Balsa-wood model airplanes get an electric RC makeover from Tornado Updraft.
Building rubber-and-powered alas wood sled airplanes may bring back pleasant memories for many readers. Although the objects were kind of cool, neither could they be accurately controlled nor did they fly for very long. Nevertheless, this is not the case with the Tornado Updraft 12.
A collaboration between American businesses Nighthawk Gliders and PowerUp Toys produced the remote-control aircraft in the form of a do-it-yourself kit. The PowerUp 4.0 electric drive module was supplied by the company, whereas the manufacturer created the Alsa Wood Odyssey.
With an accompanying iOS/Android software, users can wirelessly control the 4.0 (and subsequently the aircraft of which it is a part) over Bluetooth. A lithium-polymer battery, a microprocessor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope are all found in the module’s nose unit. That unit is connected to two back motors/propellers by a coaxial shaft.
The thrust of each motor can be changed simultaneously to cause the aircraft to climb or descend, or it can be changed individually to cause the aircraft to turn left or right. Moreover, the 4.0 Module’s flight control system automatically modifies the thrust in order to prevent stalling or nosediving from occurring.
Basic specifications for the Tornado Updraft 12 include its length of 8.6 inches (218 mm), weight of 19 grams, controllability up to a distance of 240 feet (73 m), and top flight speed of 20 mph (32 kmph). Its battery is claimed to be good for up to 10 minutes of flight time after one 25 to 30 minute charge. Add-on landing gear, which enables the aircraft to take off from the ground rather than only being hand-launched, and LED lights, which make the aircraft visible at night, are among the other features.
It is currently available at the PowerUp website for US$105.
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