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Precision Aerobatics XR-61

GSNadmin

Staff member
Perhaps combining the feel of a large aircraft in a smaller package is what Precision Aerobatics is all about, and its new XR-61 is an ARF that has been produced to fill the void so many have been asking for. While Precision Aerobatics has plenty of experience with large-scale models, it seems to focus on airplanes in the 4- to 5-foot size. The saying “do one thing and do it well” rings a bell, and if you’ve ever seen one of Precision Aerobatics’ aircraft, then you know just how well they are crafted. Construction consists of select balsa and plywood, which has been engineered with carbon-fiber additions in all the right areas, allowing for the lightest possible airframe. Bigger airframe feel—check. Lighter-weight airframe—check. But what about power? We 3D fans like to have air blowing over the airplane’s huge control surfaces for immediate and exaggerated flight responses. The designer not only delivered an incredibly large empennage and wing area but also allowed for a perfect powerplant to complement this plane. An efficient system, which the company calls “iPAs” (integrated performance airframe drive system), is available and can be added on directly with no guesswork. (If you’d rather source your own equipment, the model is available as an ARF alone.) The XR-61 flies with extreme stability, like a giant-scale plane, yet fits easily in most vehicles. Intermediate and advanced pilots will thoroughly appreciate how awesome it can be learning to fly low and slow 3D and tearing up the air.



IN THE AIR
The Thrust 50 motor spins the 15×8 or 16×6 prop with ease. After trying both, I have to say that Precision Aerobatics’ pilots are on point; the 15-inch prop is perfect all-around, while the 16×6 excels at “low and slow” flying. Short runways are not a problem with the power on tap. With a stall speed around 13mph, this plane lands very predictably. Large ailerons, lots of wing area, and a lightweight airframe tend to be helpful that way.



GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: This model airplane is stable at all speeds. From full throttle to post-stall, it never feels unstable. Ground stability is also perfect; taxiing around on the tarmac is easy. aircraft type should give you a pretty good idea about the intentions and abilities of both. Any maneuver that you can dream up is doable. Being superlight decreases the inertia and some moves will feel different, but overall, it will do 3D with the best of them.

Tracking: Only minor trimming was needed; a few clicks were added and then the plane flew across the sky without unwanted deviation. Tracking through maneuvers is also a point-and- shoot affair. The XR-61 can also be turned to and from any direction immediately with its oversize control surfaces and 2:1 thrust-to-weight ratio.

Aerobatics: The company’s name and this aircraft type should give you a pretty good idea about the intentions and abilities of both. Any maneuver that you can dream up is doable. Being superlight decreases the inertia and some moves will feel different, but overall, it will do 3D with the best of them.

Glide and stall performance: Again, it is easy to revel about the weight of the XR-61; my model is 4.4 pounds ready to fly, with an added pilot figure and the added side-force generators! is fact lends itself to lightly loaded landings, the kind where you can spot-land if you practice. So the stall speed is more than predictable and comfortable. If you use idle power (keep the prop turning), the airframe will glide for quite a while with positive control.

PILOT DEBRIEFING
A lightweight airplane plus incredible propeller power equals serious fun. Low-and-slow 3D flying is serious fun, and the XR-61 excels at it. Pushing the throttle forward really pulls the plane around with authority, allowing more fun in the flight envelope.

Don’t miss our full review of the XR-61 in the January issue of Model Airplane News!



SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL: XR-61​

MANUFACTURER: Precision Aerobatics (precisionaerobatics.com)​

TYPE: Aerobatic monoplane​

LENGTH: 57 in.​

WINGSPAN: 61 in.​

WING AREA: 807 sq. in.​

WEIGHT: 70.5 oz.​

WING LOADING: 12.59 oz./sq. ft.​

MOTOR REQ’D: Thrust 50​

RADIO REQ’D: 4+-channel​

PRICE: $300

XR-61 flown by Daniel Dominguez video #3 from Precision Aerobatics on Vimeo.

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