Stabilization and You
Model helicopter pilots have long enjoyed
the advantages of gyros and multi-axis
stabilization to keep things under control. ;is
technology has also allowed previously di;cult
to fly fixed wing models to become much more
manageable. In the past, tiny aircraft tended to
behave a bit like a nervous hummingbird even
in good conditions, but the miniaturization
of technology has allowed ParkZone to add
3-Axis stabilization to these micro models.
I’ve flown both pre and post AS3X models,
and the di;erence is very noticeable. As light
as these models are, they can be a;ected by
the flap of a butterfly’s wing in Brazil, but the
stability system works constantly to maintain
the attitude in which you intended to keep
the plane. Despite the somewhat breezy
conditions in which these planes were first test
flown, both were uncannily steady, with only
the heftier gusts requiring some additional
input by me. In calmer conditions, the system
provided a tremendous amount of confidence
in how the plane handled, allowing me to do
lower flybys and more precise maneuvers than
would have been possible without it. ;ough
I’m still a diehard stick-and-rudder guy, I fully
embrace this addition to our hobby, because it
expands the realm of the types of models we
can fly.
Both planes do well taking o; from the ground or being hand- launched. Once you get o know how they handle, relatively steep launch angles are possible.
well as the linear elevator and rudder servo.
A single linear servo drives the ailerons via
torque wire. ;ere is no binding button or plug
to mess with, as all you have to do is plug in
the plane’s battery, turn on the transmitter,
and place it in bind mode. A few seconds later,
check for correct control throw direction and
you’re basically ready to go. ;e ailerons have
di;erential already built in to help with adverse
yaw, and the throws at the transmitter default
to 100% on all control surfaces equal the high
rate recommendation. ;at means there is
virtually no programming involved, with the
exception of low rates. I was actually able to
use the same model program for both planes,
though that might not always be possible,
depending on the amount of trim required for
each plane.
It certainly doesn’t look like a 16-inch span model! With the gear removed, these warbirds really look the part in the air.
CONCLUSION
If you’ve never had a chance to sample any of
the ParkZone Ultra Micro Series planes, you
really owe it to yourself to do so. Small doesn’t
have to be a novelty. ;ese are legitimate scale,
flying replicas that just happen to be tiny. No
longer do you have to just look at the display
model in the cabinet, you can now see it in its
rightful element: the air, performing eye-level
flybys at your local park. ;
SEPTEMBER 2013 29
