Megatech Fantail Flyer
For some relaxing rc flying, the Megatech Megatech Fantail Flyer is a great electric rc airplane that can be operated by anyone regardless of having flown a model airplane before or not.
The 27 inch wingspan Fantail Flyer boasts a couple of unusual features - firstly the propeller is a folding one, the sort normally found only on powered electric gliders. This means that you can climb to a good altitude and turn off the motor, the prop will fold backwards to reduce drag and you can fly the airplane as a glider until you need to gain height again; just flick the motor back on for a few seconds and away you go!
The second feature is innovative - a tiny propeller located inside the fin of the airplane (see right), powered by a micro electric motor, to take the place of a normal rudder.
Megatech states that this design feature severely reduces the amount of height that is usually lost in left or right turns made by an airplane using conventional rudder control but without elevator, for example a single channel (rudder only) Park Flyer type rc airplane.
The Fantail Flyer also has an under-camber wing which produces unusually large amounts of lift, resulting in a very high rate of climb. Basically translated, that means that from launching your Fantail Flyer to cruising at a high altitude takes just a few seconds.
Flight times will of course vary depending on how much you turn the motor on and off, but on a day of warm air and plenty of thermals there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to keep the model airborne much longer than most other electric rc airplanes!
One other great feature of the Fantail Flyer is that the motor battery pack can be charged directly from the radio control transmitter, which totally negates the need for a separate rc battery field charger. This is a big bonus and makes things very easy indeed, and with a charging time of only 5 minutes you won't need to wait long between flights.
All in all, the Megatech Fantail Flyer is a great little RTF electric rc airplane for anyone looking for some peaceful rc flying and doesn't want to be bogged down with any field equipment.
By taking just an extra set of radio gear batteries to the field, you'll be assured of getting a full day's flying in if you want.
See the Megatech Fantail Flyer in more detail.
Related pages
Beginner rc airplanes - similar suggestions for trying the hobby.
Electric rc airplanes - an overview of electric planes in general.
How to fly airplanes - RC flight school for beginners.
