Radian Parkzone Glider
Radian Parkzone Glider Specifications and Review
Let us first examine the specs of the 3 channel Radian Glider:
The ready-to-fly version(RTF) Radian is equipped with 3-channel control and Spektrum 2.4GHz radio technology, the Radian can be flown without the worry or risk of interference. Although a powerful 480 brushless motor enables initial launch, the propeller soon folds back to reduce drag, freeing the plane to utilize thermals of air to remain aloft, instead of batteries. That means flight times for this quiet and eco-friendly alternative are much longer than they are with traditional electric aircraft, making a relaxing day in the great outdoors even better.
Like all of ParkZone’s innovative and high-quality aircraft, the Radian looks great right out of the box and provides pilots with the control and reliability they seek in a park flyer. The plane’s large 2-meter wingspan and elliptical dihedral design improve flight performance and visibility from the ground, while plug-in wings provide for easy transportation and storage.
Not only does the Radian’s lightweight Z-Foam construction offers the perfect balance of weight and durability, it also makes repairs simple and quick. Since everything needed to get the Radian airborne is included inside, you are only minutes away from the ultimate soaring adventure.
- Spektrum DX5e 5-channel full range 2.4GHz DSM2 radio system eliminates interference and the need for frequency control
- Ready-to-fly right from the box – everything you need is included inside, even the batteries
- Large 2-meter wingspan makes the Radian easy to see and provides an excellent lift-to-drag ratio
- Plug-in wings separate for easy transportation and storage
- 11.1V, 1300mAh Li-Po battery for extended flight times
- Variable rate DC cell-balancing Li-Po charger safely charges and conditions Li-Po battery
- Powerful 480-size, 960Kv outrunner brushless motor for efficient power
- Throttle, rudder and elevator provide true 3-channel flight and maneuverability
- E-flite Pro 30A Brushless ESC with Switch-Mode BEC for maximum performance
- Durable, lightweight and repairable Z-Foam construction
Features
Specifications
Approx. Flying Duration Flight times in excess of 30 minutes when using the ParkZone 1300mAh Li-Po battery and limited motor run. I have achieved over a hour of flying hitting some good thermals, in fact my neck got stiff-lol.
You might think straight away this is an expensive glider-Consider this: You are getting a Spektrum DX5e 5-channel full range 2.4GHz DSM in the box. Last check to buy this on its own is around $78 delivered.
Download Here PDF Manual on the Radian Glider
Download Here DX5e-5-Channel User Guide
There is also the Radian Pro out now with 5-channel aileron, elevator, rudder, throttle and flaps control.
First we review the 3 channel Radian Glider and why I feel a 3 channel glider is great for the beginner.
Pros of The Radian Glider:
I bought the Ready-To-Fly version with the Spektrum DX5e remote which is really handy as you can bind other planes or gliders with it. Really straight out of the box it took me 15 minutes to have the plane set up and about hour to charge battery-my advice charge battery as you are inserting wings and reading manual so ready to fly. Wings were really easy to fit and black hatch canopy cockpit has a magnet to take it on and off, no tiny screws to worry about.
The Radian has plenty of power and can go near vertical on take off with the brushless motor 480 size motor . It basically has the same powerplant as the Parkzone Corsair. The battery with the Radian is a little lighter as it’s rated at 1300mAh. It is a basic glider as it does not have ailerons, which you do not need for a beginner.Have noted experienced glider and sailplane pilots are very impressed with my Radian after giving it a fly.
The Radian will do aerobatics. Loops really easy both powered and underpowered. It will fly inverted but takes some flying practice to get it right.
Battery fitted easily.Underneath the cooling vents also has magnets so real easy to get to servos. It has a 2 meter wingspan a little over 6ft, awesome dude- Also you can do a buddy training set up with the Spectrum remote, to help train others on flying. Photo showing trainer switch below.
