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ARF Acro 50
Whilst browsing the trade stands at LMA Cosford earlier this season I spotted a very attractive 40 sized pattern model model at the G FORCE RC stand. The assembled model on display caught my eye with it’s very colourful finish and apparent lightweight construction. I immediately viewed this model as a good 4s lithium / 600 to 700 watt machine and promptly took one away with me.
FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
My chosen power system was a Tornado Thumper C35/48 outrunner, Xoar 12 x 7 wooden prop, Shark Power 4s 3700mAh Lithium Polymer battery and a Jeti 70 Opto speed controller. Full throttle power is 702 watts.
The flight envelope of Acro 50 caught me very much by surprise. First flight was very uneventful as far as trimming out was concerned with just a couple of clicks of up elevator required to achieve level flight. Roll trim was spot on. I experimented with C.G positions by moving the battery pack fore and aft on its cradle until I was satisfied with the trim.
Okay let’s have some fun.
Full throttle take off results in an immediate transition into vertical climb outs which do not stop going upwards. Rolling circles, Lomcevacks , all normal looping manouvers are a breeze and can be performed as large as you like with the power that is available. Harriers are gentle and precise either from inverted or the right way up and prop hanging has never been so easy to do.
Acro 50 holds knife edge flight very well with that deep fuselage, in fact 1/3rd throttle is all that is needed. Open it up from knife edge cruise and you can climb straight into consecutive KE loops with ease.
The stall of Acro 50 is quite gentle and should not catch anyone unawares. On the whole a very satisfying high performance patter / 3D model which should bring hours of fun to all who fly it.
On the set up I am using I am regularly putting in 9 -10 minute flight routines with this model.
THE KIT
On closer inspection of the kit contents it became quickly clear that the Acro 50 was built to perform. The construction is all balsa / ply laser cut and jig assembled. The quality of materials in the airframe is good and the build quality is also excellent and more importantly light weight.
The covering is a polyester film factory applied with a very striking multi colour layered scheme and is applied to a very good standard. All control linkages, horns, hinges, undercarriage, wheels and wheel pants are supplied in the kit also.
The fuselage is very deep and almost parallel in it’s length. This coupled with large rudder/ fin surfaces indicated to me that knife edge performance with the right power system could be good. Allied to this the larger than average proportions of the elevator and ailerons also suggests that Acro 50 will have good 3D qualities.
Servos are mounted one in each wing for the ailerons and two in the rear of the fuselage to operate rudder and elevator. There is a large chin hatch underneath the nose to facilitate access to the battery pack, ESC and motor, and eminently practical arrangement.
The only equipment to provide beyond the kit is a power system, battery pack and radio gear. Acro 50 requires 4 no mini servos such as Hitec HS81 MG or similar.
I’m thoroughly made up with mine and those who have seen it perform have expressed positive approval.
Another good product and very attractive model from ARF Manufactuing and at a very attractive price too !
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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