Team Futaba member Mike Barbee piloted his scratch-built 36% scale Beechcraft T-34 Mentor to first place in the Expert Class. Modeled after a civilian registered aircraft owned by Harold Cannon and still flown actively, Mike’s 148.5” span T-34 faithfully reproduces every detail of its full-size inspiration — right down to the latches on the engine cowling.
 
After evaluating Mike’s aircraft up close, the static judging panel awarded it a very impressive 96.75 points out of 100 possible…almost perfect! Of course, Mike would trust an aircraft of this caliber only to his Futaba 18MZ.
 

Mike Barbee poses with his beautiful scratch-built 36% scale Beechcraft T-34 Mentor (photo courtesy of flyinggiants.com)

 
The invitation-only Top Gun was founded by Team Futaba member Frank Tiano in 1989. Internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious scale aircraft contests, it attracts the best scale aircraft, builders and pilots in the world. The annual event is held at Lakeland Linder Airport in Lakeland, Florida.

Hobbico and Futaba congratulate Mike and our other pilots for their fine accomplishments at the 2013 Top Gun!

Find out more information about the competition-winning Futaba 18MZ at Futaba.com

The E-flite® J-3 Cub 450 ARF airplane is the perfect scale model for small-field flying or making a quick flight at the local park as satisfying as possible. No other airplane has touched more pilots or better demonstrated that flight itself is an unequivocal expression of freedom than the J-3 Cub. Its practical design not only made it versatile, but more importantly, it made it a pure joy to fly. E-flite captures the Cub spirit in a lightweight all-wood structure that authentically replicates the character and distinctive outline of what the designer envisioned as the airplane for everyone.

From the richness of its traditional construction, to the authentic sheen of its UltraCote® finish and balloon-shape wheels, the E-flite J-3 Cub 450 ARF delivers a great-looking scale model the casual flier to expert scale critic will appreciate. The recommended E-flite power system was designed around popular and economical 3S Li-Po batteries to provide long, lazy flights or one wheel touch and go’s.

Features:

• True-to-scale proportions
• Laser-cut balsa and plywood construction
• Genuine Hangar 9® UltraCote® covering finish
• Factory-built airframe with quality hardware package
• Ready-to-mount an E-flite® Park 450 or Park 480 motor
• Pre-painted fiberglass cowling with accurate engine detail
• Cross-brace and instrument panel cockpit detail
• Internal servo mounting maintains scale integrity
• Pre-cut clear plastic windshield and pre-formed side windows
• Authentic Cub wheels and finished wire landing gear
• Large magnetic battery hatch
• Steerable tailwheel

Specifications:

Needed to Complete:

• 4+ channel transmitter and receiver radio system
• Motor
• Speed controller
• Flight battery
• (4) sub-micro servos
• Propeller
• Charger for flight battery

[EFL3010]
E-flite J-3 Cub 450 ARF
Selling Price: $169.99 USD

Due late May, 2013

E-flite is an exclusive brand of Horizon Hobby, Inc., www.e-flite-rc.com

If you’re looking for the most satisfying ultra micro Mustang experience available, this is your plane. For starters, it boasts a level of detail rarely seen in models of this size. Molded panel lines, clear canopy, gun and exhaust details, pilot figure, instrument panel details, 4-bladed prop—you get it all. Even the trim scheme is that of a full-scale Mustang that flew with the 334th Fighter Squadron during World War II.

In the air, its advanced AS3X® (Artificial Stabilization – 3-aXis) System will work behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of forces like P-factor, turbulence and torque. Instead of an ultra micro, you’ll feel like you’re at the controls of an expertly tuned, giant-scale model that flies like it’s on rails.

BNF Features:

• ParkZone® DSM2®/DSMX® receiver/ESC/AS3X® unit, installed
• Realistic 334th Fighter Squadron trim scheme
• Clear canopy with pilot figure
• 4-bladed prop
• Gun, exhaust and instrument panel details
• Molded panel lines
• Removable landing gear with steerable tail wheel
• 8.5mm brushed motor
• Includes 1S 150mAh 25C Li-Po battery
• Includes 1-cell DC charger
• Requires 4+ channel DSM2/DSMX transmitter (sold separately)

RTF Features:

• ParkZone® DSM2®/DSMX® receiver/ESC/AS3X® unit, installed
• Realistic 334th Fighter Squadron trim scheme
• Clear canopy with pilot figure
• Gun, exhaust and instrument panel details
• 4-bladed prop
• Molded panel lines
• Removable landing gear with steerable tail wheel
• 8.5mm brushed motor
• Includes 1S 150mAh 25C Li-Po battery
• Includes 1-cell DC charger
• Includes ParkZone MLP4DSM 4-channel transmitter

Specifications:

[PKZU2400]
Ultra-Micro P-51D Mustang RTF w/AS3X
Street Price: $129.99 USD

[PKZU2480]
Ultra-Micro P-51D Mustang BNF w/AS3X
Street Price: $99.99 USD

Both models are due for release in early June, 2013

Parkzone is an exclusive brand of Horizon Hobby, Inc., www.parkzone.com

The last known Dornier DO 17 bomber in existence has been found nestled in the silt of the English Channel.  The bomber was shot down 70 years ago during the Battle of Britain and has been identified as Dornier Do 17Z Werke number 1160.  Two of the four crew members perished in the crash and the surviving two were captured by the British and taken into custody as prisoners of war.

