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View Full Version : Discussion **NEW** Hobbico UpStar ARF Electric Sailplane


Jim T. Graham
Apr 25, 2006, 10:19 AM
**NEW** Hobbico UpStar ARF Electric Sailplane

Up, up and away!

The UpStar ARF offers you the low-stress way to learn to fly! It features an ultra-durable blow molded fuselage than can withstand many less-than-perfect landings, and the wing has built-in polyhedral to increase stability — a plus for inexperienced pilots. The built-up balsa wing and tail help keep weight to a minimum, and are covered in high-quality heat-shrink film with a great, easy-to-see trim scheme. A simple hand launch is all it takes to send the UpStar ARF aloft to start chasing thermals!

• Includes a 540-size motor, ESC, 8-cell 1800mAh NiMH battery pack and folding prop!
• Flight ready in only 3-4 hours.
• Perfect for lazy Sunday afternoon flights!

The included power system features a motor, ESC and battery pack that are all performance-matched for optimum flight times. The folding propeller reduces drag in flight, and helps avoid damage when landing.

POLYHEDRAL WING
The rubber band-on wing features built-in polyhedral, which increases stability and helps level the model after a turn.
BOLT-ON TAIL
The built-up balsa tail makes the UpStar quick to assemble and is easy to remove and replace if required.
RADIO COMPARTMENT
Your radio system’s onboard gear fits easily inside the UpStar ARF’s spacious radio compartment, and it will accept low-cost, readily available standard servos.

Wingspan: 68 in (1725 mm)
Wing Area: 462 sq in (29.8 dm²)
Weight: 2.75 lb (1247 g)
Wing Loading: 13.7 oz/sq ft (42 g/dm²)
Length: 44.5 in (1130 mm)
Requires: 3-channel radio w/2 standard servos, charger

HCAA2210 Hobbico® UpStar ARF Electric Sailplane
Retail$119.99
Street$99.99

For more information visit http://www.hobbico.com

DUE IN-STOCK end of April

HoverDown3K
May 15, 2006, 07:41 PM
I ordered one from my LHS, hope to have it soon!

smithgrowl
Jun 11, 2006, 01:16 PM
Decent flier with an impressive rate of climb. Quite heavy but maybe that's just my perception since this is my first glider with a motor/battery. Don't expect great thermalling but should punch through headwind nicely due to its mass.

If you have a TX with dual-rate, you might want to "cushion" the controls a bit. I had a tendency to over control because it's a bit heavy in the nose and takes a bit more effort to turn than other gliders I've flown.

Manual says GC is 2.5 inched from LE. No way. My GC is easliy an inch in in front of that, even with the supplied 8-cell battery moved back until it touches the servos. Maybe the original design spec'd a lighter motor? There is absolutely nothing I could have done in assembly to throw the CG off that far.

I hate to add more weight to an already-heavy plane but I have got to weigh the tail down a bit to overcome this plane's tendency to dive as soon as I let off the stick.

Great value for the money though. Just don't expect it to fly comparably to other 2m-class gliders.

TooBizzy
Apr 30, 2007, 06:38 PM
I had to add an ounce to the tail of mine! CG needs to be 2.5" to make it fly and trim out....