Dennis Andreas

RC REPORTARF TRAINER

HELPS BEGINNERS

SOARThis month from Horizon Hobby we have the new Aero Scout S 1.1m, as well as a new battery type. As the name implies, the Aero Scout trainer/fun fly aircraft has a 1.1-meter wingspan. The ARF

version includes the new IC3 battery and a compatible charger.Mention to customers that they should keep the box, because the

Aero Scout can be disassembled and kept in the box for safekeeping.We were supplied with the RTF version. It’s also available in a BNF

basic version. The RTF Aero Scout is equipped with the SAFE system. Therefore, the stability management programmed in the receiver is spe-cific to the Aero Scout. The radio components and the power system are installed and ready to go.

The power system for the Aero Scout is similar to a multi-rotor. It has a bull-nose prop mounted out of harm’s way. The wings attach with a carbon rod and three thumb screws. The tail slides onto a square carbon rod.

A note on the tail: it is a fly-ing tailplane with a single pivot, and the airfoil is set to pull the tail downward. The downward lifting tail is typically found on Free Flight models and tends to keep the attitude of plane either level or slightly climbing.

The rest of the assembly is just as simple. Plug in the gear and tighten one screw to attach the nose gear. The huge wheels make the Aero Scout run like a Jeep on less-than-ideal surfaces. With the large wheels, tricycle gear, and protected prop, ground handling is made easy unless the grass is overgrown.

As mentioned earlier, the battery supplied with the Aero Scout RTF is the Horizon IC series. The IC series contains an integrated circuit or IC. The circuits within the battery can identify a compatible IC battery charger to manage charging. It can also hold data on the battery such as cycles, temperature extremes and charge/discharge profiles. If a newbie is using LiPos with this system, there is no need to set parame-ters as there is with manual chargers. The IC system uses an additional pin. However, standard EC type plugs and sockets can still be used in the Aero Scout or if using a manual charger.

We used the USB Smart Charger with a 2-amp wall USB source. It took slightly longer than my high power charger, but that was expect-ed. The Smart Charge is a good starter charger or to charge the battery in the car. There is a larger model available from Horizon.

Now on to the fun part: Let’s fly! The SAFE system and transmitter programming were spot on. We liked the Arm/Disarm switch for the motor. Our initial flight was with no SAFE limiting and low rates. Ground handling was excellent, and takeoff was smooth and predictable. The motor and prop combo allowed great control at half to three-fourths power as we flew in 8 to 10 mph wind. When testing slow speed con-trol, we gently dropped a wing after a turn to downwind but it was not surprising. Recovery was straightforward.

To see what we could do with the Aero Scout, we pushed it to full throttle and had a very lively and controllable aircraft. Rolls and loops were very smooth and there were no dropouts during the maneuvers. Later, my buddy Phil took the sticks and he was all smiles. The people at

my field have requested that The Aero Scout be a regular, For an experienced flier, the SAFE feels funny when it restricts

me from what I wanted it to do. However, we did test it, and it worked correctly by limiting and self-righting the aircraft.

Earlier, we mentioned the down-lifting tailplane. Its effects were noticed on landing but we had a good breeze to land into. To land the Aero Scout, we had to push it to the ground as it wanted to keep flying. I think this is a good trait, allowing the newbie to take their time to land it without the plane finding the ground too soon. An experienced pilot can apply a little down elevator to fly it to the runway.

Our overall rating of the Aero Scout is very high. As a trainer, it has all the right characteristics, and as a fun fly airplane for the experienced flier, it is a blast. The Aero Scout S 1.1m, Smart Chargers, and batteries are available now from Horizon Hobby. HM

In the ARF version, all electronics are installed, making it easier to get the Aero Scout in the air.

The pusher prop is mounted high on the fuselage, reducing the risk of breaking it while a new flier learns their skills.

OCTOBER 2019 HOBBY MERCHANDISER 27