I must admit I have been looking forward to the arrival of this plane. This is the fifth of seven remote controlled electric planes that we intend to review in separate detailed writings on this site. Already completed reviews include: the Apprentice 15e, Mini Super Cub, Hobbyzone Champ and Cessna 182. Reviews yet to come are the Super Cub LP and the new Cessna Classic 500. The final article will have a compiled comparison grid on all ‘planes which will result in us bestowing the coveted Digital Reviews’ “best ‘plane” award to one of the remote controlled (RC) electric aeroplanes using a point system. Included within this review will be short evaluations of the Phoenix Simulator and Spektrum Dx6i transmitter.
So let’s get started!
(See 21 Best RC electric planes compared – this site)
Phoenix Simulator
As soon as we saw the Trojan T28 as a 2010 upload for the Phoenix simulator, we knew we had to have a couple of Phoenix copies to play with. We could then compare the actual Parkzone Trojan T28 plane flight with the simulated T28. Available at most hobby stores, the little heard about Phoenix Simulator has been a complete surprise with excellent graphics (see above) and extremely real flight control coupled with such realism that if you can land without crashing with the simulator then you should also be able to land the RC plane without damage. Other simulators we tried excelled in game play but you could land the plane in the simulator so hard that if it were your model it would be totally destroyed. As a learner, the Phoenix simulation improved my skills to such a degree that I would have definitely not have smashed the Apprentice 15e had I become proficient on the Phoenix Simulator prior to my maiden flight.
A couple of good points over other simulators we ran is that upgrades of software, additional planes and flying sites etc are free. Additionally, the Phoenix is not a programme that requires huge PC spec’s to run it.
We are so impressed with the realism of flight and training advantages over other simulators that at some stage in the future we will probably conduct an in depth review on this one.
Spektrum DX6i Transmitter
We were very pleased to find that www.rchobbies.com.au were kind enough to supply a “top of the tree” Spektrum DX6i transmitter with the Parkzone BNF Trojan T28. Interestingly enough, we didn’t realise just how good the DX6i was until we started to use it in these reviews where we have a medley of aeroplanes and other transmitters (Tx’s). We were able to solve the problems alluded to in the Hobbyzone Champ (easily fixed) as it was a 2.4 Ghz DSM2 receiver and Super Mini Cub (by changing the receiver and servos from a 27 MHz to a 2.4 Ghz) by using the DX6i’s huge programming capabilities. By mixing and setting aileron travel to “0”, we were finally getting exactly what we wanted. If we carried out an in depth review of this Tx it would take numerous pages, but we do wish to point out several excellent features that quickly became evident.
• Ability to use a 3 channel plane but retain left stick rudder (like a 4 channel Mode 1)
• Ability to put up to 10 planes all completely programmed, named and ready to go in the one transmitter
• Many fail-safe features
• Very high build quality
• Well written and concise 140 page manual
• Great LCD screen
• Tandem trainer compatible
• Phoenix Sim compatible
• Ability to have linear or exponential stick control results on each channel
• Ability to have dual rates, plus many other features too numerous to mention
We have realised the importance to a beginner to have a high quality transmitter as it provides so many possibilities of features to make it a great deal easier to fly the ‘plane.
Our comments here are by no means extensive or do this lovely Tx full justice, we only mean to allude to the fact that if you are starting out on RC planes this is the first thing I would now buy as it will serve you well from beginner to expert.
Assembly comments
We should state that the designers have really done their homework on this aeroplane. We required NO glue and only had to use 1 screw and 4 small pieces of tape for the complete assembly. We would even go so far as to say this has been the simplest, organised and also the most exacting construction procedures of any RC electric ‘planes tested to date. The main wing is tri-dowelled and dove fitted making an exacting strong fitment and impossible to fit it with any tolerance outside of what the manufactures wanted for optimum flying. The tailplane rudder is an integral part of the fuselage with a plastic guide insert for the correct fitment of the elevator and again a very strong and exacting system, so well designed that it only requires 4 pieces of tape to adequately hold it in place.
The cockpit section is dowelled and then simply pushed into place and held there by a magnetic catch. This is truly the best plane to put batteries into we have come across. Simply put the ‘plane on it’s wheels, lift up the cockpit do what you want and put it back on again, and away you go.
