This good looking ready to fly model of the Raptor fighter jet is a ton of fun for intermediate and above fliers. Fast and maneuverable, it can be flown fully stabilized while still allowing stunt aerobatics. If you get into trouble in a stunt, just let go of the sticks and the plane will quickly and automatically level itself.
Find it here
Pros
- Good looking flying model of the F-22 Raptor.
- Comes ready to fly with included transmitter.
- Very light weight at only 55 grams with battery. Does not require any registration in most countries.
- Three channel airplane with throttle, elevator, and aileron control.
- Three selectable flight modes. Beginner mode includes full 6 axis stabilization (3 axis gyro and 3 axis accelerometer). Also includes angle restrictions that prevent the aircraft rolling or pitching over. Intermediate "Midd" mode also includes 6 axis stabilzation, but turns off pitch angle restrictions to allow manual stunts. Expert mode turns off all stabilization for fully aerobatic manual flying.
- Controller also includes a stunt button that allows the airplane to automatically conduct loops and aileron rolls.
- Also has one key return capability which wil automatically turn and fly the aircraft in the opposite direction that it was pointed at takeoff.
- Constructed of flexible and crash resistant EPP foam. Also has a spongy rubber damage mitigating nose cone for those hard nose-in crashes.
Cons
- Although fully stabilized to lessen the chance of crashes, it is a bit too fast for beginner pilots IMO. Beginners might have difficulty flying this as they won`t have much time to react and correct beginner`s mistakes (particularly if they lose orientation). Its speed also makes it an unlikely indoor flier.
- Brushed motor airplane. Its 1020 sized coreless motor will eventually fail some day.
- Short flight time of about 7 minutes. Although this comes with two or three batteries, it is very important to allow about 15 minutes of rest time between flights to lessen the chance of overheating and failing the brushed motor.
- Can stall and enter a spin if you turn too hard while flying too slow. Stabilization system can recover (with some altitude loss) if you momentarily cut throttle and let go of the pitch/roll stick. Also roll authority is a bit slow. The automatic aileron rolls are very quick, but manually conducted rolls are difficult to conduct (not sure why?).
- Fragile propellers. There is a possibility of hitting the ground and breaking them on takeoff roll rotation. You may want to stock up on additional spare props (look for 65mm diameter with 1mm shaft hole).
Affiliate links: At no cost to you, I do receive a small commission for sales resulting from these links.
This technique of 3D printing the wing ribs to hold a true aerofoil shape worked out super well! Combined with foam sheets, packing tape and the lightweight wooden spar, it performs amazingly well!
