ParkZone/Horizon Hobby T-28 1.1m
A perfect first warbird with terrific performance
A perfect first warbird with terrific performance
The ParkZone T-28 has been delighting pilots with its low price and high performance for at least 10 years. While this is my first time owning one, I have helped numerous student pilots learn the fundamentals of RC flying with this ubiquitous trainer plane. The T-28 is constructed out of injection-molded EPO foam, which is both tough and easy to repair.
The model is available in two versions:
Plug-N-Play (PNP), and Bind-N-Fly (BNF)
Basic with AS3X and Safe Select. I reviewed the latter, and it comes with everything you need except for a transmitter and flight battery. It is a wonderful advanced trainer as well as an enjoyable plane for more experienced pilots.
THE PARKZONE T-28 WAS ALREADY A PROLIFIC MODEL THAT HAS BEEN MADE EVEN BETTER BY THE ADDITION OF AN AS3X-STABILIZED RECEIVER. THE SAFE SELECT TECHNOLOGY GIVES BEGINNERS THAT EXTRA BIT OF CONFIDENCE BUT, WHEN TURNED OFF, ALLOWS EXPERTS TO LET LOOSE.
UNIQUE FEATURES
It might be difficult to picture what could be new with a design that has been on the market as long as this one has. The biggest news here is a receiver that incorporates AS3X stabilization, and you can also enable SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) Select technology. The new receiver and its features and options are covered in the excellent instruction manual that accompanies the T-28.
AS3X takes the bumps out of the road, especially if the wind picks up when flying the lighter foam models like the Trojan. SAFE Select takes this a step further by enabling three progressively nimble flight modes that limit climb and bank angles and, depending on the mode selected, will level the model if the sticks are released. SAFE also accommodates more experienced pilots by incorporating a mode that is fully aerobatic while still taking advantage of three-axis stabilization. SAFE Select modes can be enabled or disabled during binding, and when bound with SAFE enabled, a switch is assigned that lets you choose the level of stabilization rendered by the receiver.
The T-28 is surprisingly detailed for a subject of this size and price point. The topmounted magnetic hatch provides plenty of room for battery installation, which can be done with the model upright and on its wheels. The hatch also includes the cockpit, which comes with an instrument panel and a fighter-pilot bust. The motor is even covered with a dummy radial engine, which is judiciously cut out to allow cooling air. Holes molded into the rear bottom of the fuselage allow for airflow over the motor and speed controller and out the
back of the plane.
The control surfaces are installed and hinged using molded-foam hinge lines. The model is painted in the orange-and-white U.S. Navy trainer scheme of the VT-2 Doerbirds, which are based here in Florida at Whiting Field. The logos and decals are applied at the factory, and the contrasting colors are visible under most any sky conditions.
The Park 480 brushless motor, 30-amp speed control, receiver, and servos are installed and connected, leaving very little final assembly remaining to get the Trojan flying. ParkZone thoughtfully included a bag containing an extra wing screw, several pieces of clevis retainers (fuel line), and (I was pleased to see) a spare propeller. A 6-channel radio system, flight battery, and charger are all that is required to get the plane in the air.
Nobody will have any issues assembling the Trojan. The T-28 is a true “it takes longer to charge a battery than it does to assemble the model” plane. I received the T-28 as I was packing to go to the field and put it in the truck and fully assembled it right on the picnic table at the field with only a Phillips screwdriver and the included pieces of clear tape.
IN THE AIR
The T-28 is easy to store and transport while fully assembled, even with the fixed landing gear installed. Breaking it down requires only one screw and two servo connectors, and that can be done in a matter of seconds if you so desire. The small wheels lend themselves best to hard-surface textile runways or very short grass. Taxiing on our paved runway was easy with the steerable nosewheel. If you’re flying from taller grass, the landing gear can be quickly removed and the Trojan hand-launched and allowed to land on its belly.
Takeoffs are straight down the runway, with little rudder correction required. Landings are easy, and despite not having flaps, the Trojan slows down nicely and lands at barely above walking speed. A proper landing flare is essential, though, because if the nosewheel hits first, the plane starts bouncing down the runway—as I found out to the amusement of the peanut gallery.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: AS3X and SAFE Select make flying easy; even as small as it is, the T-28 is very stable and flew like a larger and heavier model even when moderate 8 to 12mph winds picked up. With SAFE Select enabled, the T-28 has limited climb, dive, and bank angles, and it will snap to straight and level if the sticks are released in Beginner mode.
Tracking: Tracking was right on; the T-28 stayed locked on course when flying either fast or slow.
Aerobatics: I had a lot of fun putting the T-28 through a mixed routine of loops, rolls, split-Ss, and Immelmanns. I got it to spin both upright and inverted, and recovery consisted of releasing the sticks. There’s no hovering or 3D, but one shouldn’t expect those out of this model.
Glide and stall performance: With power pulled back, the T-28 will glide quite well slightly nose-down. It was possible to get the T-28 to stall but just barely, and when it did, the nose dropped and it started flying again.