A Quick Video Radian Review via Horizon RC
So I went straight to the park, and to start with you need a fairly big area to fly this bird as she is slow in turns being a 3 channel.After some flights I was able to fly in smaller areas. If you have a big park it helps on landing the Radiant as needs that space.
Hand launched of course plenty of throttle and up she went. I was not used to the Spektrum remote and was over correcting to much, small easy moves required. However she was flying nose up then down then nose up again, bought her in to land real easy. Took off hatch and saw battery had moved, also had cg (center of gravity) set too far forward. The recommended cg for the radian is 2.5 inches aft of the leading edge. Fixed all that.
Be careful with the wires from the ESC to the battery make sure they do not get close to the out runner because they a tendency to wear through and short out. Put the connector up next to the battery.
Next flight was 18 minutes. So stable and easy to control. Got her up high and hit a thermal, turned off throttle lifted nose a bit, she was free gliding man. I was beginning to worry about the the range of the DX5e and how far can I could go up without losing my Radian glider. Some dude said the DX5e has a range of 1000 feet... though others said I will lose sight of it before I have to worry about signal loss. My view now The range is approx. 2500 ft which is really unreal.
Guys Having Fun
For the beginner a 3 channel glider is really simple to fly. All you have is a throttle on left side of remote if using mode 2 and on the right side of remote control a stick that does, fly up, fly down, fly left or right, simple as that. I am not going into here how to fly gliders, other posts will. I am really trying to get you to see the benefit of gliding with a electric motor glider like the Radian, which to me is the best to kick off with.
Bad Points of The Radian Glider:
Well there are not than many I have found after 50 or so flights, just a few to list.
- Battery takes some time to charge-good to have two. However having said that you can get at least 20 minutes flying and a lot more if you cut throttle and hit thermals. you will find a hours flight doable
- Big wing span so you need to slip out wings to store in car, no real big deal just a few moments.
- Spektrum DX5e 5-channel remote is great, however I feel if you shopped around on Amazon you could get one cheap and the buy a Radian plug and play glider for under $160 on Amazon depending where you are at in flying.The Radian should include a seat to relax in as my neck gets stiff after 30 minutes flying-lol
4. Maybe I am old but got some what disorientated as glider is basically white all over, and high up was not sure if upside down-Followed this guy on painting under wings black.View video.
View Video Mod
The Parkzone Radian will cost you from $160 PNP to RTF up to $294 depending where you live for shipping. Below I buy from-Amazon my favorite- Parts are also easy to get and fairly cheap-Will search that out some more.
Just bought one for my Nephew from Mammoth Hobbies -Good experience arrived fast.
AMAZON SAFE BUYING FOR PARKZONE PLANES AND GLIDERS
Now Read My Review of the 5 Channel Radian Pro Glider By Parkzone-Here
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 Parkzone Radian RTF PKZ4700 Free Shipping $249.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-4-2013 8:00:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $249.99 |
 ParkZone Radian PNP PKZ4775 $159.99 End Date: Saturday Jun-8-2013 18:03:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: $159.99 |
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Radian Video Mods
Dear?,
Thanks for the site.
I got my Radian last summer but do not have the courage ( financial strength) yet to fly it. I have all Macintosh computers and thus I am using AeroFly Professional Deluxe for Macintosh. This simulator does not have a simple rudder, elevator, throttle glider on its menu. So I have spoiled myself by flying ones with ailerons. If I lock the ailerons to neutral, those aircraft hardly respond.
Do you know of a Radian download for this simulator?
Fred
@Fred,I will check out for your simulator-comes a time Fred when you have to give flying the Radian a go-The Radian is a pretty forgoing glider and almost flies itself once up high-When I had my first flight I went out to a big field,reason was got it up high and had plenty of room to do turns etc,the higher is better to start with in my opinion as you can get out of trouble-Do not worry about crashing,that is all part of learning to fly-I still screw up sometimes. Repairs are easy as foam built-Will get back to you once find a d/load for your simulator-Take Care