ParkZone J-3 Cub

The ParkZone J-3 Cub is a ready-to-fly, scale R/C electric park flyer-sized airplane distributed by ParkZone, a division of Horizon Hobby of Champaign, Illinois, USA. A slightly different version is sold under the Kyosho brand.

The J-3 is constructed of foam with a polymer outer skin. The fuselage consists of two thinly molded halves with an internal framework of plastic. The wing and control surfaces are polymer with a foam core. Control surfaces are limited to elevator and rudder; the model steers via rudder alone. Steel pushrods with adjustable plastic clevises activate the control surfaces. ParkZone's "SmartTrak" software mixes a slight amount of up elevator with rudder input. Experienced pilots can easily disable the system with the removal of a small jumper on the onboard electronics system. Propulsion is via a geared 370 electric motor with a seven-cell, 600mAh nickel metal hydride battery pack. The Kyosho version utilizes a 280 motor in the same basic gearbox. Electronics are ParkZone's proprietary 27 MHz three-channel proportional FM system. Servos are standard micro-sized; it is possible to install off-the-shelf discrete electronics in the J-3. The Kyosho uses a standard discrete four-channel system.

Both the ParkZone and Kyosho versions are sold as complete, ready-to-fly packages which include a DC peak battery charger designed to plug into an automotive cigarette lighter socket. ParkZone includes eight heavy-duty AA batteries for the transmitter while Kyosho provides an instructional video.

Cruising speed is rated at 20 mph/32 km/h.

ParkZone specifications

*Wingspan: 37.25" (950 mm)
*Overall length: 26.75" (680 mm)
*Flying weight: 15 oz (425 g)
*Propulsion system: 370-series electric motor with gearbox
*Radio: FM with three proportional channels for elevator, rudder and throttle
*Trim scheme: "Cub Yellow" airframe with factory-applied black decals
*Speed control: Combination ESC/receiver
*Battery: 8.4V 600mAh Ni-MH
*Approximate flying duration: 13 minutes
*Approximate assembly time: 5 minutes
*Transmitter range: 2500 ft (762 m)
*Available frequencies: All six allocated channels on the 27 MHz band
*Landing gear: One-piece aluminum strut with two-piece foam and plastic wheels on steel stub axles
*Catalog number: PKZ1100

External links

* [http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1100 ParkZone J-3 Cub home page]
* [http://www.kyosho.co.jp/web/products/airplanes/sqs/sqs_series/piperj_3cub_m24_redy/piperj_3cub_m24_redy-e.html Kyosho J-3 Cub home page]
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=401486 ParkZone J-3 Cub Review at Ezonemag]