By Jay Smith Featured in the Summer 2014 Park Pilot.
Specifications
Type: Transmitter-ready micro warbird Skill level: Intermediate Wingspan: 22 inches Length: 18.1 inches Weight: 4.1 ounces Price: Powercore $59.99; Airframe $44.99; LiPo $5.99 Info: www.rcaircore.comFeatures
• Eight airframes from which to choose. • Swap airframes in less than a minute. • Micro Deans connectors preinstalled on ESC and battery. • Optional plug-in landing gear. • Pop-off propeller and spinnerJie Zhao, founder of ItCanFly, had a dream of a modular aircraft system that came to fruition under the name Snap&Fly. This system allowed three aircraft to be flown with the included transmitter. The next iteration came from a partnership between Flyzone and Jie to release the Uberlites, again providing the ability to pilot different airframes using a transferable core system. Building on the previous two releases, and further refining the modular aircraft system, has led to the release of the Flyzone AirCore line of aircraft. This refined and robust system allows for the use of servos vs. actuators and the ability to utilize a Tactic transmitter or the AnyLink system for control. At the heart of the AirCore system is the Power Core. This modular system houses a four-channel micro SLT receiver, 6-amp ESC, three digital ultra micro servos, a 2,181 Kv brushless motor, magnetic pushrods, and a SafeProp system. Flyzone sells the Power Core, airframes, and batteries separately. I chose the Spitfire, which has a nice color scheme and a pleasing level of detail molded into the foam. An antenna that can be glued in and two carbon-fiber tubes to replicate cannons on the wings were included with the model. Assembling the airframe is as easy as installing the Power Core. Simply remove the magnetic battery hatch and insert the wing using the tab on the front. The rear of the wing attaches to the fuselage with magnets. When installing the wing, you must insert the aileron pushrods into the plastic guides in the fuselage. I found the easiest way to do this was with the help of a paper clip. Bend a small U in the end to hook the pushrod and pop it into place. Short of installing the plug-in landing gear or any additional scale details if you so choose, the airframe assembly is complete. When it comes time to install the Power Core, position the module so that the tab is in front of the cradle retainer and slide the module to the rear so that the tab is located under the cradle retainer. The pushrods should connect via the magnets on their tips. If they don’t, gently move the associated control surface until they click together. I used my Tactic TTX650 transmitter and followed the instructions that came with the Power Core to reverse the aileron, elevator, and throttle. It is important that you reverse the throttle before linking the model, or again after making the change. Otherwise, if you turn off the radio or lose the signal, it will go to full power. With the 2S, 250 mAh battery in place and the battery hatch installed, the model balanced without issue. I opted to leave off the plug-in landing gear because it gives the aircraft a more pleasing look in the air. The tail wheel is one piece of solid plastic—more like a skid—and I am not sure how it will hold up on a paved surface.
The battery hatch is attached with magnets for simple access to the battery and Power Core.
Adding a graphic of retracted gear to the underside of the Spitfire is a nice touch. If you decide to use the landing gear, it can be plugged-in in seconds.
The manual indicates the throw required for each control surface. Only one rate is listed. There’s no mention of dual rates or expo (exponential). I opted to leave the throw alone, but added 20% expo on the ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Following the manual’s flight instructions, the Spitfire was launched into the wind, wings level, at approximately three-quarters power. The Power Core is a great match to the airframe and provides enough power for reasonable vertical climbs and loops from level flight. The aileron throw provides for a roll that looks like it should from a warbird. If you coordinate your roll with a quick bump of down during the inverted portion of the maneuver, it looks even better. Inverted flight can be maintained with a small amount of down-elevator to keep the aircraft from descending. Like most warbirds, a coordinated turn looks the best, but you can get away without using any rudder when turning the aircraft. The model will cruise around happily at half throttle. Putting the Spitfire through aerobatics is best done at three-quarters throttle or more. Landing in grass is accomplished by flying the model under power, and slowly reducing the throttle while maintaining a small input of up-elevator. Just before touchdown, chop the throttle and it will settle in nicely. If you don’t halt the throttle before landing, the spinner and propeller will pop off. They are designed to do so, but without damage. I initially set my timer to 5 minutes and have since increased it to 6 minutes. I have yet to hit LVC (low-voltage cutoff) before landing. I suggest doing the same and fine-tuning your timer to match your flying style. Although I had no issue piloting the Spitfire with the rates set as they were when they came out of the box, a less-experienced pilot might want to consider setting up dual rates if that function is supported by his or her TX (transmitter). The high rate would be as the model is supplied, but a low rate of approximately 70% would be a good starting point. Having tested all three versions of the modular aircraft system, I can comfortably say that the AirCore system is the best yet! Anyone who enjoys the flexibility of flying different aircraft will appreciate the ability to swap models in moments.
Interview with Dan Landis about AirCore
Promotional Video
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