E-flite/Horizon Hobby UMX F4F Wildcat
This small warbird is big on scale details and performance
This small warbird is big on scale details and performance
E-flite has introduced its latest offering in a growing line of UMX RC models that employ the now familiar AS3X stabilization system, which, like a gyro, allows a small lightweight aircraft to be safely and comfortably controlled in wind conditions that would keep even larger, nonstabilized models grounded. Not that you would want to fly these diminutive cuties in conditions that would require full throttle to maintain zero ground speed—only that you could. And the system really does work!
This model, like most of its predecessors, has a molded foam structure, is one piece, and comes predecorated with all paint and markings. It’s made out of injection-molded foam, much like the larger foam models we see today. This adds fractionally to its all-up weight, but damage potential seems to be significantly less. What you get in the box is a Bind-N-Fly airframe to which you’ll only need to add a 2S 280mAh LiPo battery to start flying over your local version of Guadalcanal looking for Zeros! The landing gear is included, and it’s preinstalled but removable.
Potential pilots of the Wildcat should be comfortable flying a 4-channel model, probably placing them in the “intermediate” category, but I have no doubt newer fliers could handle it, with some initial help looking over their shoulder during trim flights.
INCLUDED IS A INSTRUCTION MANUAL THAT GOES INTO EVERY SETUP DETAIL YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER, INCLUDING RECEIVER ARMING AND GETTING THE CENTER OF GRAVITY CORRECT; IT ALSO INCLUDES A HANDY “FIRST FLIGHT” CHECKLIST AND A COMPREHENSIVE “TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE,” WHICH ANSWERS EVERY PROBLEM OR DIFFICULTY YOU’RE LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER.
UNIQUE FEATURES
As an ultimate ARF, there isn’t anything to assemble since it’s really bind-and-fly, but I did thoroughly inspect the model before I took it out to fly. I really like the easily removable landing gear. This model, like many others, benefits in appearance when the gear is retracted. I notice no difference in flying qualities, probably because the weight of the gear was negligible and close to the center of gravity anyway.
The spinner is molded plastic, soft and glued into place on the prop hub, and there is nothing to true-center it on the prop. Mine was a little off, which became apparent the first time I powered up the motor. It didn’t affect performance at all but looked funny running out of round. After a nose-over landing, it really became out of round, so I removed it after unsuccessfully trying to glue it back in place in a centered position. I haven’t bothered to replace it. While we’re at the propulsion end of the model, I’ve got to let you know that the scale-looking 3-blade prop looks great and also works well with the provided motor and battery, but be careful. If you break it, it’s going to set you back about $7 for a replacement.
IN THE AIR
The first flights of my Wildcat took place at our club site, where we’re fortunate enough to have prepared concrete surfaces for takeoffs and landings. I left the model as supplied, with the landing gear in place (extended position). There is a significant and visible amount of both right and down thrust built into the motor-mounting surface, and those thrust settings do exactly what they’re supposed to do, especially when applying power for that first takeoff. I needed no right-rudder correction after applying power. The model accelerated, its tail came up, and it was airborne in about 15 feet, climbing out smartly. I preset the dual rates on aileron, elevator, and rudder to 100% (high) and 70% (low), per the manual, and ended up flying it in low rate most of the time. The manual provides no recommended setting for the “Expo,” but given the fact that it is a small model, I set it to 75% and it felt just fine. There didn’t seem to be any power-trim change, so I guess the offsets of the motor I mentioned earlier were right on the button.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: All trimmed up, the Wildcat can practically fly hands-off.
Tracking: At full throttle, it’s pretty fast— visually, a little too fast. (Had the full-scale
Wildcat been proportionately this fast, there would have been no need to develop the Bearcat!) The AS3X system works well, correcting for gusting wind conditions when necessary.
Aerobatics: Most aerobatic maneuvers were easily performed including loops, rolls, and any typical warbird maneuvers.
Glide and stall performance: Landings are easily done; the model slows down nicely and seems to prefer three-point arrivals as opposed to wheel landings.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
The narrow-track landing gear makes you tend to avoid long rollouts and taxi back; remember this warbird only weighs 3.7 ounces, ready to fly. To avoid issues taxiing, including the “wingtip rash” potential, simply remove the landing gear per the instructions, put the dummy covers in place, and hand-launch it, then land in grass or a smooth dirt surface. The Wildcat looks much better in the air without the gear, anyway. Overall, the UMX Wildcat flies and handles like a larger model and one with which you can easily become comfortable.