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Hangar 9 35% Extra 260 Product Video

Product Review:
Hangar 9 35% Extra 260

Perspective By:
Stephen "SleepyC" CInch

Manufacturer Contact:

Hangar 9
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
ATTN: Hangar 9
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
http://www.hangar-9.com/
 
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone<


Manufacturer Website:
www.horizonhobby.com http://www.hangar-9.com/

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Packaging:
Kit Quality:
Ease of Build:
Huckability:
Overall:
Introduction

Highslide JS       Highslide JS


From the moment I saw this airplane at the 2007 Toledo Weak Signals show in April, I knew I had to have it. It hung above the crowded expo floor, a beacon in a sea of planes that constantly caught my attention. I spent quite a few minutes (read hour) staring at this plane.  The covering scheme and the outline were exactly what I was looking for in an ARF. So when this plane was offered to the FlyingGiants for a review, I begged to do it.
 

Hangar 9 has long been known to produce very nice giant scale aerobatic aircraft,  and with this being their biggest to date,  I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!

Out of the Box:

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Knowing that the plane was shipped from Illinois, and knowing that it was only a two-day transit to Ohio, I was ready and waiting for the kit when it was finally delivered.

Hangar 9 did not disappoint in regard to the packaging of the plane.

The large box was double boxed ensuring that any materials inside made it to their destination. Each piece inside this box was individually packaged, bagged and stuffed into its own little compartment. The fuse was wrapped in plastic, had foam padding in the proper places and even had a tight fitting dowel rod put through the wing tube phonolic that fastened to the sides of the box. This kept the fuse from moving in any direction. The wings were in their own box that was again double boxed Every part of the airplane made it through transport in perfect condition. I couldn't have been more pleased!

Product Specifications
SPECS:

Wing Span: 105 in (2667mm)

Overall Length: 98 in (2489mm) with spinner

Wing Area: 2003 sq in (129 sq dm)

Flying Weight: 27–30 lb (12–14 kg)

Engine Size: 100–116cc gas

Radio: 4-channel or more

Servos: 8 servos (or 9 if using two rudder servos)

Spinner Size: 4 ½ in

Hardware Included: Yes


LETS BUILD!

Before the airplane arrived I downloaded the manual from Horizon hobbies website. This gave me a chance to read it through a few times and figure out what I needed to complete the airplane. After making the list I ordered the servo extensions I needed, (8) JR 8711 servos, (7) JR 1.5" alumnium locking  servo arms, (2) JR match boxes,  a DA 100, MTW 75 canisters with 55mm drop headers and a full Fromeco battery/regulator/switch set up to all plug into a Smartfly power expander.

I had all of this arrive at the same time as the plane so that I could get right to work!    

After everything arrived, I inspected my pile of goodies in detail and made sure I was starting off with perfect equipment. Then, just because it's a habit for me, I went over all the parts of the plane with a covering iron (the plane really did not have any wrinkles to speak of, I just make it a habit to make sure the covering is completely sealed on any ARF) and then I went straight to work assembling the plane.My first impression after fitting the plane together for the first time was that this 260 appears to be a very nice airplane, and I can't believe they only change $999.00!!  All the parts fit tightly together, and the overall construction was really of a high caliber. Also, I was really amazed at how much of this ARF is done for you. This is really an Almost Ready to Fly plane.I posted a build thread on our web site 

(http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/fg69/19428-hangar-9-35-260-box-air-video-added.html )
but it really is an assembly thread. I would estimate that around 90% of the actual building is already done at the factory. The hinging is done. The fuel tank is plumbed and mounted (we are talking metal ties and soldered on barbs don't even bother checking it kind of done), the control horns are in all the surfaces and Locktite applied, the cowl is mounted and the hatch  is ready to go.

It almost like your skipping ahead to the final moments of a build and you just have the fun stuff left to do.If you follow the manual step by step the assembly process is very fast. The manual is laid out very logically, and it pays off to assemble the plane in the order that is presented in the book.

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I have two tips that are not mentioned in the manual and I believe they can help out quite a bit.

The first tip involves one of the first parts in the assembly manual, the stabs. Nothing major here, just a spot that can be a little tricky.  The stabs have the servos mounted inside of them, with the servo arms protruding through the bottom of the stab. This is a great system if you need to remove the stabs for transport because it lets the control linkage stay attached, and you only need to have your servo leads remain detachable! I had to open up the slot on the bottom of the stab around ¼" to give the servo arm the room it needed to operate freely without any binding. If done properly, it is  hardly noticeable.

 

TIP: enlarge the servo arm exit hole in the stabs to accommodate your selected servo arms.

 

The second tip involves the rudder. Again, nothing major here.

