ParkZone Super Decathlon
The ParkZone Super Decathlon is the latest addition to the hugely successful range of RTF electric rc airplanes from ParkZone, and is a very nice scale representation of this popular aerobatic trainer.
The real Super Decathlon saw production through the late 1970s as successor to the Decathlon. Produced by aircraft manufacturer Bellanca, the airplane was produced as an aerobatic-capable trainer, being able to withstand higher G's than its predecessor.
The ParkZone Super Decathlon is a very nice looking electric rc airplane, and in full ParkZone tradition comes fully Ready To Fly with even the transmitter batteries included in the purchase.
Unlike the majority of ParkZone's RTF rc airplanes, the Super Decathlon comes equipped with brushless motor and Li-Po battery pack. This combination gives the airplane excellent performance indeed, with most aerobatic maneuvers being well within the airplane's capabilities.
Attention to detail on the ParkZone Super Decathlon is what you'd expect from an RTF scale electric plane, with accurate wheel fairings and all the right air intakes on the nose. The classic black and white stripes on the underside of the wing are there, as is the shooting star paint job, synonymous with many Bellanca Super Decathlons!
Possibly one thing that ParkZone could have done with their Super Decathlon is to give it a 4th channel to provide aileron control, given that this is an aerobatic trainer. But the 3 channel control to motor, elevator and rudder keep the airplane that much easier to learn on and in-keeping with their very successful J-3 Cub trainer.
For those with model building knowledge, an aileron upgrade wouldn't be complicated although this would mean that the stock ParkZone transmitter couldn't be used ( on that note, a Plug n' Play Super Decathlon is available for anyone wanting to use their own radio).
- See the Super Decathlon in action (opens Windows Media Player).
ParkZone Super Decathlon features & specs
These include...
- Wingspan: 35.4 in (900mm)
- Overall Length: 25.3 in (640mm)
- Motor Size: 370 brushless outrunner
- Battery: 2S 800mAh Li-Po
- Radio: ZX10 3-channel proportional
In summary, ParkZone have done an excellent job (as usual!) of producing a nice, affordable scale airplane, and one that's sure to be a big seller. Fully aerobatic-capable, the high wing design of the Super Decathlon still gives good, stable flying characteristics and so is completely suitable for a first-time electric rc airplane. Good job, ParkZone!
See the ParkZone Super Decathlon in more detail.
Do you own or have experience with a Super Decathlon? If so, let us know about it here!
Related pages
ParkZone rc airplanes - more examples from the ParkZone range.
Electric rc airplanes - an overview of electric planes in general.
