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