FLYWINGFAN
Dec 04, 2004, 01:00 AM
!Introduction
| spec2
| @913107
|> <b>Wingspan:</b> |< 37"
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 21oz.
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 27"
|> <b>Radio:</b> |< Factory Installed RX/ESC/Servos
|> <b>Battery:</b> |< 7 Cell 2/3 A NiMH, incl.
|> <b>Battery Hop-Up:</b> |< 8 Cell 2/3 A NiMH
|> <b>Motor:</b> |< 480 Direct Drive, incl.
|> <b>Frequencies Available:</b> |< 6 separate channels, 27mHz
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href="http://www.parkzone.com">ParkZone</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.HorizonHobby.com>Horizon Hobby</a>
The ParkZone F-27 Stryker is one of the groundbreaking new RTF planes built to PERFORM! This plane also supports the combat module, opening up even more great opportunities. No longer is combat limited to high wing, v-tail trainers...this plane was designed to rip up the sky. It comes complete with an FM radio system, Nimh battery, and charger.
!Kit Contents
@913108:The complete kit contents: plane, radio system, charger, and battery.
@913109:All the main plane parts.
@913110:The Radio, charger, and batteries.
!Assembly
This part was very quick! Even if I hadn't had a ton of planes under my belt, something tells me I could have had it finished before the battery was done charging. I actually "built" two Strykers, (for combat, yeeha!) so I was also able to make some changes and compare and contrast them. The assembly involved attaching the nose, fins, and... wait, thats it!
!!Removable Nose Assembly
The Stryker's designers sacrificed a little asthetics for a replacable nose section. A worthy sacrifice in my opinion. Optional decals could be installed to provide more strength to the nose attachment. However, in case of "accidental landings"(those never happen right?), the decals would prevent the nose from popping loose, and thus the nose is damaged more easily.
@913111:The nose piece was attached by two pieces of double sided foam tape. The two planes had varying lengths of tape however they both stuck well.
@913112: The nose pushed snugly on. On this plane I used the decals on the nose. On the other I left the decals off to compare durability.
!!Tail Fins
@913113: The tail fins were secured without glue using a neat little friction fit/locking mechanism. This allowed them to be replaced easily, and showed zero signs of coming loose.@fincomplete.jpg: Although not easily shown in the pictures, the fin slid onto the fuselage, with tabs both beneath the fuselage and over it.
!!Final construction notes
There was a plastic cover on the top of the fuselage that covered the electronics and had the mount for the combat module. The only problem was that the double sided tape used to secure it to the fuselelage did not mate well enough to secure well. (The combat module flying off in the middle of a dogfight would be a bad thing).
@913114:I used 4 pieces of packing tape to secure the cover. I could've used more, but I found this to be adequate.
The battery compartment had limited airflow and after a flight the battery came out pretty warm. It was not dangerously hot or at risk of melting the foam; however, to be safe, I chose to increase the airflow by cutting a little slot on the nose and drilling two air exit holes out the back of the compartment. Be sure the exit holes are drilled at an angle, and that they are above the battery so they are not blocked.
@913115:The battery compartment had limited airflow. I chose to cut this inlet with a sharp hobby knife.
@913116: After drilling for the outlet, I trimmed a straw to fit.
!Flying
@913117: Battery in, ready to go!
Ok, what you have been waiting for. Does this RTF speedster match up to its claims?
<b>Note:</b> I did all the flying with the combat module installed, so the performance I report here is what was available during combat.
!!Launch, Landing and Generals
The Stryker is a speedy plane however, Olympic javelin tosses were not required to launch it. The molded grip allowed a firm toss, without the motor running. Once the prop was clear of my hand, I gave it full throttle. Once it left my hand, I let it pick up speed for a smooth climbout. Its sleek design and 21oz weight meant landing took some forethought. The penetration and glide rate was impressive, I gave myself 100 yrds, with the motor off for landing approaches. (For the same reasons, indoor flight would not be a good idea). Stalls were straight ahead with no tip stall, and flight times averaged at around 6-8 minutes of combat or 8-12 minutes of cruising.
!!Aerobatics/Special Flight Performance
<big>Speed! Fast, dogfighting aerobatics! </big>
The Stryker performed like a jet! Climb rate was good, and if I launched it into any amount of wind the "off the launch" climb rate improved noticeably. The Stryker looked as good streaking by on long diving passes as it dids down low, banking in tight maneuvers. I was impressed with top speed. Although I have no radar gun, I estimated 50 mph level flight with the stock 7 cell battery. There was zero control surface flutter, and thanks to the hybrid flying wing/delta airframe, there was no flying wing death spiral.
