PKZ4600 Corsair F4U Pirep

Test flights of the new ready to fly F4U Corsair took place on an overcast and windy day but needs must, so in less than ideal conditions for a small electric model we went ahead and boy were we pleasantly surprised. The Corsair did better than we expected.

With the battery fully charged and installed, flight control surfaces checked for correct movement and the all important range test carried out it was time to fly this great looking mini-warbird. Having elected to install the removable main landing gear the model was taxied a very short distance, lined up for take off and after a very short distance the model lifted off with just a touch of up-elevator. It was at this point thanks to gust of wind that we were able to see just how effective the ailerons were; the unwanted turn to the left was easily controlled and the model continued its climb to a safe altitude. The optional three-bladed propeller was fitted for this flight and combined with the included Li-Po battery the model had very impressive performance and was more than capable of flying all of the typical warbird manoeuvres including tight banking turns, loops and rolls etc with power to spare.

Throughout the flight the Corsair never looked like it was having too much trouble handling the wind and bearing in mind that with the landing gear and the scale doors adding a lot of drag it was more than capable of holding its own. So while we still had power to spare for a “go-around” the model was brought in for a landing. Yet again the Corsair surprised us with the ailerons being effective right down to the ground and at very low airspeed, all contributing considerably to an easy and safe landing.

Ted Galbraith Hand Launching the Corsair

For the second flight we decided to try out the model without the landing gear so we removed it and installed the optional landing plates that simply screw into place to protect the underside of the “gull wing”. We also fitted the included two-bladed propeller at the same time.

With a fully charged replacement battery fitted the model was hand launched into wind, and thanks to that wind and the power from the motor there was no need to run before launching; just a simple straight throw and the model was climbing briskly away.

Performance wise the model felt crisper with the two-bladed propeller fitted and without the landing gear hanging down the model really looked the part with its tri-colour paint job standing out well even against the grey sky.

Landing the model on its “landing plates” proved again just what a great little warbird model this Corsair is, no drama, no fuss just line it up throttle back and watch it sink gently to the ground at less than walking pace. Great stuff, we can’t wait to fly it on a calm sunny day where I’m sure its performance and looks will be absolutely stunning.

There is no doubt about it, these electric warbirds from
ParkZone just keep getting better and better!