By Ryan Ramsey. Brushless power makes this warbird a standout. Photos and video by Ryan Ramsey. As seen in the Spring 2016 issue of Park Pilot.
Specifications:
Type: Semiscale warbird Skill level: Intermediate Wingspan: 19 inches weight: 3.35 ounces Price: $129.99 Info: e-fliterc.comFeatures:
• Brushless BL180 outrunner power system preinstalled • AS3X technology • Scale wheels and cockpit detail • World War II USAAC 334th Fighter Squadron trim scheme • Spektrum DSM2/DSMX technology • Steerable tail wheel • Easily removed main landing gear • Scale four-blade propeller with dummy radialProduct Review
The E-flite UMX P-47 Thunderbolt is an excellent-looking replica. This P-47 is one of a new breed of ultra micro aircraft available now on the market under the E-flite brand and made by Horizon Hobby. Airfoil surfaces and a brushless outrunner motor running on 2S power are just a few of the standout features that make up this exciting new style of UMX flying models. The P-47 has a 180BL 2,500 Kv brushless outrunner motor that runs off of a 2S 200 or 280 mAh 7.4-volt LiPo battery. Servos are linear, long-throw at 2.3 grams, and the receiver is a DSM2/DSMX six-channel ultra micro with AS3X. The artificial stabilization of the three-axis receiver really helps the model feel and fly like a larger airplane. What’s nice about the AS3X receiver is that it acts like a gyro without an extra channel or wires necessary to dial it in. It’s ready to go out of the box! The fixed gear is easily removed for those who choose to belly land the model. The landing gear looks the part with scalelike tires and strut covers to complement the package. The steerable tail wheel helps with ground handling. A painted pilot figure and a four-blade propeller with yellow tips top off the high-scale fidelity of this UMX P-47.
The fixed gear is easily installed and removed. It simply rotates and locks into place.
The E-flite UMX P-47 looks best in the air with the landing gear removed. The model is capable of performing all of the aerobatics that the full-scale aircraft can perform, and really benefits from a brushless power system.
Binding the P-47 to your DSM2/DSMX Spektrum transmitter is simple. The radio setup consists of only setting your dual rates. High rate is 100% all around, while low rate is 70% all around. No exponential is needed because the receiver’s AS3X system does that for you. The manual recommends making your first flights at low rates. After my first flight, I switched to high rates. I wanted the extra authority to help keep the tail planted on takeoff. You can expect a scalelike roll rate on low rates and, of course, a faster roll on high rates. The manual recommends setting the timer for the first flights at 4 minutes. After that you can set it to your own flying style. Those who want to cruise at half throttle will definitely be able to get more time. I recommend this airplane for intermediate to advanced pilots. Beginners should get stick time on a high-wing trainer with more of a self-leveling tendency or one of the many other choices from Horizon Hobby that includes the SAFE technology. Each time you plug in the flight battery, the airplane needs to be immobile for at least 5 seconds while the AS3X system initializes. This ensures the best possible results for the AS3X system. Flying the P-47 is a blast! Loops, rolls, slow rolls, and Split S maneuvers really look good with this model. Landings are a breeze. The model needs to be flown down and, in my opinion, prefers the two-wheel touch on the mains and then the tail pinned. It’s not a heavy airplane, so without power on the landing approach, you might find yourself in a stall or near-stall situation if you let it get too slow. Speed is your friend. The UMX P-47 is easy to hand launch. Simply set the throttle at one-half to three-quarters and give it a nice toss at a slightly upward angle. As I mentioned before, the main landing gear is easily removed for pilots who want to hand launch. The tail wheel is also easily removed for those who really want to go for that true-to-scale look. Just pull the tail wheel straight out of its mount and you are ready to go. Belly landing the P-47 requires the same method as landing on the gear. Aim the Thunderbolt into the wind and slowly decrease throttle to set a steady descent angle for approach. After the airplane reaches roughly 12 inches from the deck, move the throttle to zero and slowly increase your up-elevator input to flair the model.
The 2S 200 to 280 mAh LiPo battery is easily accessed on the bottom of the aircraft. The aileron servos have covers to protect them when making a belly landing.
This puts the nose up and helps bleed off excess speed so the airplane can gently touch down at a slow speed, which helps to ensure that the propeller is not damaged. When belly landing a model, you want to make sure that the throttle is off at touchdown. The AS3X provides assistance when the airplane is moving fast enough to fly. Shooting touch-and-gos is a good way to get oriented with what the aircraft wants in the way of speed to make a nice, controlled landing. I could not get over the excellent flying characteristics and presence of this model. Although the P-47 is a UMX, it still moves quickly. If you’re an indoor flier, you will want to make sure there is ample space to allow it to move along. I am impressed with the newer UMX models. I like that they use brushless motors and larger batteries. Most importantly, I really like the airfoil surfaces. This P-47 is made from lightweight EPS foam and has great scale appeal. It truly looks as good on the ground as it does in the air. Ryan Ramsey [email protected]
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