Latest Model Aviation News (page 1)

Aircraft modelling or aero modelling is a hobby consisting in constructing small airplanes using materials such as balsa wood, etc. A vast array of designs are possible, from ultra-simple gliders such as that pictured, to highly accurate scale models, some of which can be very large - maybe 1/3rd scale or more. This section of your international aviation news magazine is the place to find good information for the aviation modeller including new products, aero modelling events, and helpful how-to articles and should be read in conjunction with the referred information sources.

05/09/08: Aerosoft now shows Belguim’s biggest Airport with Mega Airport Brussels X (FSX+FS2004 Version): Discover Brussels in high Detail

Mega Airport Brussels, the hub of the capital of the EU, now for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and 2004. Developed by the Design-Team DreamFactory this scenery represents an absolute realistic recreation of the complete real airport. FS2004 version included. In 1985 the Master Plan for the modernization of the Brussels airport was presented. In December 1994 the new terminal was opened and inaugurated by King Albert II. in May 2002 the Pier A was opened by Prins Philip. Today Brussels airport is one of the fastest growing international airports. In the past few years the airport was proclaimed “The Best Airport in Europe ” by several organizations.

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04/09/08: The British WWII Hero in North Africa now available in scale at RaidenTech: CMP Model P40 Warhawk 140 - 73 ” ARF Nitro Gas Radio Remote Controlled “Tiger Shark” Airplane RC Plane

The P40 Warhawk has a fiberglass fuselage and cowl painted in vague colors. The rib wings are covered with Solartex and airbrushed to match the color of the whole aircraft. The wood that makes up both the wings and the fuselage are all laser cut. The high precision of fiberglass and fine painting work make this kit an extremely realistic aircraft. It is a perfect combination between scale looks and excellent flying performance. The kit comes with a full color decal sheet, wheels and a fuel tank. This war bird is a must fly!

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04/09/08: Hanger 9 brings you a line profiled aircraft, ideal for transport and maximum pleasure : The PT-19 36 Control Line Profile ARF w/Engine

Control line flying has been a staple of airplane modeling for decades. Hangar 9 ups the fun factor of control line flying with the PT-19 Profile CL 36 ARF, which takes the form of one of America’s finest World War II trainers. In addition to its sturdy but light all-wood construction, the PT-19 also includes an easy-grip wood U-control handle, a spool of braided music wire for control lines, a fuel tank and an aluminum spinner nut. With nearly every necessary component included, the PT-19 makes it easy for modelers to leap into control line flying without losing a step. This version of the Hangar 9 PT-19 comes with Evolution .36CL engine. Engineered specifically for control line modeling, the .36CL features multiple venturis and mufflers that make it adaptable to most CL applications right from the box. Experience in the unique thrills of control line flight with Hangar 9’s one-box-purchase PT-19 Profile CL.

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02/09/08: Seawind Sea Airplane - 60 Almost-Ready-to-Fly Radio Controlled SeaPlane ARF Amphibious RC Aircraft

The Seawind Aircraft is a perfect union of form and function. The sleek flowing lines make it the most striking of land or seaplanes. We have developed the world’s best and fastest four/five place amphibian. There’s probably a little sailor in every pilot. Many of us own or have owned boats. Virtually all of us feel a special affinity for the sea. For that reason, amphibious aircraft have seemed a perfect marriage of interests. Imagine a fast, quality airplane with the flexibility to land on normal runways or double as a speedboat, albeit a very expensive one. For an amphibian, sky, ground and water are all friendly elements. Even if you’re a pilot who’s not into boats, that’s an attractive concept, especially if you fly to places where hard runways are hard to come by. Made from top quality balsa wood construction with fiberglass fuselage. Includes all hardware and accessories.

