They don’t get much bigger than this! Check out this huge, 13.5-foot-span Airbus at a European airshow. The 92.5-pound RC model uses four Hacker motors producting 6000 watts and has two radio systems with 18 total servos. Build time was 6 years. Watch the entire video and you’ll see an in-flight view of the parachute release, and the landing [...]
Each year, Model Airplane News gives its readers and web visitors a sneak peek at some of the amazing airplanes that will be competing at the annual Top Gun Scale Invitational. Hosted each year by it creator, Frank Tiano, the 2012 Top Gun event will again be held at the Paradise Field near Lakeland Linder [...]
The knife-edge spin is one of the most impressive extreme aerobatic maneuvers. It’s very demanding for the pilot and the airframe. First, I’ll describe the maneuver. In traditional knife-edge, the aircraft is rolled approximately 90 degrees from upright level flight. Then altitude is sustained by using ìtopî rudder. When the maneuver is complete, the pilot [...]
Without smooth, non-binding control-surface movements, our planes would be nearly impossible to direct. Linkage systems, including the servo, servo arm, pushrod and control horn, are often overlooked, but they are the keys to smooth, strong, equal control-surface deflections. Take the time to install the linkages properly and securely to guarantee control surfaces that work properly [...]
This USA Today story has more information on the legislatation that pass the House and Senate and would require the FAA to ensure ways for drones to safely share airspace with piloted aircraft. This, of course, also affects RC airplanes and helicopters. Within a few years, that flying object overhead might not be a bird or [...]
Here it is the Hangar 9 P-47D Thunderbolt 30cc ARF completed and ready for photos in 6 days, from start to finish. This build included the optional air retracts (including tailwheel) from Robart, the optional cockpit kit from Hangar 9 and the Evolution 40GX gas engine. The assembly went along very well due to the [...]
Picture this: a nano quadcopter that’s fast and agile. Then multiply it by 20, and imagine this tiny squadron flying in formation, performing tasks and doing aerobatic maneuvers–together. In a video from the GRASP Lab of the University of Pennsylvania, air vehicles developed by KMel Robotics put on an amazing show. I promise that this [...]
The latest in E-flite’s Platinum Series, this built-up WW I fighter will definitely be a knockout on any flightline. Intended for an electric 25 to 52 motor, the Albatros comes with shock absorbing landing gear with scale wheels, top and bottom plug-in wings with carbon fiber wing tube, molded dummy engine and machine gun, wire rigging and [...]
