VSKYLABS RC AX-4 - Turbine
TURBINE - 1:4.8 SCALE - REQUIRES DUAL-RATES/EXPO CONTROL MODESSCALE FLIGHT - AEROBATICS - SMALL & AGILE
Model data:
Type: Scale RC Model based on the A-4 Skyhawk
Scale: 1:4.8
Length: 2.68 m (8.79 feet)
Wingspan: 1.73 m (5.68 feet)
Weight: No-fuel: 44.1 lbs / 20.0 kg
Fuel: ~6 Liters / 10.6 lbs
Engine: JetCat P180-NX Class turbine (39.3 lbs / 17.8 kg thrust)
Fuel consumption: ~585 ml/min / 9.27 gallons per hour (full power)
Performance/Limitations: Maximum speed: ~125 knots / 144 mph / 232 km/h (sea level, full power, straight and level). Vne: 150 kt / 173 mph / 278 km/h. Note: Control inputs at high speed must remain smooth and measured. The aircraft can easily exceed structural load limits.
Channels:
- Throttle
- Rudder
- Elevator
- Ailerons
- Control modes (Full, Dual-Rates/Expo) - Recommended for realistic flying.
- Gears
- Gear Brakes
- Flaps
Pilot Notes:
General: The AX-4 is the smallest jet in RCE Vol.2. Agile and capable of high-speed passes and demanding aerobatics, it is an exciting and highly responsive model to fly. The aircraft demonstrates reduced roll stability at high angles of attack, particularly at low airspeeds. This regime should be avoided close to the ground. Low-altitude, low-speed maneuvering requires anticipation, with smooth inputs and larger turn radiuses rather than tight, aggressive turns.
Controls: Engage dual rates and/or expo for high-speed scale passes. Full control mode at high speed is not recommended, although possible with measured thumb-works.
Its small size is its primary operational consideration. At high speed and distance it becomes a small, fast-moving target in the visual field. Situation awareness and spatial orientation require extra attention as speed and distance compound quickly, and the model can 'skim' away before you realize it.
Energy management: The AX-4 is a relatively draggy aircraft and decelerates faster than anticipated, particularly when maneuvering. This characteristic must be considered when planning low-altitude flight. Avoid trying to kill excess energy close to the ground with high-G, low-power turns, as the resulting increase in angle of attack combined with rapid airspeed decay may lead to roll instability. Manage energy early, keep the aircraft comfortably above the high-AOA regime, and use wider, more 'round' turns when operating low and slow.
Real world reference video:
*The following video shows a real-world reference for the model. It is provided for informational purposes only. It is not produced by or affiliated with VSKYLABS. All credits belong to the original content creators. Various design features and other characteristics may vary, when compared to the VSKYLABS model in X-Plane.
VSKYLABS RC Elements Vol. 1 screenshots - X-Plane 12:
