Hangar 9 has a proud history of producing some exceptional RTF scale airplanes. Their latest, the F6F, appears to be a solid addition to the lineup.
The new Hangar 9 F6F Hellcat is a call back a time when models were simpler. The 64" model can be powered by gas or electric and be run on as little as four channels.
The airframe, like most of Hangar 9's models, is constructed from laser-cut balsa and plywood and covered with UltraCote. The plane comes pretty much ready to fly. It's delivered to you as if you were a front-line unit receiving a fresh aircraft straight from the factory - put simply, it's ready for action. This is great if you don't want to spend months or years building a scale model to this high standard.
It has an accurate color scheme with pre-applied decals. There are extra decals included in the box for three nose-art choices to personalise your model, which is a nice touch. There's also a painted pilot figure in the cockpit.
Through a large top hatch, it's easy to access the electronics and internals of the airframe. If you're running an electric setup, this lets you swap out batteries quickly. Having the option to go electric really does make the model more accessible to a broader variety of pilots.
In terms of the landing gear, the standard package includes hardwearing fixed 4" wheels that can withstand bumpy grass runways. This really would be keeping it nice and basic, perfect for newer pilots. If you want to upgrade at a later date, you could drop in E-Flite's electric retracts without a problem.
This Hellcat is designed to be a sport flyer. This means that it would be a good choice for those with just a little experience of larger sportier models. Although it's a warbird, which can be rightfully intimidating, the light wing loading of this plane seems to make it a more docile and easy aircraft to fly than many other RC warbirds out there.
Judging by Horizon Hobby's promotional video, this plane is also capable of some seriously impressive moves making it a good aircraft for more experienced pilots.
If you want to find out more about this plane, just check out Horizon Hobby's webpage. According to Hangar 9, you'll be able to order one of these in August - I for one am tempted!
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Article by James Whomsley
Editor of FliteTest.com
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