HSD JETS HME-262
Scale twin EDF jet with impressive performance
Despite some smaller models being available of Messerschmitt Me 262s, they are dwarfed by the size of this 90mm electric ducted fan model. The HME-262 is constructed of high-density foam and is available in either a factory gloss finish or a more sedate flat finish. I reviewed the flat-finish version.
Nearly everything you need to get flying is included, except for a receiver, receiver batteries, and flight batteries. The
262 is equipped with flaps, retractable landing gear, and even electric brakes. With only a handful of parts to slide into place and a dozen screws, the HME-262 can be assembled without issue by most anyone. That said, the 262 is a large jet model, and although it’s relatively easy to fly, it should only be attempted by those who are comfortable flying a large, high-performance model.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The HME-262 arrived in a modular foam shipping container inside a sturdy box and free of any damage. All the major parts were bagged individually, and the foam seems to be extremely
dense with the painted finish nicely applied. (It’s the same foam used in the HSD T-33 I reviewed in the Model Airplane News Summer 2020 issue, and that has held up really well.) An instruction manual is included along with a manual for the included HSD Power Distribution Box (PDB).
The control surfaces are installed and hinged, and the pushrods come connected to the factory-installed servos. Metal pushrods and control horns are used throughout with ball links at both the servo and controlhorn ends. There are four individual flap sections, and each is equipped with its own digital servo. The HME-262 is equipped with retractable landing gear that includes sequenced servo-operated gear doors. The landing gear feature electro-magnetic wheel brakes on the main wheels.
Despite the complexity of the aircraft, radio setup can be accomplished with a modest 7-channel radio system. The included
PDB performs the mixing for the multiple-servo control surfaces; properly sequences the landing gear doors; controls the brakes; and even drives the LED nav lights. It has inputs for two receiver batteries and can be connected with one wire to an S.Bus-compatible receiver like I used. The required patch cords are also included for a conventional PWM receiver installation. You can even cycle the gear without your radio using the buttons on the PDB. It’s a very slick system!
Another neat feature is the plug-in wings. A multiplex connector at the wing root connects everything on each wing simply by sliding the wing into place. If you’re counting, that’s two flap servos, an aileron servo, throttle control, battery power to the boommounted speed control, a retract, a gear door, a wheel brake, and a light—all in one snap-in connection!
Moving the HME-262 along is a pair of 90mm 12-blade fan units powered by individual 100-amp speed controls. Coupled with the 1550kv outrunner motors, the twin fans have a very pleasing sound and pushed my watt meter to 2000 watts per side at 86 amps, so I anticipate plenty of power. The receiver connections include XT-60 connectors, and the power
system uses XT-90, so if you order your batteries with the appropriate connectors you won’t even have to solder anything.
Most of the markings are applied at the factory and the paint appears to be very well applied. A hardware package is included that features metric bolts and self-tapping screws as well as containing several extra of each type of screw.
When the model is assembled, and the gear is extended, then it’s easy to glue the nose on with Foamtac or E-6000 glue.
I had two minor beefs with
the plane. One, the pilot is too small, and he can barely see over the gun sight.
Two, the full-scale Me 262 uses standard flaps, and the model is equipped with split flaps. (The latter is an easy fix with a sharp knife and a little glue if you’re so inclined.)
IN THE AIR
Field assembly is quick with the one-click wing connectors and the wing is retained with four M3 bolts. The large front hatches allow easy access to the battery and radio compartments.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: Photo day was a Saturday and breezy and the peanut gallery was in full attendance. Despite the breezy conditions, I was asked numerous times what gyro I was running. My answer? None. That’s the ultimate compliment for a new model!
Tracking: The HME-262 is a large model and flew like one: that is to say, it held its lines extremely well and performed well, even in the wind.
Aerobatics: The HME262 does very graceful aerobatics. There is plenty of power for large loops from level flight and most of the appropriate aerobatics I tried looked great. It needs a fair amount of down-elevator, but inverted flight is very stable and predictable. Glide and Stall: My first stall test amazed me. With the gear up and the nose into the wind—even with full elevator—the HME-262 refuses to do anything but drop the nose and wallow. It has no wing drop off at all. With the gear extended, the extra drag of the nose door and wheels slows the plane dramatically, and it will stop flying and fall.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
The HME-262 is a big jet with great performance yet is docile and easy to fly. It isn’t a trainer, but it will make a great project for someone who wants to get into larger jet models. The MultiFunction Controller takes care of the complicated wiring and makes radio setup extremely easy.