| Electric RC helicopters are becoming more and more | | | | canopy is great news. On the other hand, others who |
| popular everyday. However, one of their main | | | | enjoy airbrushing their own helicopter may be less |
| criticisms is that they lack of big models. Most electric | | | | appreciative. On the quality side, it should be noted that |
| RC helicopters are of the 400 size, which are not | | | | the canopy is noticeably thinner than other models, |
| even as big as .30 size nitro helicopters - the smallest | | | | making it more brittle-prone. However, its thinner |
| kind. Electric RC helicopter pilots who wanted to fly | | | | canopy is a good weight-saver. This kit also includes a |
| bigger models had pretty much only one model to | | | | motor and a speed controller. The motor, the 800 KV |
| choose - the T-REX 600 which although performs | | | | outrunner, has been upgraded to generate less heat |
| extremely well, comes with a hefty price tag. Now, | | | | and consume less power. |
| from the production line of GAUI, maker of many | | | | As for the battery, the Hurricane draws its required |
| successful models such as the Zoom and the Shogun, | | | | 22.2 V from two 11.1V packs. Personally, I think this is a |
| comes another model to fill the void in the big electric | | | | very smart way to implement its power system - |
| helicopter market: the Hurricane 550. With a much | | | | unlike the T-Rex 600 which requires a whole new |
| lower price, the Hurricane 550 will undoubtedly provide | | | | expensive battery pack. |
| pilots who want to try their hands on a big electric | | | | The wooden blade that comes included with the kit is |
| model helicopter with a promising alternative. | | | | already sufficient. However, for modelers who would |
| In The Box: | | | | like something different, this model can take any blades |
| The Hurricane 550 comes as an ARF (almost ready | | | | that is suitable for a .32 size nitro helicopter; namely |
| to fly) kit and claims to be 95% pre-assembled from | | | | blades from the 470-550 size. |
| the factory. You still to install the radio receiver, servos, | | | | In Flight: |
| and the gyro - a task which usually takes at least an | | | | In flight the Hurricane 550 proves an able helicopter. |
| hour for beginners. Nevertheless, the main frame, the | | | | Beginner to intermediate pilots should find that this |
| head set, and the tail come already assembled. The | | | | model is great fun to fly, nimble and crisp. It is not as |
| frame is made of a plastic composite material which is | | | | aggressive and the T-REX 600, but then again, you |
| strong and durable. The way that each pieces are put | | | | wouldn't want to push this model to fly out the most |
| together should is quite impressive. Although the model | | | | demanding 3D maneuver as the swash plate is made |
| is pre-assembled, the manual provides a | | | | of plastic. As for the flight time, this model can stay in |
| comprehensive instruction on how to completely rebuild | | | | the air for 8 minutes of ordinary flight and 5 minutes of |
| it from scratch. This is very thoughtful as lacking these | | | | 3D flight. All in all, although this model doesn't come with |
| instructions would make extensive repairs a daunting | | | | the aluminum tails, carbon bodies, and the shiny |
| task. | | | | accessories of the T-REX, it is definitely worth its |
| The canopy comes already pre-painted. For many | | | | price. |
| people who painting is not their strongest trait, this | | | | |