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02/09/08: Twin Enginge at RaidenTech with the New OV-10 Bronco Nitro Gas/Electric Radio Remote Controlled RC Airplane

This ARF OV-10 Bronco supports both 2c 0.15 cu in engines or 400T Brushless Motor w/ 11.1V 1300-1600mAh. The OV-10 Bronco was a multi-purpose, light attack aircraft acquired by the Marine Corp for observation squadrons to conduct visual reconnaissance missions. The OV-10A is a twin-turboprop short takeoff and landing aircraft conceived by the Marine Corps and developed under an Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps tri-service program. The first production OV-10A was ordered in 1966 and its initial flight took place in August 1967. The OV-10 can be used for short take-offs and landings on aircraft carriers without the use of catapults. With the second seat removed, it can carry 3,200 pounds of cargo, five paratroopers or two litter patients and an attendant. Adding to its versatility is a rear fuselage compartment with a capacity of 3,200 pounds of cargo, five combat-equipped troops, or two litter patients and a medical attendant.

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01/09/08: Red PT-17 Stearman 40 - 44″ Nitro Gas Radio Remote Controlled ARF BiPlane

NitroModels is proud to present the 90percent-pre-assembled PT-17 Stearman 40! This plane is finely crafted from balsa and plywood and, as a result, has a fantastic fly weight of only 5.5 lb. With such high quality material, this is one great flying model. The Stearman comes finished with iron-on covering just as you see it here, and the fiberglass cowl and wheel pants are hand-painted to match. Wheels, fuel tank, engine mount, and all hardwares are included.

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27/08/08: Canada takes part in the 500th Open Skies Treaty flight

OTTAWA – Canadian Forces personnel participated in a historic flight with Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg over Bosnia-Herzegovina on 20 August 2008 aboard a Belgian aircraft, which undertook the 500th observation mission conducted under the Open Skies Treaty, which promotes openness and transparency among its signatories. “The participative role that we are fulfilling during this particular mission and others like it, not only allows us to actively contribute to the mission, but also re-enforces Canada’s support for the Open Skies Treaty as a multi-lateral, cooperative endeavor” said Major John Nowak, mission team leader.

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23/08/08: RaidenTech brings you the best of the Japanese Air Force from the 1940’s with the NitroModel Zero Fighter 25 - 49″ Fuel/Electric Radio Remote Controlled RC Airplane ARF

In the early years of WW II, the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M virtually ruled the skies. How did this fast, maneuverable fighter earn the diminutive nickname of “Zero” when it easily outscored its P-40 Warhawk and F4F Wildcat opponents? There’s a simple answer: when it was first built, the last digit in the Japanese calendar year was a zero. Although only one flyable Zero is left in the world, you can re-create the drama and terror it inspired with this ARF .25 version from NitroModels.

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22/08/08: The Allied rival of the German Fokker in WWI now for you in scale and remote controlled at Hangar 9: The Sopwith Camel 60 ARF

Hangar 9’s sport-flying Sopwith Camel is ready for enemy engagement, right down to the detailed scale weaponry. Hangar 9’s first World War I scale aircraft is one of history’s most recognizable fighters. No other Allied scout blasted from the sky as many enemies as the Sopwith Camel, a single-seat British biplane so named because of the “hump” that stored the breeches of the twin Vickers machine guns mounted in front of the cockpit. Small and highly maneuverable, the Sopwith Camel has now spawned a remarkably accurate scale version from Hangar 9. The Sopwith Camel 60 ARF features a meticulous UltraCote® trim scheme and other scale features, such as an engine, guns and pilot figure, which make it almost indistinguishable from its full-size forerunner.

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20/08/08: New at RaidenTech: Cessna Skylane 15 - 40.7″ Nitro Fuel/Brushless Electric Radio Remote Controlled ARF RC Plan

Brand New, very adorable 15-25 class Cessna Skylane which reproduces the full-scale aircraft with amazing accuracy, using precise CAD engineering and data from original Cessna Skylane. Most ARF planes are available in 40-class, but this one is slightly smaller and lighter, giving you the option of using a 480 class electric motor instead of using nitro gas. All balsa construction. Aluminum alloy framed cowl. Superb realism and build quality. All major components ready for immediate assembly.

