The ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion
Micro scale RTF rc airplanes aren't widely available yet but the ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion is one of them, and is a great example of what today's rc technology allows.
The full-size Cessna 210 Centurion has long been a popular choice for private and light commercial use, the 6 seater single engine plane with retractable landing gear has an excellent record around the world.
The ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion is an RTF electric semi-scale representation of this airplane, and fills a large gap in the current market of radio control airplanes.
With a wingspan of only 15 inches, and a weight of just 18 grams, the 210 has fully proportional 3 channel control to rudder, elevator and motor speed. And the radio system is not the standard 72MHz system supplied with most RTFs, but the all-new 2.4GHz spread spectrum digital system that means peace-of-mind for you and interference-free flying.
2.4GHz radio control systems work on a different basis to conventional radio control systems, and they are only just being supplied with RTF rc airplanes. Currently (at time of writing, early 2008) there are only a few RTF rc aircraft sold with 2.4GHz systems but this is sure to change as 2.4GHz systems become the norm.
The ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion is available in 3 different color schemes, and comes with a display stand - the model is small enough to double up as a static model in your living room when you're not out having fun with it at the flying field!
Above, the Cessna 210 2.4GHz transmitter and the model on its stand
But of course, such a small airplane doesn't have to be flown outdoors; if you have access to somewhere like a school hall or gymnasium then the Cessna 210 Centurion can be flown indoors too. Its tiny size makes it perfect for indoor rc flying, a rapidly growing sector of the radio control flying hobby.
Outdoor flying is in fact restricted to wind-free days, or at most a slight breeze. Such lightweight model airplanes are easily effected by the wind and it wouldn't take too much air movement to adversely effect the flight performance of the little Cessna.
As with all ParkZone rc airplanes, everything you need is in the box, even the transmitter batteries. A motor battery pack charge time of around 20 minutes gives you a flight time of around 10 minutes.
See the ParkZone Cessna 210 Centurion in more detail.
Do you own or have experience with a PZ Cessna 210? If so, let us know about it here!
Related pages
Kyosho Minium AD Piper Cherokee - 4 channel cousin to the Cessna 210.
ParkZone RC airplanes - an overview of the 'One Box Purchase' RTF airplanes.
Electric rc airplanes - examples of larger size electric planes.
Park Flyers - an explanation of the name.
Mini rc airplanes - more info on this size airplane.
Indoor rc airplanes - learn about this growing sector of rc flying.
