ParkZone Radian electric glider
For anyone looking for a powered rc glider, the ParkZone Radian is a fine choice, and is a great addition to ParkZone's RTF range of electric rc airplanes.
Powered gliders offer a nice, relaxing alternative to flying smaller and faster Park Flyer type rc airplanes, and with one you get the opportunity of trying your hand at thermal soaring or even slope flying.
This plane has a 2 meter wingspan, a good size for a glider, and is constructed from durable and lightweight Z-foam™. Its 480 size brushless motor and 1300mAh Li-Po battery not only give the Radian more than enough power for basic aerobatics, but on reduced throttle give you greatly extended flight times. Indeed, closing the motor down and soaring as much as possible will extend those times further, especially when there are good thermals around!
As with all powered rc gliders, the ParkZone Radian is equipped with a folding propeller. Each blade is hinged at the spinner; when the motor is on, the motion of the prop pulls the blades forward into the normal position to pull the airplane through the air. When the power is shut off, the propeller stops spinning and the airflow pushes the blades back against the fuselage, reducing drag. Switch the motor back on again, the blades flick back out and the propeller acts normally.
Flying a powered rc glider like the ParkZone Radian is a relaxing experience. Typically flying speeds of such airplanes are relatively slow and the flying characteristics gentle. Gliders are very stable and forgiving because of these factors, making them ideal beginner rc airplanes.
A great feature of the Radian is that it's sold with the latest 2.4GHz DSM2 spread spectrum rc system as standard, the Spektrum DX5e to be exact. Such systems are getting more common with RTF rc airplanes and ParkZone has been the industry leader in doing this.
ParkZone Radian features & specs
These include...
- Wingspan: 78.7 in (2 meters)
- Overall Length: 44.7 in (1137mm)
- Motor Size: 480 960Kv brushless outrunner
- Battery: 11.1V 1300mAh Li-Po
- Radio: Spektrum 2.4GHz DX5e with AR500 full-range receiver
- Plug-in wings separate for easy transportation and storage
- Fully RTF
In summary, a ParkZone Radian would make an excellent addition to any rc pilot's collection, or as a first-time airplane for the beginner. Slow, gentle flight characteristics make this powered glider a relaxing aircraft to fly, with the brushless / Li-Po power train giving potential flight times in excess of 30 minutes. A very nice electric RTF rc airplane indeed!
See the ParkZone Radian in more detail.
Do you own or have experience with a Radian? If so, let us know about it here!
Related pages
ParkZone rc airplanes - more examples from the ParkZone range.
RC gliders - an overview of gliders in general.
RC powered gliders - overview of motorized rc gliders.
Thermal soaring - get even longer flight times from your Radian!
Slope flying - tips on using the wind at the slope.
