Hitec Weekender F4U Corsair


Review by Terry Dunn Photos by Bryan McLarty A park-size rendition of the famous fighter Abridged review and video highlights. Read the complete review in the August 2014 issue of Model Aviation.

Specifications

Model type: Semiscale park flyer ARF Skill level: Beginner builder; Intermediate pilot Wingspan: 29 inches Wing area: 157.5 square inches Length: 23.5 inches Components needed to complete: Four-channel or greater radio system; two-cell 1,000 mAh LiPo battery; charger Minimal flying area: Soccer field Flight duration: 6-7 minutes Price: $119.99

Test-Model Details

Power system: Weekender DST-1300 brushless motor; 8.5-inch-diameter three-blade propeller; Weekender WBE-12-amp ESC; Thunder Power 2S 910 30C LiPo battery Radio: Hitec Eclipse 7 Pro 2.4 GHz transmitter; Hitec Minima receiver; four Weekender WS-9 servos (included) Power with JST connectors: 10.8 amps; 77.2 watts; 82 watts per pound Power with Deans Ultra Plug connectors: 15.3 amps; 116 watts; 123 watts per pound Flying weight: 15 ounces (13.2 ounces without landing gear or ordnance) Flight duration: 5 minutes Wing loading: 13.7 ounces per square foot Wing cube loading: 13.1

Pluses

• Impressive scale accuracy. • Excellent fit and finish. • Fun and nimble flight performance.

Minuses

• JST battery plug limits power. • Requires thrustline adjustment. • Minor oversights in assembly manual.

Abridged Review

The Corsair from Hitec’s Weekender line of warbird models is an example of how much foam models have improved during the last few years. As I removed the airplane from the box, I was impressed by the foam parts’ smooth surface and how cleanly the paint and decals were applied at the factory. This model is nothing like the unpainted and flash-scarred foam airframes of the past. Hitec has put forth extra effort on the scale appearance of the Corsair. The scale outline is better than many much larger Corsair models that I’ve seen. What set this model apart are the small touches such as the scale three-blade propeller, the rockets and fuel tanks, and even the strut covers for the main landing gear. All of this adds up to an RC model that could serve double duty as a desktop display piece. The Hitec Corsair arrived mostly assembled. A brushless motor with ESC and all servos were installed at the factory. A two-cell LiPo battery, four-channel receiver, and transmitter were all that I had to provide. I used the included glue, but the EPP airframe is CA friendly. The Corsair initially required pitch and yaw trim changes at different throttle settings. I fixed this by angling the motor mount right and down a few degrees. I first removed the motor by loosening the Phillips head setscrew that is accessible through the hole in the top of the cowling. This allowed me to see the motor mount that is bolted to the firewall. Similar to the full-scale Corsair, the big three-blade propeller necessitates rudder correction early in the takeoff roll. After its tail lifts, the Corsair tracks straight ahead and quickly accelerates to flying speed. The Corsair is mild mannered and easy to fly. It excels at scalelike maneuvers. This is doubly fun thanks to the model’s accurate appearance. There is plenty of power and control authority for basic aerobatics. Loops can be nice and big if you want. Rolls are nearly axial in both directions. Inverted flight requires slight down-elevator pressure. When landing, keep a little bit of speed until you are ready to flare. You should be rewarded with a no-bounce, three-point landing.
The Corsair is a nimble flier and looks great doing scale maneuvers. All it needs is a pilot figure to complete the illusion.


Hitec’s Weekender Corsair is a very complete kit with most of the assembly and detail work already completed for you.


The author used a two-cell Thunder Power 910 mAh G8 Pro Lite battery to power the Corsair. Much better performance was seen after switching the JST connectors, shown here, with Deans Ultra Plugs.


The Corsair includes a nice brushless outrunner motor that spins a very scale-looking three-blade propeller.


The Minima 6E receiver was mounted on top of the wing. Note the small area of foam that had to be cut away from the fuselage wing saddle to allow the receiver to fit.




The Hitec Weekender Corsair is an impressive little foamie stuffed with many scale details that set it apart from other warbird models. With a few minor adjustments, it is a great-flying airplane that looks fabulous in the air. I think experienced modelers will enjoy it. Read the complete review in the August 2014 issue of Model Aviation. Terry Dunn


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5 comments

Too fast - too scale fast. Needs retracts, doesn't look good performing aerobatics with wheels down. Doesn't appear that the pilot knows how to operate the rudder. I have the Chinese mail-order version, purchased last year from GMS with 4 mini servos and an outrunner motor & ESC. Retail to me was $67.00 including shipping. And they still made a big profit. Something's wrong, American points of sale. You need to get reasonable. !

I'm not familiar with GMS, who are they?

I'm okay with spending the extra 30 or 40 bucks or whatever, I can go back to the hobby shop if something is wrong. It's a hitec product vs a product I likely won't get support for. The shop guys know I don't make a hobby out of crashing. If I open the box and find a trashed wing, or more likely a busted or slow servo, I get some support. I also feel better putting money into the local shop more than ups and fedex, until they can get me servos, batteries, linkages in 45 minutes, the shop is a good deal I think.

I agree. The local hobby store is worth our support. They are a valuable resource, and deserve appreciation for the services they provide.

This was my first warbird, and I really enjoy it. When I got it, it was still $49.99 for a Receiver and battery ready version. I actually got it on sale for $40 plus tax. It sat in my collection as a display piece until I finally decided to fly it. Of course, I broke the main wing, and wood motor mount. The replacement parts cost more than the plane. At this point it was discontinued. The main wing was $26.99, and the fuselage was $39.99. It was worth it. I also purchased the FMS version. I like the Weekender tail wheel design much better. I agree with the previous post about supporting the local hobby store. My hobby store owner taught me how to fly, and rescued my plane when I almost lost it. The staff has provided me with lots of assistance, and advice. You can't get that from the Chinese knock off on-line purchases.

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