The Royal Air Force Museum is in charge of salvage operations and will also plans to display the Dornier in it’s present condition beside an unrestored Hawker Hurricane that was shot down during the battle.  The salvage operation’s success depends on several factors including airframe corrosion and fatigue.  Successfully lifting the Dornier is a delicate operation and will require the use of a specially made lifting frame to distribute the load as evenly as possible across the fragile structure.

The RAF Museum has a section of their website dedicated to the recovery efforts, now coming to fruition after the initial discovery of the wreckage back in 2008.

We’ve grabbed some videos that cover the salvage operation and recovery procedures below.  Video content is property of their respective owners

BBC overview and interview with a retired WWII Dornier pilot

BBC Coverage of the dive operations

Keep up with progress of the recovery from the RAF Museum’s blog and social media links here.

Thunder Power team pilot Wilson Miller flies his Compass 7HV with Cyclone blades at the Stillwater, Oklahoma Fun Fly.  Just a little “heli eye candy” to start the weekend..

Visit Thunder Power RC at www.thunderpowerrc.com

HORIZON HOBBY SPONSORS ROCKSTAR ENERGY RACING MOTOCROSS TEAM

Champaign, Illinois (April 2013) – Horizon Hobby is proud to announce their newly expanded marketing sponsorship with the Rockstar Energy Racing Motocross team. Established in 2009, Xtreme Amateur and Pro Lites is the one of the most elite teams competing in AMA 250 Supercross, AMA 250 Motocross and now the premier class 450. Horizon Hobby joins prestigious partners including Motosport.com, Bel-Ray, ONE Industries, Airoh Helmets, FMF, Dragon Goggles, Rockwell Watches, Go Pro as well as Suzuki.

With the support of race organizations like Feld Motor Sports and MX Sports, Supercross and Motocross have experienced exponential growth over the past decade and have gained millions of new spectators and television audiences. “This is an exciting partnership with loads of potential, the growing interest in motocross helps with expanding the reach of our efforts while focusing in on our core customer base,” says Kevin Wilson, Horizon Hobby Brand Manager.

The riders played a key role in the decision to sponsor the Rockstar Suzuki Motorcross team “with such talented riders as Davi Millsaps and Blake Wharton it was difficult to find another team with such potential,” added Joe Schamuhn, Horizon Hobby Vice President of Strategic Marketing.

As the RC market continues to expand, Horizon Hobby hopes sponsorships like these will continue to highlight their products among to the growing demographic of Motocross enthusiasts.

About Horizon Hobby:

Horizon Hobby is an international developer, marketer and distributor of radio control (RC) hobby products, model trains and a wide range of educational, toy and other hobby products. An employee-owned company, Horizon employs nearly 700 people and sells products in more than 50 countries around the world. Corporate headquarters, along with the main distribution facility and product service center, are located in Champaign, Illinois. Additional distribution centers are in Ontario, California; Harlow, England (site of Horizon Hobby UK Ltd.); and Elmshorn, Germany (site of Horizon Hobby Deutschland GmbH). California is also home to the Losi RC car division (Ontario) and the Athearn train line (Long Beach). Learn more at horizonhobby.com

Miracle 3.5″ Anodized Aluminum Rudder Servo Tray

Package includes:

• Anodized Aluminum Rudder Servo Tray
• 3.5″ Anodized Aluminum Rudder Arm
• Titanium pushrod 2pcs
• M3x16 screw 4pcs
• M3 locknut 4pcs
• ST3 cross head screw 4pcs

The rudder mount has two bearings inside and can be used for all brand servos, including Futaba, Hitec and JR, etc.

[RAK-MC-F009]
Miracle 3.5″ Anodized Aluminum Rudder Servo Tray
$39.95 USD

Miracle distributed by Aerobeez, http://aerobeez.com

Century RC is running a 50% off sale promotion on select items until May 10th, 2013. Stop by and check out the deals before it’s too late! www.century-rc.com

Miracle RC Drill Jig for DLE 30, 35RA, 55, and 55RA engines.

The Miracle RC Drill Jig allows for precise and easy drilling of mount holes on your propeller.  With the DLE-55, DLE-55RA, DLE-30, and DLE-35RA covered from one universal jig, you save time, money, and always have the right tool at the field to replace a broken prop.

[JIG-MC-K007]
Miracle RC Drill Jig DLE 30, DLE35RA, DLE 55, and DLE55RA
$17.95 USD

Miracle RC distributed by Aerobeez, www.aerobeez.com

Curtis Youngblood (CJ Enterprises) has ventured into the multi-rotor market and is gearing up to release their Stingray quads.  The whole marketing launch is being handled through their Facebook account so better sign up so you’re “in the know”.  Product release is targeted for late summer 2013.  No specs as of yet but those sure look like Radix blades:)

They published a video on YouTube back in December (in case you missed it) that answers any questions you may have about the aerobatic precision of what they’re cooking up…