The rudder uses a long piano wire as the hinge material. They did this so that the rudder can be made removable. This is a great idea, but the hinge material can be a bit of a bear to get in. After fooling with the rudder for a few minutes a friend of mine that had also received the airplane around the same time told me a little tip and it helped me tremendously.

 

TIP: Sharpen the tip of the piano wire hinge material that you are inserting into the hinges.  This will allow it to slip into each hinge much easier, and will make the rudder installation go very quickly.

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The other aspects of the build were pretty straight forward. If you have ever built a standard ARF, this airplane will be a breeze for you. Its really that nice.
 

Another thing I like to do is to check the wing and stab incidence. Would you believe it, both wings and both stabs were actually at ZERO. This is the very first ARF I have ever received that the wings were perfectly level. Nice job Hangar 9!!

 

After 3 nights of relaxed building (two to three hours a night) I had the airplane pretty much ready to fly!



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LETS FLY IT!!

I couldn't wait to fly this plane. As soon as it was finished, I just stared at it, and planned my maiden. Unfortunately my workweek is a long one, so it would be a full six days before I had the chance to fly it! (ARRRGGHHH!) 

Saturday finally arrived, the weather looked great, so off I went to a flying field that I knew would be a great place to maiden the plane. I arrived and assembled the plane. Instantly I had some people eyeballing my new bird. The plane seems to have that effect on people. I went over every screw and connection one last time and started on the range tests. Everything checked out so it was time to give the plane a whirl. I had a buddy with me at the field that is a much more experienced pilot.  So I had asked him to step in and do the initial flights. He went over my set up and nodded his head that he was ready. A few flips of the DA 100 had the motor purring, and the sound emitting from the cans was a very quiet and pleasant one. The surfaces were checked for proper deflection one last time and the plane was sent airborne. 2 clicks of up is the only trim needed for this plane. and within two passes the plane was flying hands off and level. My buddy said the plane felt instantly connected, and that the set up the manual had suggested was spot on. Within two minutes, the plane was performing rolling circles, flat spins, harriers and even hovering on the deck. My buddy only flys kit planes, and has not owned an ARF for quite some time, and his face was grinning and he kept saying.. "Well I'll be Darn, I think you have yourself an airplane here Sleep".

 

We brought the plane down, checked everything again and now, finally,  it was my turn on the sticks. I consider myself a decent pilot, but I'm no Animal J., so when I tell you that within one minute I felt completely comfortable with this airplane, that is saying a lot. I usually feel like I'm flying my other planes decently, but I don't have that LOCKED in feeling. With the 260 I did, and this feeling was on my first flight! The plane had a tiny bit of pitch coupling, but this was easily mixed out with a small rudder to elevator mix. (I apologize for some of the pictures, my camera had a bad day, and I had to take still frames from the video)


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As I get more and more in tune with this plane, I can feel that it's really helping my piloting skills. Instead of fighting to fly, and feeling slightly behind the plane, on this 260, I feel I'm in control and I can concentrate on flying and proper execution.

I can see how this plane could be a great plane for IMAC competition. It really goes and does exactly what you tell it to!

With the DA 100 on cans in the plane, with the extra Fromeco 5200 battery the final weight was 28.2 lbs. And at that weight this plane is still a real floater. It can do the best flat spins, and perform the most rock solid harriers of any plane I have ever owned. If you know how to do it, this plane will respond, and make you look good doing it!

 

And when its time to land, the plane will slow to a crawl for repeated 3 point landings.

 


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TIPS!
Follow the instructions to a "T".
If you follow the set up perfectly, you will have a great flying airplane.
 
TIP 1: enlarge the servo arm exit hole in the stabs to accommodate your selected servo arms.
 

TIP 2: Sharpen the tip of the piano wire hinge material that you are inserting into the hinges.  This will allow it to slip into each hinge much easier, and will make the rudder installation go very quickly.
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Conclusion
The Hangar 9 35% Extra 260 is without a doubt the best flying ARF I have ever owned. PERIOD.
As the weeks go by, and the flight log fills up, I find myself enjoying this plane more and more. When I attend shows and let other pilots fly this plane, I hear the same thing over and over, "Man Sleepy, you have a great flying plane right there!"
 
I hate to gush about any product, because when you do people tend to think your trying to be a hype machine. But in this case I couldn't do anything but gush. The Hangar 9 35% Extra 260  is really that good. From the quality of the materials included, to the amazing flight characteristics this plane has,
IT IS REALLY THAT GOOD.
 
To Mr. Mike McConville  I say Bravo Sir, you really out-did your self with this one, and to Horizon I say Thank You for bringing this plane to market.
I'm sure you will have many happy customers!