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19/08/08: Hangar 9 presents the new Sukhoi SU-26MM ARF (2 Boxes)

The full-scale SU-26 is a very potent single-seat aerobatic aircraft considered by many as one of the best acrobatic planes in the world. The Sukhoi is famously known for its acrobatic prowess. Sukhois have emerged as a family of superior aerobatic airplanes, allowing pilots to use them for world-class aerobatics competitions and exhibition shows. The majority of international contestants enter unlimited aerobatics competitions with Sukhoi airplanes, and numerous competitors have captured international aerobatic championships. Characterized by its round cowl, the Sukhoi demonstrates superior acceleration and rate-of-climb performance, excellent controllability, high level of permissible g-loads, an all-round field of view from the cockpit and unsurpassed structural integrity.

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18/08/08: Horizon hobby presents their new powerfull twin propellor Deuces Wild 25e2 ARF

E-flite introduces the first Platinum Series twin motor sport plane, the Deuces Wild 25e2 ARF. This plane showcases the power, level of detail, quality of construction, and sport flying fun of E-flite. Unlike other twin-powered planes on the market, this one is not intimidating—it is easier-to-fly and exhibits gentle flight characteristics. The Deuces Wild 25e2 ARF is part of E-flite’s PLATINUM SERIES. The platinum series delivers superior, enhanced features and meticulous attention to detail. E-flite’s Platinum Series is just one more way that E-flite brings you the most advanced electric flight experience. The details of this PLATINUM SERIES model include all flight control surfaces are installed, pre-bent pushrods ready for installation, and the optional main gear doors. In addition, there is an optional cockpit kit that adds another level of detail complete with dashboard instrumentation, seat and pilot.

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13/08/08: Great Planes brings you the ‘Edge’ of your Seat Performance with the Edge 540

A popular competitor on the Unlimited Class circuit and at international air races, the Edge 540 is a world-class aircraft known for exceptional aerobatics and precision maneuvers. Great Planes has captured every detail of this spirited performer in a stunning replica that is a worthy addition to the Performance Series of high-quality R/C models that combine easy assembly with realistic flight! Designed to be both lightweight and durable. Capable of extreme aerobatics as well as precision maneuvers. Unparalleled quality in an ARF – plus genuine Great Planes brand hardware.

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12/08/08: Hobby Horizon goes back in time with the Spitfire Mk II 60 ARF

Supermarine’s line of single-seat Spitfire aircraft were extremely popular with Royal Air Force pilots during World War II. Spitfires were very fast,maneuverable fighters that Supermarine continued to produce in quantity well after the war was over. The Mk.II version began serving in the winter of 1940, relegating the Mk.I’s to trainer duty. Hangar 9® introduces its .60-size model of the venerable British fighter. The Spitfire Mk.II 60 ARF offers realistic scale detail, such as full-function split flaps and a period-accurate UltraCote trim scheme, that is certain to make this warbird a favorite at the flying field. The Spitfire Mk.II 60 ARF is part of Hangar 9’s complete line of top-quality aircraft and accessories. Our trainer, performance and scale airplanes are engineered and crafted to exacting standards and feature the finest components and materials, such as our exclusive UltraCote® covering. Just as important, with every Hangar 9® product, you’ll get the service and technical support you need to succeed.

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12/08/08: Hangar 9 spray their grassfield with their new Piper Pawnee 40: Piper’s Ag Workhorse

The Piper Pawnee was designed and built for agricultural spraying and crop dusting. The wings were cranked to get the spray bars running along the trailing edge as close to the crops as possible. The pilot was given an excellent view from a cockpit placed high on the fuselage of the low-wing monoplane. The fuselage was designed to protect the pilot, with the cockpit being designed as a strong capsule that would remain undamaged even in slow-speed crashes associated with spraying. The undercarriage was also designed to be very strong and specialized struts helped absorb the rough takeoffs and landings that occurred on dirt roads of the farms. Because the potential for contamination by toxic chemicals was great, the cockpit ventilation system was reconfigured so the air intake was high enough to avoid spray fallout and the entire top section of the fuselage could be removed for quick and easy cleaning. The Piper Pawnee was, and remains, a very strong and purpose-built workhorse, now regarded as a classic. Many Pawnees have nowadays found their way to glider airfields where they are very popular as glider tugs due to their good power-to-weight ratio.

