Blade/Horizon Hobby Fusion 270 BNF Basic
A four-cell mini powerhouse with Rescue mode
Blade’s Fusion 270 is an outstanding new 270-class 3D helicopter. Its simple, robust mechanics are designed for durability and ease of maintenance, and the preprogrammed flybarless unit includes a Rescue mode to ease 3D training jitters.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The Fusion 270 comes as a Bind-N-Fly (BNF) version, and you can have it programmed and bound to your Spektrum transmitter in less time than it takes to charge the 4S 1300mAh battery. The flybarless unit and speed control are both preprogrammed, and all mechanical adjustments are preset.
The Fusion features 120-degree radial mounts for the installed metal-gear cyclic servos, a stout 5mm main shaft, and CNC-machined aluminum parts throughout.
The cantilever tail boom needs no external braces, and the belt-drive tail rotor stands up to significant abuse. The side frames, rotor blades, and landing skids are all made out of carbon fiber, and the attractive closefitting canopy is airbrushed fiberglass. The H3050 digital cyclic servos have tough metal gears, and a super-fast H3060 controls the tail.
The flybarless receiver is a special version of Spektrum’s AR636A and includes a
rescue feature that will return the heli to upright level flight at the click of a button. The 45-amp speed control has plenty of headroom for this small heli and is preprogrammed for Normal, Stunt 1 and 2, and Throttle Hold modes. There is nothing for you to do but program your radio and head to the field.
IN THE AIR
The Fusion comes set up and ready to go, and it flew beautifully from the start. In Normal mode and with reduced rates selected, it’s reasonably docile, but in Stunt 2 and high rates, it is extremely responsive. Make sure you’re comfortable with the handling before you get too adventurous.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: The AR636A flybarless receiver provides solid stabilization, and the Fusion feels rock-steady even in windy conditions. This is a 3D heli through, so don’t expect it to fly itself.
Tracking: The Fusion tracks perfectly in high-speed forward and backward flight. There’s no tendency to porpoise, even at high speed. Tail control is also solid, even in tail-first hurricanes and other demanding maneuvers.
Aerobatics: In Idle-Up 2, the Fusion has loads of power, so tic-tocs and other heavy collective maneuvers are no problem. The flip and roll rates are remarkably fast. If you get disoriented, you can click the Rescue button, and the heli will instantly flip upright. Note that in Rescue mode, you need to apply positive collective to maintain altitude.
Landing: The Fusion lands with ease in the smallest spots; just select Normal mode and make a straight-in approach. If you prefer landing in Stunt 1 or 2, you can toggle Throttle Hold at the moment of touchdown to cut the motor. There’s no one-way bearing, so autorotations are not possible.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
The Fusion 270 has great handling and performance for such a small machine.
Any intermediate collective pilot should be comfortable flying this model; out of the box, it’s pretty tame.The simple, tough structure stands up to minor mishaps, and the Rescue mode boosts pilot confidence.