximately 4,440 feet and was recovered successfully. NASA has already contacted Steve about displaying his model in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Learn more: www.rocketsmagazine.com
Mark Engines
These engines, made in Hungary, have provided quality power for miniature aircraft since 1957. Long known for their ease of use as glow power plants, Mark Engines is now offering its same solid designs as more economical gas burners.
The twin M 360 (60cc) provides 7.8 hp and a maximum rpm of 11,000. The G 180 (30cc) can produce 3.9 hp and 10,500 rpm. Also look for the G 140, a good system for popular 72– to 80-inch-span warbirds and aerobats.
- Global Hobby Distributors
Address: 18480 Bandelier Cir., Fountain Valley, CA 92807 Tel.: (714) 963-0329 Web site: www.hobbypeople.net
Phoenix ICE Speed Controls
Phoenix ICE is the update and extension of the Phoenix-series controllers. It will be available in 50-, 75-, and 100-amp sizes. The maximum input voltage is 8S (33.6 volts), up from 6S on its predecessors.
The line has a switching BEC that provides up to 5 amps continuous current at all input voltages. Users can select the output voltage in 0.1-volt increments from 5.0 to 7.0 volts.
The ICE series' most notable new feature is full onboard data logging. The controller logs actual current, volts, electrical rpm, throttle position, ripple voltage, and ESC temperature at sample rates ranging from 10 Hz (10 times per second) to once every two seconds. This data is retrieved and displayed using the Castle Link USB adapter and software.
ICE controllers were in beta testing and expected to ship by early summer 2009.
- Castle Creations
Address: 235 S. Kansas Ave., Olathe, KS 66061 Tel.: (913) 390-6939 Web site: www.castlecreations.com
Phlatprinter MK II
This is the second generation of the Phlatprinter cutting tool. It utilizes a belt-drive system that allows for speeds of up to 400 inches per minute. The MK II uses a RotoZip and flex shaft, maximizing its potential for cutting materials.
The MK II kit contains everything needed to build the machine, excluding the electronics and glue. It even comes with its own stand.
The MK II employs tab-and-slot construction and is accompanied by a step-by-step video tutorial that walks you through building and cutting out your first part. This tool can cut material up to 27.5 inches wide, as thick as 2.25 inches, and of unlimited length.
- Phlatboyz
Tel.: (856) 417-3377 Web site: www.phlatboyz.com
Worth a Closer Look
Aeronca K in 1/12 and 1/14 scale
Classic Aero displayed its Aeronca K in two sizes, with options for wheels or floats.
- 1/12 scale — 54-inch wingspan; ~350 sq in wing area; designed around a 25-amp electric power system.
- 1/14 scale — 30-inch wingspan; ~100 sq in wing area; flown on a 9-amp electric power system.
- Classic Aero
Address: 1782 Laverne Ct., Oxford, MI 48371 Tel.: (248) 969-8139 Web site: www.classicaero.com
Micro 3DX
One way to describe this highly maneuverable new model is "7 ounces of fun in a 22-inch wingspan." This versatile little model can be flown as a sport or 3-D aircraft.
Currently available as a high-quality, laser-cut kit, the Micro 3DX includes all precut balsa and plywood parts, a molded-plastic canopy, prebent landing gear, wheels, and all hardware necessary to complete the model. Look for an ARF version in the future.
- Millennium R/C
Address: 12859 Lower River Blvd., Orlando, FL 32828 Tel.: (407) 208-9745 Web site: www.millenniumrc.com
Raptor 50 Titan SE
Thunder Tiger has introduced the latest Raptor 50 Titan SE. A major upgrade from the original Raptor 50 Titan, the new version features critical metal parts to handle the power that the RL-53H engine delivers.
Another key feature is increased collective pitch range to ±15°, providing improved pitch response.
- Ace Hobby Distributors
Address: 26021 Commerce, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Tel.: (866) 322-7121 Web site: www.acehobby.com
Sprite Sailplane
Kennedy Composites showed its new 2-meter Sprite. Designed as a scaled-down Supra, it spans 78.75 inches and has a wing area of 565 sq in. Its flying weight is 31 oz, with a wing loading of 7.9 oz per sq ft.
Controls include rudder, elevator, flaps, and ailerons. The Sprite comes in white or yellow primary colors with violet, red, or blue accents.
- Kennedy Composites
Address: 1935 Highvalley Tr., Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Tel.: (972) 602-3144 Web site: www.kennedycomposites.com
Fieseler Storch
BP Hobbies displayed its new, larger version of the German Fieseler Storch. It spans 51 inches, has 364 sq in wing area, and features a flying weight of roughly 23 oz. The low wing loading of approximately 9 oz per sq ft should allow the model to fly in the slow manner for which the Storch is known.
Designed around clean electric power, this bigger model allows for larger servos and more flexibility than its smaller counterpart.
- BP Hobbies
Address: 140 Ethel Rd. W., Suite J, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Tel.: (732) 287-3933 Web site: www.bphobbies.com
Pisces
We were impressed by the sleek, racing look of the Pisces.
Controlled with rudder, elevator, and throttle, it is reportedly easy to fly.
The Pisces' components are preprinted and precut, including fuselage, wings, tail, rotors, undercarriage, and wheel pants. Wing spars, struts and pushrods, hardware, and wheels are also included, allowing the model to be completed in roughly two to three hours.
- ICARE
Address: 381 Joseph-Huet, Boucherville, QC J4B 2C5, Canada Tel.: (450) 449-9094 Web site: www.icare-rc.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