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12/08/08: Hangar 9 presents the Pulse XT 60 ARF

Reliable, faithful and easy-to-fly, Hangar 9’s Pulse XT 60 ARF is just what you’ve been waiting for. Based on the popular Pulse XT 40, this classic, low-wing plane is designed with the sport crowd in mind. Whether it’s your second model or your tenth, the Pulse is a true sport flyer able to do a variety of smooth aerobatics. A Mike McConville design, the Pulse offers excellent design features such as lightweight laser-cut balsa construction and bolt-together wing and tail assembly. The Pulse XT 60 comes with the electric option straight from the box, meaning you can fly it the way you want it whether you’re into glow or electric power. All the necessary hardware for flying electric is included, and no conversion is necessary. So make sure you always have the Pulse XT 60 ARF in your truck to take to the flying field—there’s nothing like having a plane you know will perform well.

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12/08/08: The good old wooden aircrafts come back at Great Planes with the T-Craft: Outperforms many .40-powered kits with ease, and fits into most budgets the same way!

Exciting aerobatics don’t require a big engine investment-just the Great Planes’ T-Craft and an economical .20-.30 power plant! What’s more, the T-Craft is as easy to build as it is to afford. Interlocking structures and die-cut parts ensure that the T-Craft self-aligns for maximum strength and straightness. Work-saving add-ins-including the 3-piece cowl, wooden gear covers and a shaped, butyrate windshield-add detail to delight the scale builder’s eye. In the air, lightweight wood parts, dual aileron servos and compact, clipped wing design give it the same crisp agility that makes the original an airshow standout!

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12/08/08: Great Planes bring the ‘Ultra’ to model aviation with their Ultra Sport 40 Plus: Offers everything from second-plane stability to wild 3D agility!

Once a pilot appreciates the full potential of the Ultra Sport 40 Plus, there’s no reason to consider flying anything else. Its versatility make it an ideal choice for an amazingly wide range of pilots. At one end, it’s the perfect step up for fliers who’ve just mastered trainers, as capable of mild aerobatics as comforting stability. At the other, it’s a showcase for a master’s piloting skills, a 3D powerhouse that can easily flow from a waterfall to a sudden elevator into a motionless hover — and serve up a torque roll for dessert. The potential for both kinds of performance, or any combination of the two, is there. All it takes to unleash it is the right set-up — and the Ultra Sport 40 Plus. Offers the same sleek lines of the legendary Ultra-Sport with a whole new spectrum of performance possibilities.

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11/08/08: The Ultimate Bipe 46 ARF by Seagull, now at Horizon Hobby

The Ultimate 46 ARF by Seagull Models was designed with the intermediate to advanced sport flyer in mind. It is a compact size, easy-to-fly semi-scale airplane that offers quick field assembly. Utilizing the latest construction techniques, the Ultimate’s lightweight laser cut balsa and plywood design offers consumers a lower wing loading for better aerobatic performance. The kit includes a canopy hatch, epoxy fiberglass cowl, wheelpants and aluminum landing gear. Biplane lovers will appreciate this finely crafted balsa bipe.

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11/08/08: Hanger 9 presents the Yak 54 89″: The Best of Both Worlds. Hangar 9 and Carden Aircraft have come together to offer a scale aerobatic aircraft for everyone.

