PTS - Progressive Trainer System

 
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Interview with Mike McConville about the Hangar 9 F-22 Raptor PTS

With the release of the new F-22 Raptor* PTS, we went to design guru Mike McConville to get the details on Hangar 9´s newest trainer.

Mike illustrates the features of the F-22

Mike, we´d like to give our readers an idea of what the new F-22 Raptor PTS is all about. The first question that almost everyone has is, "Can someone really learn to fly with an airplane like this?" The P-51 Mustang PTS broke new ground and proved the concept. Is the F-22 Raptor as good as the P-51 Mustang when it comes to learning to fly?
A: The Hangar 9 P-51 PTS introduced the Progressive Trainer System concept, which incorporated a number of important features that initially help a new pilot learn to fly. Once he progresses, these features can be changed or removed so that the pilot will have an aerobatic model that will continue to be an advanced trainer and sport aerobatic model. The F-22 Raptor pushes the concept a bit further and still incorporates the basic things that make the PTS concept work. More wing area allows the model to fly slowly but be fully controllable. The NACA droops and wing tip extensions continue to totally eliminate tip stalls and enhance slow speed flight. The same Alpha trainer system propeller keeps top speed down while providing exceptional climb performance. The F-22 Raptor adds tricycle landing gear for solid ground handling. All of these features combine to make the new F-22 Raptor an excellent first airplane for someone just beginning to enjoy radio controlled flying.

Can you give us a quick background on why you chose the F-22 Raptor as your newest PTS model?
A: Many model builders and prospective RC pilots have enjoyed the looks of the WWII era airplanes, but now there is a new group of people interested in RC, and most of these people will identify with the latest military aircraft, most notably the very exciting F-22 Raptor from Lockheed. It seemed like a natural follow-on model to the P-51 Mustang PTS, and I believe that many people will like the appearance of the F-22 Raptor in the sky. Of all the modern jet fighter designs, the F-22 Raptor has one of the largest wings, so we were able to design the model with enough wing area to make it an excellent trainer while preserving the scale look of the F-22 Raptor. But again, the important thing is the way this model helps people learn to fly and then progress to becoming a good RC pilot, all while using the one model.

What radio and how many servos are in the F-22 Raptor? Is it an ARF or RTF?
A: It's a RTF and ARF. The F-22 Raptor PTS is equipped with the JR SPORT SX600, giving you an excellent radio that will continue to serve your RC hobby interests as you start seeing more models that you would like to fly. The airplane is equipped with 5 ST47 servos. Like the P-51 Mustang PTS, the flaps are fixed but manually adjustable to assist the pilot during the early learning phase. It is possible to add 2 more servos (one must be reversed) for radio actuated flaps, but this is a more advanced stage and certainly not required to make this model perform its role as a PTS airplane. The Evolution Engine Trainer Power System has proven to be an excellent and powerful engine for all models this size and is our choice for the F-22 Raptor as well as the P-51 PTS model.

The almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) version does not include a radio or engine but is available in two color schemes. The white with red trim is common with the RTF model, while a second option has a military gray color scheme. Basically, the ARF model is for a person who may already have a radio and engine from a previous model that they wish to use.

The F-22 Raptor looks like a larger model than the P-51 Mustang PTS, at least the wing area looks to be somewhat greater. Is this one of the features that enhances the ability to fly slowly for training and also be able to land even slower than the P-51 PTS?
A: Yes, it does have a bit more wing area, and the plane form makes the model easy to see in the air so that the pilot feels confident. The larger wing area provides a lighter overall wing loading, which results in flight characteristics that enhance the ease of learning to fly with the PTS concept.

How much time will it take first-time flyers to assemble the new F-22 Raptor?
A: Both the ARF and RTF models are very quick to assemble. The RTF, of course, has the radio completely installed, so assembly takes about one evening to complete. The ARF model will require you to install the radio and engine, so this will probably take most people a second evening. Either way, there is nothing difficult about the assembly.

Thanks a lot for your time, Mike. We won´t mention anything about that new design you have on the table there, but we are sure that many people would be interested to see what is next from Hangar 9. Right now, everyone will be interested to see the F-22 Raptor PTS as soon as it is available.

