HobbyZone by Horizon Hobby Delta
Futuristic looks, delta wing, twin engines and it really is a trainer!
Ray By Frank Fanelli
AT A GLANCE Type:
S 56
ure doesn’t look like a trainer. That’s the Firebird twin Delta Ray from HobbyZone, molded from Z-Foam. There’s absolutely none of the high wing, flat bottom airfoil, single engine/motor profile that usually characterizes RC train- ers. Instead, it looks like it will blaze through the sky with its twin motors and delta wing, but boasts that a total rookie can learn to fly without help. So can its docile side be that well hidden in all that sleek fu- turistic look? Let’s find out.
First off it is the brainchild of Quique Somenzini and that may give away some of the reason the plane looks the way it does. If anything, he seems to thrive on innovation. This isn’t his first stab at a trainer that’s a twin. The Firebird Stratos that FMreviewed back in October 2012 showed that using asymmetric thrust as an assist in the begin- ner mode really did work. But that plane was much more conventional in its appearance, with what was essentially a 3-channel setup.
The Firebird Delta Ray builds on that twin concept and also utilizes the SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) found in earlier planes like the Stratos. First off, SAFE isn’t an autopilot where the beginner becomes merely a spectator while holding the transmitter. The novice pilot still has to fly the plane but is protected from the usual over-control situations that rookies make during their early flights. It’s pretty much like a preprogrammed dual rate/endpoint adjustment. But it also provides the addi- tional protection of upset recovery. If the pi- lot gets behind while flying the plane and is losing control, the push of a button will right the plane so the situation doesn’t get out of hand. All of this capability comes from the onboard receiver which is preinstalled. In all there are three levels of SAFE. The Beginner Mode limits pitch (nose up and down) and roll (wing tips up and down), and if there’s a problem will level the plane if the controls are neutralized. When the student
Experience Level: Construction: Wing span: Wing area: Airfoil: Length: Weight:
trainer
beginner foam
34.0 inches 384 sq. in.
semi-symmetrical with reflex 31.8 inches 17.6 ounces
Motor: (2) 180-size brushed (installed) Prop: ESC:
Battery: 2S 1300 mAh LiPo (included) Charger:
Radio: Servos: Manufacturer: (2) 5x3 E-flite 60-amp
2-cell DC balancing LiPo charger (included)
DX4e 4-channel DSMX transmitter (included)
(2) SV80 (installed) HobbyZone
Dist. by: Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road, Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-1913
www.horizonhobby.com MAY 2014
Firebird
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68