The term Progressive Trainer System or PTS applies to a new type of R/C trainer aircraft developed by Hanger 9, a division of Horizon Hobby.
Unlike most trainers which tend to be boxy, high-winged and slow, Hanger 9's initial offering is a .40 P-51 Mustang, a low-winged warbird.
In order to make such a plane perform as a trainer, designers worked in reverse, first designing a sport plane and then employing aeronautical engineers to develop removable, clear plastic NACA-style ducts or "droops" for the wings which are invisible in flight, but still help to add stability and resistance to stalling. Flaps are manually adjustable and can be set several degrees downward for additional lift and stability. As the pilot gains experience, a servo may be added for in-flight deployment of the flaps. Removable speed brakes are attached to the landing gear.
The result of this additional engineering is a low-wing aircraft with the slow flight characteristics and recovery capabilities of a high-wing trainer. Removal of the training equipment results in a high-performance, fully aerobatic model.
The ready-to-fly Hanger 9 PTS Mustang comes with a pre-installed JR Propo XF421EX five-channel computer radio and Evolution Engines Trainer Power engine pre-installed. No break-in is required. A buddy box trainer link and flight simulator software are standard as well.
Dimensions and specifications[]
- Wingspan: 58.25"/148cm
- Length: 50"/127cm
- Wing Area: 627 sq. in/4045 sq. cm (w/droops)
- Weight: 6.5-7.0 lbs/2.9-3.0kg
- Radio: JR Propo XF421EX five-channel computer
- Engine: Evolution Engines Trainer Power System
- Covering film colors and replacement catalog numbers: Silver (HANU881), Dark Yellow (HANU889), Black (HANU8740, White (HANU870)
- Price: US$399.99
- Catalog number: HAN2825