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It sounds odd wanting to lighten foam; especially when foam (at least to me) isn't thought of as being heavy. However, in terms of a large-scale plane, the wing cores can add up to be over four pounds. The roll of foam in a large scale wing is to provide aerodynamic shape and a little strength. A foam core wing is mostly dependent on its balsawood sheeting for its strength, where an all-wooden wing relies on spars to keep things rigid. The strength of a foam core wing can be increased by adding some structure and composites to distribute forces and reduce stress points. Ultimately’ you’re looking for the wing to be stronger and lighter than before the lightening process.

This model is amazing in two perspectives. 1. As an instructor, I am constantly looking for a plane that will safely and quickly train new flyers. The Sensei is equal to the best “Trainers” that I have flown. It’s core design gives it exceptional speed range, excellent responsiveness, short take off from grass, strong climb out and superb stability. In addition, the WISE 3 axis stabilization system gives it a safety factor that will reduce the number of training crashes and accidents. 2. This airplane does not stop being fun after it is finished training a new pilot. In the "Advanced Mode", it handles mild aerobatics superbly, flying through all of the basic maneuvers with grace and ease. The additional bomb drop compartment seems to highlight the fact that this airplane is going to be a whole lot more than a basic trainer!

Yes, you heard that right! All you have to do is go to the Falcon Hobby Supply website and enter your info. The QQ Extra 300 is an incredible machine thanks to its design and the use of the Aura 8 Gyro. Hit up the Falcon site to be sure you get a shot at winning this sweet aircraft.

If you like jets and you love to go fast, the Flyzone L-39 brushless EDF is sure to get your adrenalin going! The brushless power system pairs a 40A ESC with a high-performance ElectriFly Ammo 24-45-3790 inrunner motor. …

Perhaps the most ubiquitous gas-powered engine in the RC market, the DLE 30 has been around for a good while and remains a standard in the ¼-scale arena. Well known for reliable and consistent operation with a hefty dose of power to spare, the DLE 30 has found a home in all types of airframes from trainers to sport models and even multi-engine warbirds and civilian air buses. If treated properly, this engine can serve you well for hour upon hour of operation, but even the most conservative pilot will eventually need to crack that case open for a little maintenance or repair work.

Pilots who like to stretch their hobby dollars will want to take a close look at the ST Model Blaze. This receiver ready model comes fully equipped with a factory installed brushless power system and full complement of nine gram servos. Eye pleasing aesthetics include a straight, thin chord wing with up-swept tips and stylish looking V-tail. Capable of rocketing almost straight up out of a pilot’s hand on launch, this durable carbon reinforced foamy costs a little over a hundred bucks and can be used by pilots who are curious to sample hotliner style flying. The ST Model Blaze allows pilots to set the sky on fire without burning a hole in their pocket!

The Central Box 400 is fully programmable switchboard with two (2) independent, stabilized power voltage regulators (30A Continues/230A Peak) designed for complete power and signal management of servos with great emphasis on safety.

Great Planes has made it possible for pilots who fancy vintage aircraft from the 30’s to get their hands on their own model of the Curtiss Hawk, in the form of their newly released, electric powered Curtis P-6E Hawk ARF. This ARF comes pre-covered in the same striking Snow Owl color scheme, using six different colors of MonoKote to properly create the squadron’s colors.

I have to admit that I’m not the first to light up a foam airframe, but it’s hard to say (for me anyway) that I didn’t have the most fun doing it! It all goes back to Joe Nall Week about five years ago. A group of us had a bunch of Sea Winds and we took over the float pond. In the evening, a couple of the guys acquired “new” LED lighting strips (that were just introduced to the market at that time) and stuck them on their Sea Winds so they could tear up the 3D float pond that evening. As cool as it was, the drawback was that all you could see were the lit individual LEDs themselves. It wasn’t until the next year when we bought a bunch of Multiplex Fun Cubs on floats that we really got it figured out.

Phoenix Model is ever expanding their selection of 90mm EDF powered jets. One of the latest additions to the hangar is the JAS39 Gripen, a multi-role fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. This delta winged …

The latest pilot to join the Futaba family is also one of R/C’s most impressive and popular fliers. Quique Somenzini, winner of multiple National and World Championships, won his first F3A National Championship in Argentina at ten years …

With in-flight performance positioned squarely between that of a helicopter and an airplane, the HobbyKing Super-G Autogyro will appeal to both fixed and rotary winged pilots alike. A carbon reinforced, EPO foam construction fuselage and tail boom make …

Hitec’s new X2 AC Plus charger offers expanded capacity and compatibility in a portable and compact package. Dual inputs create a flexible battery charging solution that can be used at home and in the field. An innovative power …

Try your hand at 3D maneuvers without breaking the bank with the new Tower Hobbies Laser 200 Flatty ARF. This economically priced foam model can be assembled in about three hours. A pilot can start out with reduced …

Light the night brightly with the new Flitework Shiny! This conventional balsa and ply construction airframe uses an array of internally installed indirect LED lighting to make the airframe glow in an almost fluorescent fashion that is EXTREMELY …