Hi, I’m Tim. Today, we’ll be diving into the Volantex Focke Wulf Fw 190, a 4-channel, gyro-stabilized RC model that’s a great representation of the iconic World War II German fighter.
About the Reviewer: Tim McKay
Before we get into the details, let me introduce myself. My name is Tim McKay, and I’ve been flying radio control model aircraft since 1972. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for building, designing, and flying a wide range of RC model airplanes. Some of my designs have been published in RC Modeler and Quiet and Electric Flight magazines, with over 25 additional designs offered for free on my YouTube channel.
In addition to my experience with RC models, I bring a wealth of knowledge from my time flying in the US Air Force, working as a Certificated Flight Instructor for general aviation aircraft, and most recently, as a B-777F airline pilot. I also cover a wide range of aviation topics on my channel, where I share insights from my decades of flying experience.
Let’s get into it!
A Brief History of the Focke Wulf Fw 190
The Fw 190 was one of the primary fighter aircraft for the Germans during World War II, complementing the Me 109. It was highly regarded by pilots for its wide landing gear, which reduced accidents, and its innovative control rod system that minimized slack in the controls—unlike the traditional cable systems of its time. In summary, it was a remarkable fighter aircraft.
First Impressions
This Volantex model of the Fw 190 is a 4-channel RC plane with a six-axis gyro stabilization system. Right out of the box, it looks great. I particularly like the clear canopy, which adds a nice touch of realism with a small profile pilot figure inside. It’s a well-presented model that’s ready to fly with minimal setup.
The packaging is neat, and assembly is incredibly simple. You just need to attach the landing gear, click the propeller into place, charge the battery, and you’re good to go. The included transmitter has an intuitive layout, with a switch on the top-right corner allowing you to toggle between beginner, intermediate, and expert gyro settings.
Setup and Features
The Volantex Fw 190 is built from durable foam, making it resilient to minor crashes. The control surfaces—ailerons, elevator, rudder, and throttle—are all controlled via electronic speed control and a single servo for the ailerons. This setup is efficient, though it means the ailerons are positioned closer to where flaps would typically be.
One feature I appreciate is the ability to make fine adjustments to the control surfaces by bending the control rods. This is a simple, yet practical design element for those who want to fine-tune their aircraft without needing special tools.
Gyro Stabilization and Control
The gyro stabilization system on this model makes it fly smoothly, even for less experienced pilots. When the nose dips down, the elevator automatically adjusts to bring it back up, and the same applies to the ailerons when the plane banks. This helps keep the plane stable in flight, making it easier to control, especially for beginners.
One unique safety feature is the throttle system. When you first power on the plane, the throttle won’t engage until you push it to full power and then pull it back down, which prevents accidental motor activation during setup.
Flight Performance
We took the Fw 190 out to the field on a perfect day—clear skies, no wind, and ideal conditions for a test flight. The hand launch went smoothly, and the plane climbed effortlessly with plenty of power from the 400mAh battery. The Fw 190 performed as expected for a World War II fighter model, requiring you to keep your speed up for better control.
The plane flew well with both hand launches and ground takeoffs, thanks to the functional landing gear. In beginner mode, the gyro system prevented sharp turns, making the plane feel gentle and stable in the air. However, as Ron and I noticed, landing requires a bit of attention. The plane tends to come in “hot,” meaning it glides quickly, so you’ll need to slow it down manually.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Volantex Fw 190 is a well-designed model with impressive features for both beginner and intermediate flyers. The gyro stabilization ensures smooth and stable flights, and the build quality is excellent for the price range. The only minor issue we encountered was fitting the battery snugly into the compartment, but with some careful adjustment, it worked fine.
If you’re looking for a capable and fun-to-fly RC model of a classic WWII warplane, the Volantex Fw 190 is an excellent choice. Just be sure to experiment with the battery placement and take advantage of the gyro settings to suit your flying style.
For more details or to purchase the Volantex Fw 190, check out the product link here.