The Hangar 9 Carden Aircraft Edition Yak 54 ARF is a shrunken version of the popular Carden 150cc Yak 54. Carden Aircraft participated in this endeavor by working with Hangar 9 to provide their construction techniques, drawings and designs to be used in the creation of the Hangar 9 Carden Edition Yak 54 ARF. This level of completion is beyond comparison in the giant-scale market. The kit comes highly prefabricated with the fuel tank assembled, hinges and control horns installed and hinge lines sealed. Constructed from durable, lightweight balsa and foam and covered in genuine UltraCote®, the Yak 54 ARF also boasts a balsa truss fuselage construction and balsa sheeted foam-core wings that is Carden Aircraft construction to a tee.

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10/08/08: Great Planes goes ‘Top Secret’ with the XPD-8

Finally — a ducted fan plane with performance that lives up to its looks! The XPD-8 ARF is blink-of-an-eye fast. The secret is in the HyperFlowTM ducted fan unit — it was designed from the ground up by an Aerospace engineer using computer modeling to identify the parameters for high performance before manufacturing even began. That performance is complemented perfectly by the smoothly contoured lines of the jet’s durable, repairable EPS foam fuselage, which arrives prepainted and can be flight-ready in just 1-2 hours. A hand grip on the underside offers easy, one-person launching. All this — plus high-quality hardware package — are yours at a surprisingly affordable price!

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09/08/08: Horizon Hobby presents: T-REX 450SE

The T-REX 450SE is the 3D mini heli for pilots that want to indulge themselves with the finest materials and most advanced hop-ups. The 450SE comes out of the box with the main frame and rotor head assembly completely assembled, and is available with either black (AGNH1200CB) or silver (AGNH1201CB) carbon fiber frames. It also includes Align’s potent 430L 3550Kv Brushless Motor, along with an RCM-BL35G 35A Brushless ESC and 3S 11.1V 2100mAh Li-Po battery pack.

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08/08/08: New at Horizon Hobby: Taylorcraft 450 ARF

The Taylorcraft is a conventional layout, high wing, fabric covered, two seat aircraft known for its speed and efficiency on limited horsepower engines. The designer, Clarence Taylor, can rightfully be called the father of private aviation in America. Clarence Taylor first designed the Taylor Cub, which became the Piper Cub—notably civilian aviation’s most recognized airplane. After Mr. Taylor was forced to sever ties with his financier William Piper because of conflicting goals, he vowed to build a new, personal aircraft superior to the Cub in all respects, and succeeded. The Taylorcraft was faster, more comfortable, more attractive, and more modern by the standards of the day. By the 1940s, the Taylorcraft was a mainstay on the civilian aviation front.

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07/08/08: Horizon hobby presents: F-15 Eagle DF ARF

The McDonnell Douglas Corporation’s F-15 Eagle was designed to be a tactical fighter to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. The F-15 Eagle was developed out of the lessons learned from Vietnam and the need for the United States Air Force to have a dedicated air superiority fighter. The F-15 was delivered into service in the late 1970s and remained in service with the USAF for over twenty years. The F-15 was successful in achieving air superiority through use of avionics, weapons, speed, and maneuverability. Its electronic systems and weaponry could detect, track, and attack enemy aircraft while the flight control systems can allow one person to effectively perform air-to-air combat. E-flite has replicated the F-15 Eagle as a sport, scale model. This military fighter model boasts the scale Edwards Air Force Base Safety Chase trim scheme making it a very attractive and highly visible plane. Spend less time building and more time flying, this model comes out of the box fully painted red and silver on white foam with custom decals applied. It even includes retracts.

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07/08/08: Learn to fly RC planes with the P-51 Mustang PTS (Progressive Trainer System) from Hanger 9

For the first time, new pilots can learn to fly on an airplane that actually looks cool. No more blocky trainers you have to relegate to the attic the moment you’re ready to move up to something more challenging. Clear plastic NACA droops that attach to the leading edges of the wing, specially configured fixed landing gear with speed brakes and preset 2-position flaps are especially designed to help a beginning pilot learn how to fly while having fun. After you’ve mastered the basics, just remove the droops and speed brakes and neutralize the flaps. Now you’ve got a smooth-flying sport plane able to fly a variety of aerobatics such as loops, spins and snap rolls.

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