My first RC airplane , WLtoys F949 Review
Specs from manufacturer
- WLtoys F949 Airplane
- Flight time: 25 minutes
- Charging time: 40-60 minutes
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
- Transmission range: 200 meters
- Weight: 58g
- Dimensions: 500 x 393 x 192 mm (WxLxH)
In box (RTF)
- 1x WLtoys F949 Airplane
- 1x LiPo Battery
- 1x Propeller (+1)
- 1x Manual
- 1x USB Charger
- 1x Remote Controller
- 1x Screwdriver
I bought it from aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/WLtoys-F949-Radio-Control-RC-Airplane-3-Channels-2-4GHz-Fixed-Wing-RTF-CESSNA-182-Plane/32869276425.html
When goods arrived, box was damaged, pressed and wing curved. :(
But I tried to fix it with my hair dryer, and it can fly very well now :)
Review
- The most attractive point is long flight time. Actually, play time is more than 30 minutes (about 4~5 minutes x 5~6 times flight) , it is very compatible with other drones average 7~9 minutes flight
- Price is cheap. All other RC airplanes are above $150 or kid toys. Best quality at this price ($50~$80 at aliexpress)
- Weak. it often needs parts replacement. For me, propeller broken first flight. (but in box , there was extra propeller, so I didn't buy new parts yet)
- Lift power lacks. Airplane is about 58g. But just a small wind make it can not fly. (even I throw it with my hands, it can fly few seconds just as by motor power)
- FPV is not suitable. Of course, in internet, many people do FPV on F949 (so do I) , but with very just few weight of FPV camera and transmitter (about 15g~20g), F949 power could not fly. I think F949 itself was not designed for FPV... So many various trial customization to install FPV is on going (and it is still interesting).
- Skill needed for flight. Not like drone, airplane should have high speed to fly without stop. And transmission range is just only 200m! So keeping flight needs making it turns and turns roundly. (or it will go somewhere far away)
I bought it 3weeks ago, and from that day I fly it everyday now. (except bad weather)
In internet, there are too many manias and experts to customize F949 (with brushless motor , it had more power and long flight time , and somebody even made flap on it!)
I don't think F949 is just a kid toy, it can be customized and upgraded to more powerful RC airplane (even compatible with $200~$300 RC airplane).
good RC and good information for everyone :)