Supplied Charger
A max 3 amp Li-Po charger is supplied, but whilst it appears to work well, it only charges via the balance connection plug. We must state however, that check readings on cells after being charged verified that it still did what it was designed for.
Features
• Ready to fly in minutes
• 3S 1800mAh Li-Po battery and balancing charger included
• Powerful 480-size 960Kv brushless outrunner motor installed
• E-flite Pro 30A brushless ESC installed
• Spektrum AR500 DSM2™ 5-channel sport receiver installed
• Fully proportional 4-channel control
• Realistic USAF paint scheme and decals
• Durable and lightweight Z-Foam™ construction
• Requires a full range DSM2 aircraft transmitter (sold separately)
Specifications
Type: Aeroplanes
Wingspan: 44.0 in (1120mm)
Overall Length:36.0 in (915mm)
Flying Weight: 31.0 oz (875 g)
Radio: AR500 DSM2 5-channel sport receiver (installed); transmitter, not included.
Scale: Warbird
Charger: Variable rate 2- to 3-cell Li-Po balancing fast charger
You Will Need
A full range DSM2 aircraft transmitter.
First Flight -Preamble
Due to the magnetic catch and ample room allowed for the battery, preparing this ‘plane ready for flight is a breeze. All the linkages are exacting and all well anchored. Everything lines up and nothing appears fragile.
It has 46mm diameter wheels and a 10mm propellor shaft, so it’s all strong and built for grass, bitumen or concrete take off and landings.
First Flight
After being on the Phoenix simulator for many hours and this proving to be my favourite aeroplane, I was able to take off and land 10 out of 10 times without crashing on the simulator. I was still surprised, however, how predictable this ‘plane was as it taxied a short distance and then left the 32mm high grassed oval like an arrow. The incredible power of this plane makes it go like a winged bullet. The lovely handling allowed me the luxury of being able to do several passes up and down the oval then land without drama.
Am I still a learner (maybe not)? Who knows, but I’m certainly not an expert. I felt that the ‘plane was a little too fast for me as it tended to want to land at a fairly fast clip, albeit exhibiting perfectly responsive and faultless flying capabilities. I felt that as a beginner/intermediate that this plane was certainly too fast for half a soccer oval at my current skill level. I will state that the Phoenix simulator proved to be an excellent simulator of this particular plane. All controls on the real flight were similar to that when on the Phoenix simulator, apart from the fact that the real plane felt a little faster (my nerves, I expect). So, well done Phoenix!
I am so impressed with the awesome power of this plane that I am looking forward to bringing up my skill level and putting its full capabilities to the test.
As a Beginner on your own:
Pros & Cons
• Not considered to be a Trainer or beginner’s ‘plane
As an Intermediate/Expert RC Flyer:
We took it up after a take off distance of 3-4 metres, with a wind speed at ground of 9.5 km/hr and an upstairs speed of 24 km/hr and:
Well, it takes a bit to stun George (the expert), but he was tremendously impressed with his flight of the Trojan. Uttering favourable with comments on its stability, power, handling, forgiving nature, low stall rate and ease of landing on the grass (32mm high).
Pros
• Looks fantastic
• Awesome power
• Suited for grass and any other medium
• Fast, predictable and excellent controlled flight
• Suitable for football/soccer field or larger area
• Easy and exacting assembly
• Innovative and strong construction
• Easy to put batteries etc in
• Room to upgrade battery
• 4 Channel plane
• 10 mm motor shaft
• 46 mm diam wheels
• At rest can withstand 24km winds without tipping over
• Can handle strong winds
• Very high build quality
• Incorporates many very good ideas
Cons
• None observed
Conclusion
A truly remarkable intermediate/expert plane whose construction, build quality and handling set new benchmarks for others to follow in remote controlled electric foam aeroplanes.
Currently at a BNF retail value of Aud $329 or $239 for a Trojan T28 PNP from www.rchobbies.com.au
Even George says he will get one!
PS Thanks for reading this article! Please check out the other ones we’ve done in this series (most of them are still on our Home Page).
