The comprehensive guide to the premium sports model: HAN2365 in detail

If you are looking for a versatile, high-performance sports flight model on a large scale, the Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 30cc ARF with its 81 inch span deserves special attention. This Almost-Ready-to-Fly model has developed an excellent reputation among model flyers. In this detailed article we look at all aspects of this impressive aircraft, from technical specifications to user experience to valuable tips for optimization and operation.

Technical specifications and basic data

The Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 30cc ARF (model number HAN2365) is a large-format sports flight model designed for both gas and electric drive. Here the most important technical data at a glance:

The premium sports model is spanned with genuine UltraCote and is characterized by its generous, double bevelled control surfaces that allow excellent 3D flight properties.

Target group and application area

The large-format sports aircraft is primarily aimed at advanced to experienced pilots. With its wide range of flights, it offers the opportunity to switch between gentle sports flight and sophisticated 3D maneuvers.

The classic embroidery has been provided by the manufacturer with innovative design elements that significantly enhance flight characteristics. Particularly the oversized control surfaces and the optional flaps enable an impressive range of flight maneuvers.

This model is less suitable for beginners, as both the size and performance require advanced pilot skills. However, as a training model for transition to larger standards, it is ideal for ambitious mid-level pilots.

Quality of materials and processing

The premium sports model consists mainly of balsa and balsa plywood, which offers a balanced combination of lightness and stability. The processing shows the typical quality of the Hangar 9 series, with clean connections and precise fittings.

The UltraCote coating in white, black and apple green is applied evenly and shows hardly any wrinkles or irregularities. Especially the glass-fiber reinforced wheel coverings lift the look of the model and are perfectly matched to the covering in color.

The included hardware is complete and of good quality. The aluminium connecting pipes for the two-piece supporting surfaces are precisely manufactured and allow a secure connection without unnecessary play.

Installation and construction instructions

The assembly of the 81-inch sports flight model takes about 10-15 hours. As an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) model, most components are prefabricated and the covering is already applied.

The construction guide is structured and contains detailed step descriptions with helpful illustrations. Especially the adjustment of the rudder stops and the assembly of the drive are treated in detail. For pilots with ARF experience, assembly is not a special challenge.

Some users report that additional adjustments, which are not described in detail in the instructions, can be necessary in particular when installing the gas drive. Here is some experience in model construction of advantage.

Flight characteristics and performance

Flight characteristics

The large sports trailer shows impressive flying characteristics that are more than just fulfilling its reputation as a versatile sports model. The symmetrical wing profile allows precise art flight maneuvers, while the reinforced rudder surfaces provide impressive 3D capabilities.

In normal flight, the model shows a good-natured, stable behavior with excellent directional stability. The optional flaps additionally expand the flight spectrum and allow slower landings.

With activated Expo function (recommended: 20% for the side rudder), the control sensitivity can be optimally adapted to the personal flight style.

Flight times

The average flight time is about 6 minutes, but may vary depending on the drive configuration and flight style. With an electric drive and correspondingly dimensioned batteries, some pilots report flight times up to 10 minutes with moderate flight style.

When using a gas drive such as the recommended Evolution 33GX, longer flight times can be achieved depending on the tank size and flight style.

Increased power

The slope of the 81-inch model is impressive. With the recommended 30cc two-stroke engine or a corresponding electric drive (Power 160), the aircraft rises almost vertically, allowing spectacular start and rise maneuvers.

Even with full load, the climbing performance remains more than sufficient for demanding art flight figures. The power reserves are generously dimensioned and offer enough space even in adverse conditions.

Transport and handling

A special feature of the large-format sports trailer is its excellent transport capability. The two-part support surface with aluminum plug-in enables a fast up and down on the airfield and significantly reduces the space requirement during transport.

With a length of 74 inches (188 cm), the model fits in most SUVs or combinations when the wings are removed. The robust design is also well suited for regular transport without fear of damage.

The installation at the airfield is completed in a few minutes thanks to the well-thought construction, which leaves more time for the actual flying.

