Read First Before Buy E Flite EFL2250 Mini Ultra Stick
This is one of my favorite planes. Although designed for thermal soaring, and it certainly performs well in that area, it also makes a great trainer because it's big and can fly slowly, both are qualities that greatly reduce the chances an inexperienced pilot will lose orientation. It also is very stable when the wind is calm, and can carry weight, which make it a good platform for aerial video and photography.
Once you have some experience, you'll find that flying the Radian is very relaxing. That's partly because it's silent while gliding, and quiet while under power, but also because it's gentle on the pilot and so graceful in the air. Its quietness allows it to be flown in locations where noisy aircraft wouldn't be welcome. It is a large plane, so I recommend a large field for the initial flights, but with experience it can be easily flown from smaller spaces, such as a baseball diamond or soccer field.
Because it's optimized for gliding, the Radian doesn't fly as well while under power. It climbs rapidly, which gets it up to soaring altitude immediately, but it pitches up abruptly when throttle is applied, a trait that can surprise an inexperienced pilot. Also while under power, the control surfaces become more sensitive because there's more air moving over them. After a few flights, all of this will be anticipated by the pilot, so not a problem.
This is a very popular plane and many enthusiasts have made modifications to their Radians, as have I, but it flies great out of the box, so none of these modifications are required to have a good flying experience. One modification I made to mine, to make it even more beginner friendly and eliminate its pitch changes when throttle is applied, was to install a Eagle Tree Guardian 2D/3D Inertial RC Stabilizer. The other modification I made was to install permanent magnets where the wing halves meet to reduce the chances of shedding a wing during flight. The friction fit wings fit tightly when the model is new, but loosen with use, the magnets keep them snug together.
The DX5e transmitter that comes with the RTF Radian is a good, simple 5 channel transmitter with plenty of range.
Overall, I highly recommend this powered sailplane, it's inexpensive, parts are readily available, and the manufacturer has excellent customer service. Most importantly, it's a joy to fly.
BalasHapusI bought this plane to give a try since I like better glow planes, however it was really easy to assembly, took me around 2 hours to have it ready to fly. It took up very fast so you will not need long track to fly. Tail hook is weak and broke off on first landing, but could easily glue it back. Looks like good improvement could be a tail wheel, if hook fall again will do it.
BalasHapusOn the air it flies really nice, do rolls very fast and seems to be very aerobatic.
Only thing with the servos I installed could not have the aileron movement recommended, but still flying well. came up very well trimmed so only a few clips made it fly nice.
Not really good for beginners but really good as a second plane.