All control setup values were used as listed in the manual (above) and gave no surprises on the test flight. Travel light (above, at right) with a few extra battery packs for some high performance EDF fun. The big moment (at right) with Charlie waiting to hear the word go. Bungee launches have been flawless.
The Phazer’s control throws and “up trim” (up trim or reflex is needed on most delta configurations) were set to the values listed in the manual. Outdoors the Phazer was run up to full power to check for exces- sive vibration. The manual lists a complete troubleshooting guide for the fan. The in- cluded bungee was assembled and the pow- er battery charged.
Hand and bungee launches are explained and diagrammed in the manual to prepare the pilot for the big day. I suggest going to the Great Planes web site and look over the flight video of the Phazer. The 2012 NEAT Fair video from SKS Video Productions
www.sksvideo.com has a good bungee
launch and flight video of the Phazer along with almost 2 hours of non-stop e-flying. Only bungee launches were attempted to date with the Phazer. It has been launched by a flying buddy and number one hand- launcher, Charlie Fetick, with no problems. Charlie did pull back the bungee a bit far- ther than the recommended number of paces for some more pull which worked out fine. With the Phazer nosed up at 30 de- grees, the Ammo 24mm brushless motor screaming and full up elevon being held on the transmitter the model was released. The Phazer sailed on the bungee and released, picking up speed all the way. I heard Charlie say “that part worked” while I kept my eyes
focused on the Phazer. A few clicks of right trim and the model was solid as a rock. High speed passes, giant loops and unlimited rolls were easy; just don’t blink!
After about 3 minutes I started to wonder what the landing characteristics would be like. I announced my intentions to land and began a long approach lowering the power. Well the Phazer might scoot like a pylon rac- er but it slows down real nice with no bad habits. A little power was added to drag it in with the motor being shut off before touch- down. That avoided getting anything in the fan and the well-designed landing skids did their job on touchdown. Follow-up flights made in some real windy conditions have shown the Phazer to be a well-mannered EDF hotrod that is compact in size and equipment needs but big on performance.
Final thoughts The Phazer is a good EDF value which is
easy to transport and has high performance. The included launch system removes the re- quirement for paved runways or an Olympic hand launcher (Charlie has gotten the gold for some of his hand launches). The painted fiberglass fuse and wooden built-up wings should wear much better than foam for a long lasting model. I’ve already cautioned you of the flight skills needed for this model. The recommended control setup values all worked out very well with no surprises. The Phazer has a cheater hole on the bottom which can suck up any loose items on your workbench or loose clothing at the field, not to mention break the fan. Really watch out for this, please.
The included c.g. balance stand worked
Even in low-light settings, the Phazer’sbright red and black on white trim scheme really stands out. FLYING MODELS
great and can be used for other models. The biggest problem encountered in the Phazer project was not being able to get an accept- able flight shot due to the Phazer’s speed and size. Great Planes put the time in to cre- ate a winner with the Phazer.
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