ParkZone Radian Pro
The five channel ParkZone Radian Pro is a nicely upgraded version of the original three channel Radian electric powered rc glider and is aimed at intermediate and experienced glider pilots rather than the complete beginner, for which the original Radian is of course perfectly suited.
The big difference with the Radian Pro over its simpler cousin is the number of channels and the wing-based features; with a 5+ channel transmitter with mixing functions you can adjust the airfoil of the wing in terms of reflex and camber, and enable crow braking.
By giving both flaps and ailerons a slightly upward (negative) angle you are creating a reflexed airfoil, this increases the speed of the glider through the air but marginally reduces lift - good for, say, faster slope soaring. By giving flaps and ailerons a downward (positive) angle you are increasing the camber and this will result in slightly more lift, but also a bit more drag - good for thermalling, for example.
Crow braking is the term given to a function whereby the flaps go downwards to increase drag and both ailerons go upwards to act as spoilers and reduce lift; crow brakes are very effective for getting fast rc gliders back on to the ground quickly!
Above: the reflex, camber and crow brake features of the ParkZone Radian Pro
For power, the Radian Pro uses the 480 size brushless outrunner with folding prop, and a 3S 1300mAH li-po battery pack is recommended. A 30A brushless ESC completes the powertrain setup. Given the low wing loading of such a powered glider like this, the Radian Pro has ample power with those components and flight times can be potentially very long with economic use of the motor!
There's no RTF version available with the Radian Pro - as with other ParkZone aircraft recently released, only a BNF (Bind-N-Fly) version and PNP (Plug-N-Play) are available, the BNF one has a Spektrum AR600 receiver installed.
Here's the official Horizon Hobby video for a more in-depth look at the glider:
ParkZone Radian Pro specs & features
These include:
- Wingspan: 78.5in (2000mm)
- Overall Length: 45.0 in (1140mm)
- Flying Weight: 34.6oz (980g)
- Motor Size: 480 Outrunner Brushless Motor 960kV
- Prop Size: 9.75 x 7.5 Inch Folding Prop
- Speed Control : E-Flite 30Amp Pro Switch-Mode Brushless ESC
- Z-Foam™ construction
All in all this five channel ParkZone Radian Pro looks to be a very nice electric powered glider, and it's certainly going on my shopping list!
See the ParkZone Radian Pro in more detail.
Related pages
RC powered gliders - overview of motorized rc gliders.
RC gliders - an overview of non-motorized rc gliders.
ParkZone Radian - the Pro's simpler cousin.
JP Pretty 1500 - review of one of my rc powered gliders.
Thermal soaring - learn the basics.
ParkZone rc airplanes - more examples from the ParkZone range.
