Hangar 9/Horizon Hobby Ultra Stick 10cc ARF

From mild sport flying to wild 3D aerobatics, this plane can do it all

Phil Kraft might just have been on to something when he designed Das Ugly Stik more than 50 years ago. I have lost track of how many variations of this design that I’ve flown over the years. The model is so popular that I think anyone that has been around the hobby more than a few years either owns or has owned some form of Stick.

My current favorite is the Hangar 9 30cc giant, but when the company introduced the 10cc Ultra Stick I was intrigued. Why would I need another Stick you ask? (My girlfriend certainly asked!) Because while the big one is impressive, it requires a degree of work to transport, set up, and tear down. The 10cc Stick has the same features and can be stored and transported in many vehicles fully assembled, ready to go at a moment’s notice.

The Ultra Stick is constructed out of laser-cut balsa and plywood and covered in a high-visibility day-glow red and white UltraCote with contrasting black trim. It’s equipped with simple fixed landing gear, and painted fiberglass wheel pants are included. The 10cc Stick can be equipped with a variety of power systems: Glow, electric, and both two- and four-stroke gas engines can be accommodated. Since living in Florida means I am surrounded by water, I was pleased to see the Ultra Stick can be equipped with an optional float kit, and I ordered the floats and water-rudder servo as soon as I found out I was reviewing this new model. The 10cc Ultra Stick is intended for intermediate pilots and builders.