HobbyZone RC airplanes
For getting started in radio control flying, HobbyZone rc airplanes make it pretty easy and they have been designed for exactly that.
Developed and distributed by Illinois based Horizon Hobby, North America's largest rc product marketer, the HobbyZone range of electric rc airplanes includes a variety of 2 and 3 channel models that span 3 'zones' of complexity, so you can buy and fly to suit your needs.
Most HobbyZone rc airplanes have a similar appearance and follow an Aerobird and Firebird naming pattern, with all models having a distinctive boom tail and pod fuselage, with either high or mid wing and 'V' tail. The electric motor faces rearwards, being mounted at the back of the pod. You can see this characteristic design in the Firebird Phantom, below:
See the HobbyZone range of planes in more detail.
HobbyZone Anti-Crash Technology™
Some of the planes, such as the Firebird Phantom above, come equipped with HobbyZone's trademark Anti-Crash Technology (ACT), which is a great feature to have when you're learning to fly!
RC airplane electronic stabilizing systems aren't uncommon, and the ACT works in the same way - small sensors are mounted in the fuselage and they 'read' the position of the horizon by judging light levels between ground and sky. If the airplane's attitude becomes adversely unbalanced, the sensors talk to the receiver and make the necessary adjustments to keep the plane at a better attitude.
While never 100% foolproof, such systems generally work well and HobbyZone's ACT is very effective, having the capability to pull the plane out of a nose dive and return it to level flight. Of course, the ACT sensors can be turned off at any time to permit more daring flying when you've built up some confidence.
X-Port™ modules
Besides the Anti-Crash Technology, some of the HobbyZone rc airplanes also feature X-Port technology, a smart plug-in feature that lets you enjoy some aerial fun.
The electronic modules clip to the underside of the pod on X-Port enabled models, and currently there are 3 available; the Sonic Combat Module, the Night Flight Module and the Aerial Drop Module.
The Sonic Combat Module lets you engage in aerial combat with a friend - fire when in position and a sonic signal is emitted from your module that will disable your friend's airplane motor for a few seconds! The Night Flight Module illuminates the airplane making it easily visible against the night sky, and the Aerial Drop Module lets you drop small items from the plane while in flight, either attached to a parachute or not!
The HobbyZone RC airplanes
Shown below are some of the most popular HobbyZone planes...
| Firebird Commander 2 The most basic of the range, the Commander is just 2 channel and very straightforward to fly. Features ACT and X-Port. |
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| Firebird Phantom 3 channel low-cost model with Anti-Crash Technology, a nice step up from a 1 or 2 channel electric airplane. A great value plane! |
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| Firebird Freedom Noticeably larger 3 channel mid-wing plane with Anti-Crash Technology and X-Port enabled. |
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| Aerobird 3 3 channel revamp of the successful original Aerobird. All the basic characteristics of the Firebird range, and good if you want a change from white! X-Port compatible. |
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| Super Cub A step away from the usual HobbyZone style, this is a good scale electric airplane with ACT. 3 channel, this is an excellent step up for those looking to fly scale models. This plane has actually proved to be one of the most popular beginner electric rc airplanes ever! |
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| Super Cub LP Following on from the hugely successful Super Cub shown above, the Super Cub LP is a li-po powered version. Another major difference is that the LP can be equipped with floats, making it a perfect rc float plane trainer. |
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HobbyZone Rotorcraft
Although HobbyZone focuses on airplane-based aircraft, there are a couple of helicopters to choose from also...
| Millennium NTU A more conventional looking rc helicopter, based on the PTU. The NTU (News Team Unit) also uses 2.4GHz radio and has some stable flight characteristics - a nice little number! |
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| Millennium PTU This little chap is a real novelty product, micro-helicopter based for flying around your living room. Comes with 2.4 GHz radio for interference-free flying. When are full-size PTUs going to become a reality, that's what I want to know... |
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See the complete HobbyZone range of aircraft.
HobbyZone rc airplanes are indeed an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into the hobby of radio control flying. These planes make it very easy to do so, and the One Box Purchase motto says it all - even the transmitter batteries are included, as is an instructional DVD or CD ROM to help get you airborne quicker.
Assembly time of the planes is typically around 15 minutes, so you can be up and flying in no time at all. Spare parts for HobbyZone planes are widely available, an important factor to bear in mind!
See the HobbyZone rc airplanes in more detail.
Related pages
ParkZone rc airplanes - a different range of planes from the same manufacturer.
Electric rc airplanes - an overview of this popular sector of the rc hobby.
Electric rc trainers - some popular examples.
Ground school - what you should know before you fly.
How to fly airplanes - RC flight school for beginners.
