Swift 100

Written by Bob Aberle. Find the entire feature on page 57 in the June 2012 issue. Watch an online video with the owner of Stevens AeroModel about the Swift 100.




Specifications
Model type: Electric-powered RC ultramicro
Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot
Manufacturer: Stevens AeroModel
Price: $59 (as of March 2012)
Wingspan: 21 inches
Wing area: 92 square inches
Length: 17 inches
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Wing loading: 4.8 ounce/square foot
Power system: 40 watt Park BL180 (2200Kv)



ESC: Spektrum AR6400LBL
Battery: 120 mAh (25C) 7.4 volts
Radio required: Four-channel, Spektrum DSM2- or DSMX-compatible transmitter


Test-Model Details
Motor: Horizon Hobby/E-flite Park 180 brushless outrunner motor
Battery: Two-cell 250 mAh LiPo battery pack
Radio system: Horizon Hobby/Spektrum DX7 transmitter; Spektrum AR6400LBL RC brick (receiver, two servos, and ESC); two Spektrum AS2000 linear aileron servos
Ready-to-fly weight: 4.0 ounces
Ready-to-fly wing loading: 6.3 ounce/square foot
Propeller: GWS 4.5 x 3 propeller
Flight duration: 7 to 10 minutes
Motor current: 2.1 amps
Voltage: 7.37 volts
Power Output: 15 watts
Battery Loading: 8.4C


Pluses • Thanks to excellent laser cutting, all parts fit perfectly.
• Framing the entire model took only six hours.
• Detailed instructions and assembly photos made the construction easy.
• It is hard to believe that at only 4 ounces, this little airplane can fly so well on full, four-channel control.


Minuses
• Review model was slightly tail-heavy, requiring the battery to be moved forward to balance.

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