*  Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin®, F-22 Raptor®, associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.

Interview with Mike McConville about the Hangar 9 P-51 Mustang PTS

Hangar 9´s aircraft design leader
Mike McConville

Why did you decide to develop a P-51 as a trainer?
A: As long as I have been involved with RC, which is pretty much since I was a very small child, I don't remember anyone who aspired to get into the hobby and WANTED to start with a high wing "Trainer." Most wanted to start with a P-51, but settled for the trainer when they learned that it was impossible to learn to fly on a P-51.

We started with a blank sheet of paper and the goal of finally giving the RC newcomer what they really want.


What were some challenges in developing it?

A: Warbirds have been traditionally difficult to takeoff, fly and land. Making a model that captures the looks of the P-51 Mustang, yet flies and ground handles well was quite a challenge. We did a lot of experimentation — trying and changing things to finally arrive on the end product.


Are there any concerns that the market won't accept the concept?
A: Yes, it goes against the conventional way of thinking. Of course, newcomers to RC will be thrilled, but convincing the flight instructors and hobby store owners is a challenge. However, it's a challenge we can take on, because quite frankly, it works very well. The best way to convince anyone how amazing it is as a trainer is for them to try it.


How is this different than other trainers?
A: Short answer, it's a P-51 Mustang, and it's truly revolutionary.

Slightly longer answer is that it is the first of what we call a PTS, or Progressive Trainer System. PTS is essentially a series of features on a model that make a subject that is traditionally attractive but not a good trainer work very well as a trainer. Then, on top of that, the features can be changed or removed so the model's capabilities grow with the student's skills. In the end, the model becomes an aerobatic sport model that the student can continue to have fun with long after all flight training is complete.

I believe that this model will forever change how trainers are perceived and how new modelers get started in RC.


Is this really something that beginners can learn on or is it more advanced?
A: Absolutely, it's something a beginner can learn on. In the basic mode, as it comes out of the box, it is as slow as a traditional trainer, very stable and is virtually impossible to tip stall or get into a spin. Although one of the challenges we had was making a tail dragger ground handle ok, we ended up far surpassing that goal. The P-51 actually ground handles better than any high wing tricycle gear equipped model I've flown. Crosswinds won't tip it over like a traditional trainer. Ground steering is smooth and easy to do. Takeoff runs just need full throttle, an occasional bump of rudder to steer and a bump of up elevator when it's up to flying speed. It won't nose over, and it stays straight as an arrow on the runway.

In fact, after we had the model developed, we put several beginners on the sticks. Several made their very first takeoffs and landings on the P-51 PTS.


What if someone already has a trainer? Why would they want this one?
A: If they have already mastered some basic flying skills, they can remove some of the features, such as the speed brakes, and neutralize the flaps and keep on progressing. The P-51 will take them right up and into aerobatics, including inverted flight, snap rolls and more.


What if someone is an experienced pilot? Why would this appeal to them?
A: Experienced pilots would also enjoy this model because once all of the training features are removed, it's a great sport aerobatic P-51. Even a very seasoned modeler who wants a good-looking .46-size warbird will be interested in this one.
During the development of this model, I took one of our prototypes to a local field and passed the transmitter around to everyone — beginners and experienced guys alike. I still get asked by the experienced guys, "When is that cool P-51 coming out?"


How easy is it to get the plane in the air?
A: Very easy. Probably 15 to 20 minutes to assemble it. It is the easiest to assemble of all of the RTF models we've done.


Can this plane be upgraded?
A: Yes. During training, the flaps have two preset positions. They are lowered 22 degrees for basic training and neutralized as step 3 of the progression. Both positions are preset. After a student graduates, they can buy a 6th servo and make the flaps move. Since the P-51 comes with a JR SPORT SX600 transmitter, the 5th channel is already there.


Is it durable? What if someone crashes it? Can they get parts?
A: Absolutely. It is engineered to stand up to the typical knocks a trainer will see as a student learns to fly. If parts do get damaged beyond repair, no problem. We carry a full stock of all replacement parts.


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