Spare parts supply and support

The spare part supply for the premium model is excellent. As part of the Horizon Hobby portfolio, both specific spare parts and general components are readily available. Particularly frequently required parts such as suspension components, rudder horns or connecting elements are available to most specialist dealers.

The manufacturer also offers excellent customer support, which helps with technical questions or problems quickly and competently. The wide spread of the model also ensures an active community that offers valuable tips and support.

Community and user experiences

Customer reviews and reviews

The user community of the large-format sports trailer is broad and active. In numerous forums and social media owners share their experiences that are predominantly positive.

Especially praised:

• The excellent flight characteristics
• The versatility of the model (from gentle sports to challenging 3D flight)
• The stable yet lightweight construction
• Clean processing and high-quality clothing
• The good spare parts supply

Critic points occasionally include:

• Smaller fitting inaccuracies when mounting the drive
• Some brief explanations in the construction instructions
• The comparatively high price

An experienced pilot reported: "After over 50 flights with my Ultra Stick, I am still thrilled with precision and versatility. Especially in light winds, the model shows its strengths and can be easily controlled by complex figures despite its size."

Community support

The community around the sports model is extremely helpful and active. In specialized forums there are numerous threads with tips for optimization, maintenance and possible modifications.

Many owners share their experiences with different drive configurations and help newcomers choose suitable components. Videos with flight tips and instructions on special maneuvers are also regularly shared.

Comparison with alternative products

There are some alternatives to Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 30cc ARF in the large-format sports aircraft segment. Here is a comparison with the main competitors:

Great Planes Super Sportster 60

The Super Sportster is an established alternative with similar flight characteristics, but somewhat smaller scale. In a direct comparison, the Ultra Stick shows better 3D capabilities thanks to its larger rowing surfaces, while the Super Sportster reacts slightly more well in normal sports flight.

The Super Sportster is about 15-20% below the Ultra Stick, but does not offer the same quality and equipment.

Seagull Models Extra 300

The Extra 300 by Seagull Models is positioned in the same price segment as the Ultra Stick, but is more focused on pure art flight. While the Extra 300 may have light advantages with precise art-flight figures, the Ultra Stick offers a wider range of applications and is more accessible to beginners in the larger scales.

Pilot-RC Edge 540

As a higher price alternative, Pilot-RC's Edge 540 offers even more high-quality processing and is specially designed for competitive art flight. The significantly higher price (often 50-70% above that of the Ultra Stick) makes it less attractive for many hobby pilots.

In direct comparison, the Ultra Stick dominates the middle price segment with an excellent price-performance ratio and a combination of performance and accessibility ideal for average pilots.

Value for money

With a price of about $350 (without drive and RC components), the 81-inch sports model is positioned in the middle to upper price segment for ARF models of this size.

In view of the high quality of material, the well-thought design and the excellent flight characteristics, the price-performance ratio can be called good to very good. The longevity of the model and the good spare parts supply also contribute to the maintenance of value.

It should be noted that the total investment is significantly higher when the drive, servos and RC system are added. With a high-quality gas drive or electric setup, additional costs of $400-600 have to be expected.

Tips, tricks and optimizations

Drive optimization

The recommended evolution 33GX has proved to be an ideal choice for gas drive. The following points should be considered during assembly:

• Use high-quality vibration damping motor carriers
• Take care of a clean fuel line without bend in the lines
• Install a reliable tank pendulum for art flight maneuver
• Balance the propeller carefully to minimize vibrations

Expert pilots recommend:

• A high-quality brushless motor of the Power 160 class or comparable
• A 100A controller with sufficient cooling
• 10S LiPo battery with at least 4400mAh capacity
• Special attention to cable management and cooling air guidance

Priority optimization

The manufacturer's recommended range of 4-5.25 inches behind the leading edge of the wing offers room for personal preferences:

• For more stability and good-natured flight behaviour: focus on about 4 inches
• For more agile behavior and better 3D properties: Focus on back at about 5 inches
• Start with a front-loaded center of gravity and move it step-by-step to the back to find the optimal position for your flight style

