HobbyZone
HobbyZone® is a brand of electric-powered radio controlled aircraft, car and boat models distributed by Horizon Hobby of Champaign, Illinois.
Originally a line consisting solely of R/C aircraft, the brand name is a reference to one of three skill levels necessary to fly the various models. All HobbyZone aircraft are sold as a fully assembled, ready-to-fly package which includes all necessary accessories and batteries. They are patterned around the same basic design which is that of a high wing, experimental-style "pod and boom" fuselage with a direct-drive pusher propeller and v-tail.
Skill level number one or "Z1" are two-channel craft aimed at first-time flyers who have had little or no experience with radio controlled aircraft and whose operation can be self-taught. The hand-held transmitter controls throttle and rudder only; climb and descent are strictly a function of throttle position. These models incorporate Horizon Hobby's proprietary "Smart-Trak" mixing system which automatically adds a small amount of "up elevator" in turns, thus keeping the nose up and avoiding loss of altitude. "Z2" aircraft are are three-channel craft which add the third dimension of controllable pitch and are intended for more experienced pilots, but can be learned by first-time pilots with the assistance of an experienced pilot. "Z3" aircraft are high-performance three-channel craft and are geared toward intermediate to advanced pilots. Most models regardless of skill level are equipped with the unique "X-Port" accessory receptacle which allows the addition of accessories such as a "bomb" drop, parachute drop or sonic pulse "gun" which allows for air-to-air combat with similarly equipped HobbyZone and ParkZone models. The gun emits a sonic pulse which briefly disables the stricken aircraft's drive motor. Models equipped with the "Multi-Mode" system can be flown in beginner mode with limited control surface throws and rudder/elevator mixing or "sport" mode which allows full control surface throw.
Table of contents |
Zone 1 aircraft
- Firebird Scout RTF (ready-to-fly)
Wingspan: 29.5"/750mm
- Firebird IIST RTF
Wingspan: 31.5"
- Firebird Commander RTF
Wingspan: 40"
Zone 2 aircraft
- Aerobird Challenger RTF
Wingspan: 42"
- Sky Surfer RTF powered paraglider
Canopy dimensions: 50" x 18"
Zone 3 aircraft
- Aerobird Xtreme RTF
Wingspan: 55"
Surface models
- Mini Mauler 1/20 scale monster truck
- Zig Zag Racer 2 miniature power boats
- M1A1 Abrams Tank
External link
Categories: Hobbies