The Super Decathlon
The Super Decathlon is a two-seat high wing mono-plane designed for
flight training and personal use, capable of sustaining aerobatic
stresses between +6g and -5g and has been thrilling pilots with its
exceptional aerobatic capabilities for decades.
The Decathlon first entered production in the United States during the
1970's as a more powerful and stronger complement to the earlier
Citabria (airbatic spelt backwards) line of aircraft.
Since its arrival the Super Decathlon has carved out a unique niche in
the history of single-engine, high-wing aircraft. Equipped with a
conventional (tail dragger) landing gear and a semi-symmetric airfoil
for better inverted flight and negative-g manoeuvre capabilities, the
Decathlon is fine all round aircraft.
Though the Decathlon went out of production within a decade of its
introduction, this was not due to any fault in the design but rather to
the slump in general aviation in the United States at the end of the
1970s and the beginning of the 1980s.
Since its reintroduction by the American Champion Aircraft Corporation
of Rochester, Wisconsin the Super Decathlon has sold steadily and
remains popular as an aerobatic trainer, a beginning to intermediate
aerobatic aircraft, and a great looking personal recreational aircraft.
Designed by noted designer and champion pilot Mike McConville the model
features conventional built-up construction throughout using balsa and
laser cut plywood resulting in an airframe that is both lightweight and
durable. This is then covered in an authentic looking colour scheme
using UltraCote.
The pre-painted fibreglass engine cowling with its distinctive moulded
louvers and wheel spats match the covering perfectly and add an extra
touch of realism to this superb looking model. Pre-formed and
pre-painted foldable wing struts are easy to install to each wing panel
and make for quick and easy assembly at the flying field and make
transporting the model much easier as well. The fuselage features an
opening cabin door allowing quick and easy access to the onboard
electronics whilst the moulded seats and detailed scale instrument
panel add to the impressive scale look.
Top quality giant scale hardware is used through out the model, the
Decathlon is designed primarily for 80cc - 120cc petrol engines,
however thanks to the generous size of the cowling most engines can be
accommodated with a minimum of protrusions, keeping a nice clean scale
look to the model.
When it comes to flight performance the Super Decathlon is no slouch
and just like its full-size counterpart the model can perform a
commendable range of scale aerobatic manoeuvres and inverted flight.
This, combined with the overall presence that a larger model has in the
air, adds a whole new dimension of realism to flying this super scale
aeroplane.
On the ground the wide spaced main gear and steerable tail-wheel ensure
positive handling through out take off rolls and landings.
Scale like take offs and landing are very realistic and the sight of
this big model coming in for a slow fly by or a touch and go is quite
simply, fantastic!
Wingspan: 3504mm (137.9 inch)
Scale 36%
Overall length: 2439mm (96.0
inch)
Wing area: 205.0 sq. dm (3177.0
sq. inch)
Flying weight : 17.2 - 19.1kg
(38 - 42 lb)
Engine: 80cc - 120cc Gas
Airfoil: Symmetrical section
Required radio: 4-channel or
more (SPM DX5e) minimum
Servos: 6 hi-torque 2 standard
(not included)
Receiver Battery: 2 x 4000mAh
Color scheme: Ultracote white
(U870) True Red (U866) Black (U874)
Prop Size: 24 x 10 to 27 x 10
Spinner Size: 4-1/2"
Mike McConville design
- Easy to fly giant scale model
- Superb scale outline
- Traditional balsa/ply construction
- Top quality giant scale hardware used through out
- Scale colour scheme using UltraCote
- Pre-painted fibreglass cowl and wheel spats
- Two-piece wing for easy transport and assembly
- Pre-formed fast connect foldable wing struts
- Functioning scale landing gear
- Steerable tail wheel assembly
- Pre- shaped crystal clear cabin windows
- Detailed scale instrument panel
- Moulded pilot/passenger seats
- Opening cabin door for access to radio installation