Rudder and Expo settings

Recommended basic settings:

• Transformer: 30% Expo, 20° for normal flights, 35° for 3D maneuver
• Altitude: 35% Expo, 25° for normal flights, 40° for 3D maneuver
• Side rudder: 20% Expo, full set for optimal control
• When using the flaps: mixing You have a slight height swing correction to compensate for pitch moments

Optimization for different wind conditions

The model shows good flight characteristics even with moderate wind, but can be further optimized with some adjustments:

• With stronger wind: Increase Make the flight weight easy by strategic positioning of ballast
• Reduce rudder deflections by about 15% for more precise control
• Fly at a slightly higher speed to reduce wind susceptibility

Floating configuration

A special feature of the large-format sports model is its water flight capability. With the separately available Hangar 9 1/5 float set, you can upgrade the aircraft for use on water:

• The fastening points for the floats are already integrated in the fuselage
• Use waterproof servos or protect the existing with silicone
• Elevate the engine crash down easily for better water lift
• Seal all wood parts that could come into contact with water with clear lacquer

Frequent questions and problem solutions

Question: How can I optimally configure the electric drive?

Solution: A motor of the Power 160 class with a 100A controller and 10S LiPo battery is recommended for electric drive. Pay particular attention to good cooling of the engine and controller by providing sufficiently large air inlets and outlets. The batteries should ideally be positioned in such a way that the center of gravity is achieved without additional ballast weight.

Question: The model tends to grow when landing. What can I do?

Solution: This behavior is typical for aircraft with rear suspension and can be reduced by several measures:

• Programming a landing flap configuration with light depth suppression mixing
• Reduce the gas reduction in the final approach for a controlled sink rate
• Easily increase the engine crash down
• Make sure the focus is not too far behind

Question: How can I improve the 3D capabilities of the model?

Solution: The following adaptations can be made to optimize the 3D flight properties:

• Enlarge the rudder beats to the maximum, but pay attention to sufficient Expo values
• Place the center of gravity slightly backwards (no more than 5.25 inches behind the wing front edge)
• Use a powerful motor/drive with sufficient thrust
• Install high precision, fast servos with high torque for the main control surfaces

Question: How do I transport the model best?

Solution: For transport, the supporting surfaces should be removed. A specially adapted transport bag or box protects the model optimally. Alternatively, you can build a simple foam holder for the trunk of your vehicle. Fix all parts carefully to avoid damage during transportation.

Question: The covering has thrown wrinkles after some time. How do I fix it?

Solution: The UltraCote tension can be shredded with an iron at medium temperature (without steam). Ideally use a special foil iron and work carefully from the center to the edges. In the case of deeper folds, cutting and regluing of the film often helps.

Question: How can I improve the visibility of the model in the sky?

Solution: For better visibility, you can:

• Attach contrasting markings on the underside of the supporting surfaces
• Installing LEDs for flights with weaker light conditions
• Adding tension with fluorescent accents
• Use a striking propeller cap in a signal color

Question: Which servos are ideal for the model?

Solution: Digital servos with a torque of at least 8-10 kg/cm are recommended for the main control surfaces (square, altimeter, side wheels). Standard servos with 6-8 kg/cm are sufficient for the flaps and gas control. Watch metal gears for all servos to increase longevity.

Conclusion: A versatile sports car for the air

The Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 30cc ARF with 81 inch span proves to be an extremely versatile and powerful sports flight model that meets its legendary reputation. With its wide range of applications from gentle sports flight to sophisticated 3D maneuvers, it offers advanced pilots an impressive flying experience.

The high-quality design, sophisticated design elements and excellent flight characteristics justify the price and make the model a rewarding investment for ambitious model flyers. The possibility to choose between gas and electric drive, as well as the option for upgrading to water flight operation, underline the flexibility of this premium flight model.

With the correct configuration and a bit of reconciliation time, this large-format sport flyer becomes a reliable partner in the sky, which makes an excellent figure both in quiet Sunday flights and in dynamic art flight demonstrations.