The manual stated not to fly in over 7mph winds. I would agree with this advice for first flights and for less experienced modelers. However, once comfortable with the plane, I found it handled higher wind levels admirably. I have flown it in 15 gusting to 20 mph winds, and it cut the wind well.
There is an optional 8cell battery available for the Stryker, which I was able to evaluate. The extra cell gave it a little more punch. Loops were faster, and in combat it gave me a little edge which could've become all I needed to be the top gun for an afternoon!
!!Combat!
I was able to try some combat with a flying buddy, and let me say there is nothing like it! The Stryker was able to carry its momentum well through tight maneuvers. In other words, turning tightly did not bleed off all my speed and leave me a sitting duck. When I fired the combat module(via the button on the transmitter), it emitted a series of high pitched blips. These were effective at a good range...not so close I had to park on your apponents prop, but close enough to make it challenging. When I hit him, his motor cut for around 5 seconds while the module emitted a constant, high pitch. To be even more competative, I moved the control clevise down two holes on the control horn, making the model more responsive.
NOTE: This change is made by an experienced modeler who understands exactly the end result of adding significantly more control throw. Do not make this change unless you have flown more advanced models and know what the control response will be like.
@913118: Throws increased beyond stock high rates.
!!Is This For a Beginner?
In short, no. Although this plane is stable and has no bad habits, the speed, and aileron handling make it suitable for intermediate to advanced flyers.
!!Final Critique and Notes
Our two planes flown were on Ch 2 and 3. There was no control glitching, however every once in a while the Combat Module would fire on its own. This caused no problems, but it was strange. I also had a few instances(flying combat and when alone) when the motor would cut and the module would emit the high pitch sound as if I had been hit, even though no shot was fired. This occurred rarely and did not greatly disturb the combat. Upon talking with support for ParkZone it seems this a fairly rare occurence that has happend with some early models upon receiving interference.
!!Flight Video
+913119: A brief sampling of the Stryker's wide flight envelope.
<b>Editor's Note:</b> Be sure to stop back and visit this review in the next few weeks, as combat video will be added as soon as it is available!
!Conclusion
The Stryker is a great plane that lives up to its claims, and is an excellent value. By itself it is a fun speedster that will keep you on your toes; add a combat module and start some rivalries at your local field! The biggest drawback? there are only 6 channels for you and your buddies to choose from! Then again...6 strykers in combat...now that's some excitement I'd like to enjoy!
| spec2
| @913107
|> <b>Wingspan:</b> |< 37"
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 21oz.
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 27"
|> <b>Radio:</b> |< Factory Installed RX/ESC/Servos
|> <b>Battery:</b> |< 7 Cell 2/3 A NiMH, incl.
|> <b>Battery Hop-Up:</b> |< 8 Cell 2/3 A NiMH
|> <b>Motor:</b> |< 480 Direct Drive, incl.
|> <b>Frequencies Available:</b> |< 6 separate channels, 27mHz
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href="http://www.parkzone.com">ParkZone</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.HorizonHobby.com>Horizon Hobby</a>
The ParkZone F-27 Stryker is one of the groundbreaking new RTF planes built to PERFORM! This plane also supports the combat module, opening up even more great opportunities. No longer is combat limited to high wing, v-tail trainers...this plane was designed to rip up the sky. It comes complete with an FM radio system, Nimh battery, and charger.
!Kit Contents
@913108:The complete kit contents: plane, radio system, charger, and battery.
@913109:All the main plane parts.
@913110:The Radio, charger, and batteries.
!Assembly
This part was very quick! Even if I hadn't had a ton of planes under my belt, something tells me I could have had it finished before the battery was done charging. I actually "built" two Strykers, (for combat, yeeha!) so I was also able to make some changes and compare and contrast them. The assembly involved attaching the nose, fins, and... wait, thats it!
!!Removable Nose Assembly
The Stryker's designers sacrificed a little asthetics for a replacable nose section. A worthy sacrifice in my opinion. Optional decals could be installed to provide more strength to the nose attachment. However, in case of "accidental landings"(those never happen right?), the decals would prevent the nose from popping loose, and thus the nose is damaged more easily.
@913111:The nose piece was attached by two pieces of double sided foam tape. The two planes had varying lengths of tape however they both stuck well.
@913112: The nose pushed snugly on. On this plane I used the decals on the nose. On the other I left the decals off to compare durability.
!!Tail Fins
@913113: The tail fins were secured without glue using a neat little friction fit/locking mechanism. This allowed them to be replaced easily, and showed zero signs of coming loose.@fincomplete.jpg: Although not easily shown in the pictures, the fin slid onto the fuselage, with tabs both beneath the fuselage and over it.
