Overview and Introduction
The Hangar 9 Meridian 10cc ARF, 69" (HAN5015) is a versatile and robust RC flight model designed for both experienced pilots and advanced beginners. This model combines sophisticated technology, sophisticated design and excellent flight characteristics. Below we offer a detailed, search engine-optimized report for buyers and model flight enthusiasts.
Technical data and facts
Here the most important technical data at a glance:
Characteristics | Value |
---|
Model type | Sport-ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) |
Difficulty | Advanced to experienced pilot |
Range | 69 inch (175 cm) |
hull length | 55,5 inch (141 cm) |
Surface area | 880 sq in (56,8 dm2) |
Weight | 7,0–8,0 lbs (3,18–3,63 kg) |
Area | 18,3–20,9 oz/ft2 (56,3–65,1 g/dm2) |
hull material | Balsa/aircraft plywood, laser cut |
Motorisation | 10cc petrol engine, .52–.61 2-stroke, .62–.72 4-stroke, .46 electric motor |
Control | Mind. 5 channels |
Flight time (depending on setup) | about 15–20 minutes |
Suspension | Three-legged suspension with bugrad |
Flaps | Available |
Drive variants | Burner (Benzin/Glühignier), electric |
UVP (road price) | approx. 230–250 € (excluding electronics/drive) |
Customer reviews and experiences
Numerous customer reports and forum contributions show a differentiated picture:
- Installation and instructions: Most buyers praise the prefabricated design of the model, making the structure simple and completed in a few hours. The accompanying guide is clearly illustrated so that even pilots with limited construction experience can cope well.
- Flight characteristics: The very stable and good-natured flying property is particularly highlighted – even in windy weather, the Meridian remains controllable and forgives smaller mistakes. Beginners in particular benefit from the optimized aerodynamics, experienced pilots appreciate the suitability for art flight.
- Increased power: With a 10cc petrol engine (e.g. Evolution 10GX) or a powerful electric motor, the model convinces with spontaneous response behavior and versatile usability – from a quiet round flight to gentle art flight maneuvers.
- Flight times: Depending on the motorization, with economical 10cc gasolines 15–20 minutes flight time per tank filling is possible without the weight negatively affecting the flight. Electric setups with 6s Lipos also provide sufficient flight times in the range of 8–12 minutes, depending on flight style and battery capacity.
- Material quality: The use of laser-cut balsa and plywood ensures low weight, high stability and precision. The surface is covered with high-quality UltraCote®, which ensures longevity.
- Details and design: Finished lacquered GfK parts (cowl, wheel coverings), attached instrument panel and pilot figure as well as functional flaps make the overall impression worthwhile.
Individual customers were critical of the long waiting period for spare parts and for the partially sensitive rudder steering in the hard art flight, which can usually be repaired with small modifications.
Test results and expert opinions
Technical journals and experienced test pilots emphasize:
- Stability: The model shows an excellent self-stability behavior during the test flight. Especially when landing and starting, the flaps help to cope with short slopes.
- Transport: Due to the two-part support surfaces with plug-in, the pilot is easy to transport and fits in most trunks.
- Versatile: The model is officially built as ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) so ambitious pilots can choose individually for drive and RC components. The design allows both combustion and electric drive.
Material quality
The Meridian uses classic and proven building materials:
- Balsa and plywood: High-precision, laser-cut components ensure a balanced ratio of stability and weight.
- UltraCote® span: Long-lived, low-maintenance and in strong colors that remain very visible even from a greater distance.
- Prefabricated GfK parts: Cowl (engine spant) and wheel coverings are ready for installation lacquered and fit.
- Ready-to-install hardware: Chassis, tank, rowing horns and small parts are included.
Flight times and climbing performance
- With economical 10cc petrol engines, flight times of 15–20 minutes can be realized with medium load.
- Electric drives, approximately with 6s-Lipo (5000mAh), offer typical flight times of 8–12 minutes.
- The gradient is above average for the model weight: With a 10cc engine, 13x6 propeller and matching, dynamic climbing flights and simple art flight figures are easily possible.
Transport capacity
The model is optimized for mobile use:
- Two-piece support surfaces: Easy disassembly for transport.
- Robust suspension: The three-legged suspension allows safe ground maneuvers, even at uneven places.
- Consciously selected measurements: Despite 69 inch span, the disassembled flyer fits most medium-sized trunks.
Spare parts supply
Manufacturers and dealers offer a solid spare parts supply. Typical wear parts such as coil, suspension struts, wheel linings and rudders can be easily adjusted. Especially with well-known brands like Hangar 9, the spare parts supply in Europe and the USA is usually secured in the long term.
Target group
- Ambient Beginners: Thanks to easy-to-learn flight characteristics and stable construction, the pilot model with basic knowledge is ideal for moving to larger models.
