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We couldn’t wait to test fly the
new AT6 Texan from
E-flite, the first model from the newly released “Platinum Range”,
so called because of the scale accuracy and detail of the models.
The Texan comes with a true scale outline and wing sections
with fully working three-piece flaps, provision is also
made for the quick and easy installation of the optional
retracting undercarriage.
A somewhat windy day saw us ready to flight test this delightful
model and with the range test completed and the battery fully
charged we could find no more excuses to keep the little Texan
on the ground. Mindful of the Texan’s relatively narrow
undercarriage we were ready to counter any bad ground handling
issues but thanks to the steerable tail wheel the Texan tracked
straight and true and performed a nice “tail high, rolling on it’s
mains” scale take off.
In the air the Texan not only looked good it flew great as well
performing all of the scale manoeuvres with ease, and despite the
tapered wing there was no tendency to drop a wing or tip-stall,
however we were keen to see if this applied during the slower landing
speeds. Our usual stall test, performed at sufficient height showed
that with the model slowed right up and the elevator pulled back
it did after a short time eventually drop a wing, however with
power added recovery was instant, and in any event it is unlikely
that themodel would be flown that slowly with full up elevator
during normal flight.
Next thing to test was slow speed flight with the flaps deployed
to see if any nasty surprises lay in store for us during the
landing approach, after several slow fly-bys with and without
flaps it was clear that the Texan was rock steady on finals and
a landing was duly performed followed by a taxi back to the pit
area.
To sum up then, E-flite have got it “ bang on “ with the Texan,
very scale looks, super flight performance, with the option to
upgrade to a retracting undercarriage or fit the optional scale
cockpit kit that includes an extra pilot for the rear seat.
A great scale model for electric power! |
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