!!Final construction notes
There was a plastic cover on the top of the fuselage that covered the electronics and had the mount for the combat module. The only problem was that the double sided tape used to secure it to the fuselelage did not mate well enough to secure well. (The combat module flying off in the middle of a dogfight would be a bad thing).
@913114:I used 4 pieces of packing tape to secure the cover. I could've used more, but I found this to be adequate.
The battery compartment had limited airflow and after a flight the battery came out pretty warm. It was not dangerously hot or at risk of melting the foam; however, to be safe, I chose to increase the airflow by cutting a little slot on the nose and drilling two air exit holes out the back of the compartment. Be sure the exit holes are drilled at an angle, and that they are above the battery so they are not blocked.
@913115:The battery compartment had limited airflow. I chose to cut this inlet with a sharp hobby knife.
@913116: After drilling for the outlet, I trimmed a straw to fit.
!Flying
@913117: Battery in, ready to go!
Ok, what you have been waiting for. Does this RTF speedster match up to its claims?
<b>Note:</b> I did all the flying with the combat module installed, so the performance I report here is what was available during combat.
!!Launch, Landing and Generals
The Stryker is a speedy plane however, Olympic javelin tosses were not required to launch it. The molded grip allowed a firm toss, without the motor running. Once the prop was clear of my hand, I gave it full throttle. Once it left my hand, I let it pick up speed for a smooth climbout. Its sleek design and 21oz weight meant landing took some forethought. The penetration and glide rate was impressive, I gave myself 100 yrds, with the motor off for landing approaches. (For the same reasons, indoor flight would not be a good idea). Stalls were straight ahead with no tip stall, and flight times averaged at around 6-8 minutes of combat or 8-12 minutes of cruising.
!!Aerobatics/Special Flight Performance
<big>Speed! Fast, dogfighting aerobatics! </big>
The Stryker performed like a jet! Climb rate was good, and if I launched it into any amount of wind the "off the launch" climb rate improved noticeably. The Stryker looked as good streaking by on long diving passes as it dids down low, banking in tight maneuvers. I was impressed with top speed. Although I have no radar gun, I estimated 50 mph level flight with the stock 7 cell battery. There was zero control surface flutter, and thanks to the hybrid flying wing/delta airframe, there was no flying wing death spiral.
The manual stated not to fly in over 7mph winds. I would agree with this advice for first flights and for less experienced modelers. However, once comfortable with the plane, I found it handled higher wind levels admirably. I have flown it in 15 gusting to 20 mph winds, and it cut the wind well.
There is an optional 8cell battery available for the Stryker, which I was able to evaluate. The extra cell gave it a little more punch. Loops were faster, and in combat it gave me a little edge which could've become all I needed to be the top gun for an afternoon!
!!Combat!
I was able to try some combat with a flying buddy, and let me say there is nothing like it! The Stryker was able to carry its momentum well through tight maneuvers. In other words, turning tightly did not bleed off all my speed and leave me a sitting duck. When I fired the combat module(via the button on the transmitter), it emitted a series of high pitched blips. These were effective at a good range...not so close I had to park on your apponents prop, but close enough to make it challenging. When I hit him, his motor cut for around 5 seconds while the module emitted a constant, high pitch. To be even more competative, I moved the control clevise down two holes on the control horn, making the model more responsive.
NOTE: This change is made by an experienced modeler who understands exactly the end result of adding significantly more control throw. Do not make this change unless you have flown more advanced models and know what the control response will be like.
@913118: Throws increased beyond stock high rates.
!!Is This For a Beginner?
In short, no. Although this plane is stable and has no bad habits, the speed, and aileron handling make it suitable for intermediate to advanced flyers.
!!Final Critique and Notes
Our two planes flown were on Ch 2 and 3. There was no control glitching, however every once in a while the Combat Module would fire on its own. This caused no problems, but it was strange. I also had a few instances(flying combat and when alone) when the motor would cut and the module would emit the high pitch sound as if I had been hit, even though no shot was fired. This occurred rarely and did not greatly disturb the combat. Upon talking with support for ParkZone it seems this a fairly rare occurence that has happend with some early models upon receiving interference.
!!Flight Video
+913119: A brief sampling of the Stryker's wide flight envelope.
<b>Editor's Note:</b> Be sure to stop back and visit this review in the next few weeks, as combat video will be added as soon as it is available!
!Conclusion
The Stryker is a great plane that lives up to its claims, and is an excellent value. By itself it is a fun speedster that will keep you on your toes; add a combat module and start some rivalries at your local field! The biggest drawback? there are only 6 channels for you and your buddies to choose from! Then again...6 strykers in combat...now that's some excitement I'd like to enjoy!