ELECTRIC RC PLANES. (MID-SIZE)

Mid size electric RC planes and how to select, build and fly the ideal RC electric plane for you.

Photo shows the E-Flite de Havilland Beaver-click here for further details.  

The mid sized RC electric plane is maybe the most popular size in the hobby today. Bigger than the usual park flyer, they generally require a larger field, like the local model plane club flying field.

They can be transported to the field with the minimum of problems and the size translates to a very good flight performance. The price of the airframe and the power system is reasonable and the range of ARFs and ready to fly models is expanding every day.

The E-Flite DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver

I have built and flown this model recently and can recommend it with out reservation! In the field of scale RC electric planes, this is a first class example.

Key Features

* The firewall setup for outrunner motors gives you the choice between E-flite® Power 25 and Power 32 motors.
* Factory-painted fiberglass cowling, dummy motor and landing gear covers offer quality and scale detail throughout.
* The optional floats (available separately) add another level of modeling enjoyment.
* The float mounts built into the fuselage allow the landing gear and floats to be changed quickly.
* The quality balsa and plywood airframe is sturdy and lightweight.
* Removable one-piece wing allows for easy transportation and storage of this scale electric RC plane.
* Genuine UltraCote® covering.

Overview

The DHC-2 Beaver was designed by de Havilland of Canada for flight in remote wilderness areas of the world. The Beaver was designed to be exceptionally rugged and powerful. This single-engine monoplane could easily be retrofitted with wheels, skis or floats. The short takeoff and landing capabilities made it ideal to access areas that could normally only be reached by boat or foot. The Beaver entered into service in 1948 and quickly established itself by flying to the frozen, remote areas of Canada and Alaska. Despite the fact that production ceased in 1967, many of the DHC-2 Beavers are still flying today to access remote areas for fishermen or island-hopping tourists in the Caribbean.

The DHC-2 Beaver 25e ARF is part of E-flite’s PLATINUM SERIES electric RC planes. The platinum series delivers superior, enhanced features and meticulous attention to detail. E-flite’s Platinum Series is just one more way that E-flite brings you the most advanced electric flight experience.

The details of this PLATINUM SERIES scale model include corrugated flight surfaces, concealed tail linkages and a scale dummy motor. The construction of the lightweight, sturdy airframe is balsa and plywood. The scale enthusiast will admire the scale color scheme, prepainted fiberglass cowl, and genuine UltraCote® covering. In addition, the removable one-piece wing allows for easy transportation.

The de Havilland Beaver is another exciting opportunity for pilots to experience civilian scale electric flight. Just like the versatility of the full-size DHC-2 Beaver, the E-flite electric RC plane comes with float mounts built into the fuselage. For added fun, the pilot can quickly change the landing gear to the optional float set (EFLA500) for on-water takeoffs and landings. The large flap areas aid the characteristic short landings performed by the DHC-2. The DHC-2 gives the modeler options; it is outfitted with the new E-flite adjustable motor mount system which allows either the Power 25 or Power 32 brushless outrunner motors to be bolted directly onto the firewall. The combination of the PLATINUM SERIES detail and the additional float kit place the DHC-2 Beaver in a class of its own, in the world of electric RC Planes.

Product Specifications
Wingspan: 68 in (1735mm)
Overall Length: 43 in (1090mm)
Wing Area: 565 sq in (36.4 sq dm)
Flying Weight: 4.9–6.2 lb (2.2–2.8 kg)
Motor Size: Power 25 or Power 32
Radio: 6+ channels with 6 mini servos
Servos: (6) JR SPORT™ MN-48
Trim Scheme Colors: UltraCote® White (HANU870); Dark Red (HANU871); Gold (HANU879)
Prop Size: APC 12x8E
Hardware Included: Yes
Speed Control : 60 amps
Recommended Battery: 3S 11.1V 3200mAh Li-Po
Flaps: Yes, prehinged
Approx. Flying Duration: 10 minutes

Please excuse the clutter in the background, but this photo of the box gives you a good idea of the size. This is a BIG box!

I always find it exciting at this stage-The box has not been opened yet!