- Advanced and Professionals: The aircraft remains interesting for experienced pilots due to the suitability for art flight and versatile motorization possibilities.
- Flyers: Especially where value is placed on high everyday suitability and several pilots access a model.
Construction & Guidance
- Time: Depending on the level of experience, the assembly requires 6-10 hours. Most modules are already preassembled.
- Manual: Comprehensive, illustrated, clearly structured and also understandable for less trained modelers. Notes for the selection and installation of alternative drives are included.
- Recommended tools: Standard model tools are sufficient.
Community support
Comprehensive exchange of experience in forums and social networks:
- Active community on international platforms as well as in German model flight groups.
- Many construction and flight reports, tip collections and discussions facilitate troubleshooting or provide suggestions for modification.
Alternative products of competitors
Some comparable models of other manufacturers:
Model/series | Range | Drive recommendation | Special features | Price range |
---|
Seagull Models Arising Star 40 | 62 customs duties | .46–.55 2-stroke, electric | High-quality, robust | 180–220 € |
Phoenix Model SeaBee 40 | 63 customs duties | .46 2-stroke, electric | Versatile, solid construction | 190–230 € |
Black Horse Super Air 40 | 63.8 inch | .46–.55 2-stroke, .70 4-stroke | Good-natured, inexpensive | 170–210 € |
E-flite Timber X 1.2m (electro) | 47 inches | electric motor | Flyable, STOL-Performance | €200–250 (with electronics) |
However, many alternatives are either slightly smaller or more specialized. The combination of classic sports aircraft and modern equipment is particularly balanced with the Meridian.
Value for money
The price range for the basic model is € 230–250. Considering the high-quality workmanship, the versatility in motorization and application area as well as the included complete equipment (e.g. tank, suspension, rudder horns), a very good price-performance ratio results. More affordable models rarely offer the same material and construction quality or flexibility in terms of drive.
Tips, tricks, recommendations & optimizations
Construction tips:
- In electric drive, it is recommended to use a vibration-damping motor carrier to protect the wood parts.
- The flaps (land flaps) should be carefully adjusted to achieve optimal slow flight properties.
- Rudder horns and linkages easy to mount, possibly with silicone oil.
- The focus should be checked exactly according to instructions and easily moved forward when first flights are needed.
Flight tips:
- Beginners benefit from 20–30% Expo on cross- and high-rise ruders for soft control reactions.
- Landings with extended flaps and slightly increased engine performance are particularly gentle.
- Anyone who experimentes with art flight should gradually increase the rowing paths and test the loading limits.
Improvements:
- The replacement of standard wheels against wheels with a larger diameter improves ground handling on grass pistes.
- When used intensively, the adhesive bonds carrying after-resins are recommended in the area of the suspension.
- The installation of a modern telemetry system for battery monitoring is advisable for electric pilots.
What is the interest of buyers?
- Acoustic: With petrol engine pleasantly muffled sound, with electric motor quiet operation – both variants are suitable for clubs.
- Individualisation: Thanks to many free RC slots and sufficient space, telemetry, light systems or sound modules can be easily retrofitted.
- Expandability: If you want to change to larger engines later, you will find sufficient reinforcements in the engine dome construction.
Frequent questions, problems and solutions
Question: How complicated is the conversion of petrol to electric drive?
Solution: The Meridian is already prepared for both drives on the factory. The battery shell and the motor carrier are mounted with few handles. The guide describes both setups in detail.
Question: Are there any problems with surface plugging or stability?
Solution: The surface fit is solid. In the case of particularly rough landings, however, a precautionary check of the insertion receptacle and, if necessary, a reinforcement with epoxy resin is recommended.
Question: Is the tank suitable for methanol or petrol?
Solution: The supplied tank is designed for gasoline engines, but can also be used with few sealing adjustments for annealer fuel.
Question: What about the rudder steering in the hard flight?
Solution: The standard deflections withstand the usual loads, with intensive art flight or larger motors, an upgrade to stronger linkages and servos is recommended.
Question: How can the focus be optimally balanced?
Solution: It is best with fully tanked tank or battery (electro). The focus is 85 mm behind the front edge of the wing according to instructions.
Question: How is the accessory market set up?
Solution: Many standard parts (bicycle, cowl, rudder horns) are identical to those of other Hangar 9 models, so procurement is usually uncomplicated.
Conclusion
The Hangar 9 Meridian 10cc ARF, 69" (HAN5015) convinces with flexibility, material quality and balanced flight characteristics. Its everyday suitability and versatility make it an ideal all-rounder for clubs, leisure pilots and ambitious climbers. Anyone who places value on a safe, accessible yet powerful RC aircraft will make an excellent choice with the Meridian.
The combination of fast setup, reliable flight characteristics and comprehensive spare parts supply justifies the price, while tips and modifications from the community allow individual improvements. If you are looking for a comparable model, only a few competitors will find a similar overall package of performance and quality.