Raiden Tech Zero Fighter-25

The Raiden Tech Zero Fighter-25 (also sold as the NitroModel Zero Fighter-25) is an intermediate to advanced ARF radio controlled model airplane buildable with either .25 cubic inch/4.1cc two-stroke glow or 450-series brushless outrunner electric power. It is distributed online via both Raidentech.com and Nitroplanes.com by Raiden Technology, Incorporated of City of Industry, California, USA.

The sport model, denoting a 1939 - 1945 Mitsubishi A6M5 "Reisen" or "Zero Fighter" and constructed of laser-cut balsa and plywood with a molded, finished fiberglass engine cowl, optional fiberglass dummy drop tank and vacuformed Lexan canopy, is produced in China by an unidentified manufacturer. A full hardware package and 260cc plastic fuel tank are included as is a preinstalled hardwood engine/motor mount. To use electric power, one only needs to attach a plywood adapter to the front of the engine mount.

It is unique insofar as it bridges a size gap between popular, park flyer-sized models of the Zero and large-scale models. It is also quite possibly the only model of the Zero to provide the option of either nitro or electric power. Based on its color scheme and the optional registration number of 61-108 shown in the photo on the right, the distributor may have patterned the Zero Fighter-25 after the only original Zero in flying condition left in the world, number 61-120 at Planes of Fame in Chino, a short drive from City of Industry.

Though the model is attractively priced, buyers should be aware that the distributor does not provide parts support at this time.

pecifications

*Wingspan: 49.2"/1250mm
*Wing area: 372in²/24dm²
*Flying weight: 2.98lb/1.35kg
*Fuselage length: 38.2"/970mm
*Radio requirements: Four-channel aircraft radio with either 4 or 5 18g servos
*Engine requirement: .25 cubic inch/4.1cc R/C aircraft engine
*Motor requirement: 740-watt 450-series outrunner with 25 to 30-ampere ESC
*Battery requirement: 14.8v 4S 2200mAh lithium polymer; two 3S 2100 mAh lithium polymer packs may be fitted in parallel
*Suggested retail/online prices: US$199.95/US$79.99

External links and references

* [http://www.nitroplanes.com/ww2jamia6mze.html Order page at nitroplanes.com]
* [http://www.raidentech.com/nizefi2549fu.html Order page at raidentech.com]
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=741029 Product review at rcgroups.com]
* [http://www.eflightwiki.com/eflightwiki/index.php?title=Raiden_Tech_Zero_Fighter-25 Similar article at Eflightwiki.com which further elaborates on the model's flying abilities]
* [http://www.planesoffame.org/featured-aircraft.php?ID=4 Planes of Fame feature page on their full-scale A6M5]
* [http://airandspace.si.edu/research/aero/aircraft/mitsubishi_a6m5zero.htm Smithsonian feature page on their full-scale A6M5, captured in Saipan at the same time as the Chino plane and restored with similar markings]