Here is the first look inside-everything is very well packed and protected. I am very glad to say that there were no broken or damaged parts. The next job was to check that all the parts were there. The manual contains a list and photos of all the components.

For purchasing information on the E-Flite DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver -please click here.

This view, looking down into the fuselage, gives you a good idea of the overall excellent quality of the kit. This is one of the better examples of today's electric RC planes and what you can expect. Horizon Hobby (E-Flite's parent company) have a reputation for excellent quality and this ARF lives up to their high standards.

The majority of the construction is from laser cut lite ply. This makes for a light and strong construction-just what is required for  an electric model aircraft!

Note that the interior has been painted and notice the control rod tubes on the right.

I cannot emphasize how important a good manual is in the building of an electric RC plane. The manual included with this kit is of first class quality and contains few if any mistakes. However, there are a few areas where I had minor problems and I will list them below.

I see little point in giving a detailed sequence in building this electric RC plane. Just follow the steps in the manual and take into account the points I list below. I decided to use the RC electric motor, electronic speed control and the lipo battery as recommended by E-flite. I did decide to use the Power 32 RC electric motor.

Points to Watch Out For.

1. The Radial Engine. I found it to be very difficult to access the cowl mounting screws, through the dummy radial engine. The only solution I could see was to change the cowl mounts to an external type. I have not fitted the radial engine yet.
2. Mounting the Electronic Speed Control. The manual instructs you to mount the ESC with velcro tape, to the front of the battery box. This surface is "fretted" out for lightness and therefore has very little area to apply the tape, I used cable ties to ensure a secure mounting.
3. Flap Servo Installation. This can be a frustrating experience! Because the servo is mounted to the cover, it has to be screwed in position and then the throw and end points of travel set-up. I recommend you measure all the parts. (push rod, clevis, position of servo on the cover plate etc,) and make a sketch of the installation prior to gluing anything in place. I am glad I used my computer transmitter for this electric RC plane, It made this job a lot easier because I could control up and down positions easily. I also used the servo speed control to slow the flap deployment to 2 seconds. This looks realistic and also gives time to notice change in airplane trim, when flying.
4. Wing Struts. These are supplied with mounting holes already provided, in the fuselage and wing. I know today's electric RC planes are built accurately-but these holes will NOT be in the correct place! This brings up another point- the pre-drilled holes are in thin balsa sheet-not a good idea! I have removed the struts and may not even fit them. (They are NOT required for flight.)  If you would like to use them for scale effect then I would "let-in" thin ply at the anchor points and maybe even use blind nuts and bolts to mount the struts.
5. Battery Hatch Magnets. Two plastic "dimples" are provided in the hatch to allow a finger and thumb to be used to pull the hatch open. I found that the magnet strength far to high to allow this to happen. By removing one dimple, I can now "hook" one finger through the hatch and remove it.

I believe these are very minor points and the overall design and quality of this electric RC plane is first rate!

Flying the E-Flite de Havilland Beaver.

The completed model was balanced as shown in the manual. The weight was as listed and everything was checked again prior to the first flight.

It was a beautiful day at the model plane club flying field and after range checking and making sure things were ok, prior to flight I was out of excuses and had to fly!

The model was taxied out from the pits to the runway and headed into the light breeze. A final check that all controls were moving in the correct directions, then the throttle was slowly advanced. The Beaver moved forward, and little left rudder was applied to keep her heading straight down the runway. The tail came up on it's own and a little more throttle was applied and with the slightest amount of up-we were flying!

A little down trim was required but that was it! The Beaver was flying straight and true. A few low passes  were made to get a feel for the landing and it was decided to land without flaps for this first attempt.

The landing was very good, with no bounce and the taxi back to the pits was good, All in all a very good first flight!

Unfortunately I was out of time and had to head home but I will keep you informed of future flights.

Our Affiliate partner RC Planet has the The E-Flite DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver  in stock. Click on the link for full purchasing information on this scale electric RC plane.

To return from this page "Electric RC Planes" to "Electric RC Airplanes"-click here.

To return to the Home page "RC Airplanes Simplified"-click here.