Hangar 9
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
ATTN: Hangar 9
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
http://www.hangar-9.com/
 
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone<
www.horizonhobby.com http://www.hangar-9.com/
 
Default Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
Hangar 9 35% Extra 260

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Old 09-13-2007, 12:50 AM   #2
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
did you ever bother to weigh it?
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Old 09-13-2007, 12:56 AM   #3
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
Quote:
With the DA 100 on cans in the plane, with the extra Fromeco 5200 battery the final weight was 28.2 lbs.
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Old 09-13-2007, 03:44 AM   #4
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
Well if your not a hype machine ,how about pide-pipper,pitch man.All your gushing just put me a G in the hole.Please, next time you trip across a nice plane keep it to your self!(ya know im just playin).So it was Animal flying,i lost a 5 doller bet,now your costing me more money.Thanks for the tips,great job on the reveiw...............i dont know why,i thought it was matt steklechek......hard to see from 1500 miles away.........thanks again cant wait to get going on mine.
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Old 09-13-2007, 08:26 AM   #5
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
nice job sleepy, now if I can just figure out a way to rig the lottery and win a couple mil, I'LL BUY IT!!
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Old 09-13-2007, 08:29 AM   #6
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
Quote:
So it was Animal flying,i lost a 5 doller bet,
Reclaim your $5. My maiden pilot was not AJ. He was just a friend.
(Although I do consider him a friend)
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Old 09-13-2007, 09:42 AM   #7
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Quote: Originally Posted by bodywerks
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did you ever bother to weigh it?
27.5 lbs dry with tuned pipes!
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Old 09-13-2007, 08:33 PM   #8
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
So Sleepy, Would you recommend this plane to anyone????

Just kidding mate. Great write up and I must say it seems pretty much right on the button.

I had a little fiddle with this at the DOGS and it does lock into the lines nicely. It is certainly a very good all round ARF when you look at what can be done with it in your Video mate.
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Old 01-21-2008, 03:26 PM   #9
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
By now we all know hanger 9 is recalling the wings on the Extra. I called this morning and spoke with a product support rep. He told me to send the wing back and they would send new ones in March. Well the problem is that I no longer have the box the wing came in(and it will take a big box). I argued that it would be better for me if they sent the wing and I could return the old one in that bok. He said it was not their fault that I threw the box away.I then spoke with a manager and got no satisfaction. I was in Public relations for many years,and told the manager the proper would have been " Sir, we at Hanger 9 appreciate your buisness,and apologize that this product does not meet our,or youre standards.We will gladly send you replacement wing as soon as they are available. At that time we would ask that you return the defective wing in the shipping carton. ...Well it may be a small thing to many of you,but Hanger 9 just lost a customer. They will get the wing,I will be forced to cut it in to many small pieces to accomodate what ever size box find.
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Old 01-21-2008, 03:42 PM   #10
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
It was not a recall, it was more of an advisement. If you have had the plane already and flown it 5 times or so, they said you probably wouldn't need to do anything. They also came up with a simple, effective fix for your wings. I had to do it to one of my wings (because I hadn't flown with it yet), and it was no big deal. It was also less hassle than having to ship the wings and wait until march for new ones, IMO.
If your wings aren't broke and you've flown it already, don't worry about it and just fly.
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Old 01-21-2008, 03:51 PM   #11
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
The plane has not had its maiden yet.I down loaded the fix and it seems both simpel,and a good possibility of not getting it right. Still, the next $1,000 plus will be wuth someone else.
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Old 01-21-2008, 04:04 PM   #12
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
Horizon is tops when it comes to customer service. There are few companies that are as good as Horizon when it comes to dealing with customers and taking care of them. I'm sure that the reason why they want the wings back first is to make sure to get the suspect wings out of circulation. I'm sure that you are an honest person and would for sure send the original wings back but there are many people who would just keep both sets. Then it always happens...the flyer takes out the plane for one more flight before he swaps out the new for the old and crash.....then the badmouthing begins all over again.

Its such a good flying plane it would be a shame to have a sour taste in your mouth about it because you had to find a box to ship the wings back in....
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Old 01-21-2008, 07:47 PM   #13
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
I know Horizon is good to geal with.I fly JR.Saito and have an Evoloution 58 on my 27% Yak.The service has been great up to this point. I know the plane will be a great flyer,and can't wait to maiden it. Did you do the fix to your wings?? Jim "Madd Dawg" White
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Old 01-21-2008, 08:44 PM   #14
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
I think the fact that they did say there was a problem is huge. I've got great respect for them by saying it. I doubt you will have any issues with the wings unless you're flying extreme high G flying (wall, parachute......) I'm not sure how hard you fly Madd Dawg, but by the sound of your screen name I would say do the repair. LOL Good luck I think you'll love the plane.
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Old 04-26-2008, 10:48 AM   #15
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Default Re: Hangar 9 35% Extra 260
I now have 4 flights on mine now and couldn't ask for a nicer plane. The landing are plain stupid easy. Starting to push it a little bit. Having to much fun. Dennis
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