Reviewing The FlightLine Warbirds

In early 2016 we announced a new line of quality foam warbirds from FlightLine. These models are carefully researched, designed and developed by the partnership between Motion RC and Freewing Models. Freewing, well established as leaders in quality scale foam jets across the industry, created FlightLine as a way to focus the same attention they give their award-winning jet models to the propeller-driven warbird.

Our primary goal was to offer our customers a diverse line of quality, scale, well-engineered model aircraft with superb flight performance and characteristics. From the first-ever modeled foam Russian La-7 and German Focke-Wulf Ta 152H to the iconic Spitfire, P-38 Lightning and F4U Corsair, FlightLine has quickly become a favorite brand among many RC pilots world-wide.

The following offers a brief summary review of each FlightLine model to help our customers make the best informed decision before purchasing. 

(Last updated January 17, 2019)

FlightLine F4U-1A/D Corsair 1600mm (63") Wingspan - PNP

This FlightLine F4U Corsair is approximately 1/8 scale, with a 1600mm wingspan and 1300mm length.  We offer both the F4U-1A (“Birdcage” canopy) and F4U-1D (“Bubble Top” canopy) versions of the early three-bladed Corsair, and each version sports its own period-accurate factory paint scheme and includes appropriate decals from which users can choose their favorite to apply.  Molded from EPO foam and featuring a scale shape with lots of plastic parts to enhance its scale fidelity and user friendliness, all the Corsair’s control surfaces are easily assembled with screws. 

Like the FlightLine 1600mm Spitfire Mk.IX and Freewing A-10 Warthog, this Corsair also features a multi-material wing, utilizing foam, plywood, plastic, carbon tubes, and aluminum extrusions to provide a stronger wing than solid foam yet still lightweight and maneuverable.  Scale lighting, scale six-panel flaps, scale landing gear, sharply molded panel lines and raised surfaces, and various other scale features make this the best big foam electric Corsair on the market today!

The FlightLine F4U Corsair stock PNP version is equipped with a 5055-390KV brushless outrunner motor and scale 3-blade propeller and 80A ESC.  The specially molded large size propeller and all-new motor help power the Corsair through acrobatic maneuvers with ease while retaining a reasonable scale appearance.  The model can cruise at ~40-50% throttle setting and loop consecutively at only 50%-60% throttle setting.  Vertical performance is also excellent for a scale model this size!  With the recommended Admiral 6S 5000mAh lipo battery, the F4U Corsair has a level top speed of 125kph/75mph, with 5-9 minutes of flight time depending on throttle management. 

Takeoff is very stable without the need for flaps.  The F4U can execute a wide range of maneuvers, including all scale maneuvers and additional non-scale acrobatics.  Its aluminum suspension main struts and tall wheels provide confidence when operating on grass runways.  All three landing gear are retractable, and the mains even feature three panel sequenced molded plastic gear doors for ultimate realism.

This larger scale iconic warbird flies very scale, stable and predictable.  For any RC Pilot with intermediate skill level.

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FlightLine B-24 Liberator 2000mm (78") Wingspan - PNP

Motion RC is proud to introduce the world’s first foam electric PNP B-24 Liberator, in remembrance of the crews who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who carry on its memory.  The FlightLine B-24 Liberator is approximately 1/16.7 scale, with a 2000mm wingspan and 1230mm length, and is constructed from EPO foam and reinforced with integrated aluminum, carbon fiber, plywood, and plastic structures.  Designed with input from the Collings Foundation, which operates the only flying B-24-J, “Witchcraft”.

Despite its very large size, primary assembly of the entire aircraft is completed with only 12 screws; glue is only required for cosmetic details such as antennas and windows.  A quick disconnect ribbon wire harness consolidates wiring into a central circuit board inside the fuselage.  Each wing is removable with two screws, making this large aircraft extremely easy to transport. Available in both "Olive Drab" and Silver liveries.

This giant scale iconic warbird flies very scale, stable and predictable.  For any RC Pilot with intermediate skill level.

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FlightLine Spitfire Mk.IX 1600mm (63") Wingspan - PNP

After a large outpouring of requests from customers to upsize its smaller 1200mm Spitfire, FlightLine’s 1600mm wingspan Spitfire Mk.IXc is approximately 1/7 scale and an entirely larger beast with all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from aircraft in the 1600mm Class. This Spitfire is molded from EPO foam, featuring a scale shape and smooth surface. The main wing is assembled from hollow foam parts and an interlocking plywood and carbon fiber frame, providing lower weight and higher strength than a solid foam wing. The main wing and horizontal tail are attached with screws for very convenient transport, and proper ventilation is also designed to keep the electronics cool. The large battery hatch and removable battery bay floor provides easy access to an organized battery and receiver compartment, including space for an optional flight stabilizer gyro.

The FlightLine 1600mm Spitfire Mk.IX was optimized for sport scale performance, gentle handling, and an almost effortless flying experience, suitable for intermediate pilots and above. Importantly, a very predictable stall and power on recovery make the aircraft easy to control throughout all stages of flight. Day-Bright LEDs also aid in visibility of this large and beautiful foam electric model aircraft. 

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FlightLine Focke-Wulf Ta 152H 1300mm (51") Wingspan - PNP

FlightLine F7F-3 Tigercat 1600mm (63") Wingspan - PNP

Motion RC is proud to introduce the FlightLine F7F-3 Tigercat, which is the world’s first mass production foam electric RC Tigercat. Officially licensed by Northrop Grumman, the FlightLine F7F-3 Tigercat’s 1600mm wingspan and 1/10 sport scale matches our popular P-38 Lightning, and the two look excellent in flight formation together! In the air, the FlightLine F7F-3 Tigercat exhibits fantastic stability, is very easy to control at a wide speed range, and has a predictable stall with easy recovery. We designed this aircraft to be a superb balance between top speed, vertical performance, flight duration, convenient transport, sport scale realism, and overall scale presentation. 

Very stable with a wide flight envelope, this larger model offers plenty of WOW factor both on the ground and in the air.  RC pilots with intermediate skill will highly enjoy this model.

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FlightLine Focke-Wulf Ta 152H 1300mm (51") Wingspan - PNP

FlightLine's 1310mm wingspan Ta-152H depicts the stark beauty of the full scale in 1/11 scale with the convenience of electric power. This model has quickly become one of our favorites at the flying field! Prepare to be amazed by the Ta-152's wide flight envelope, from vertical climbs to tall loops, from high speed passes at 80+mph to slow soaring like a glider. Carbon reinforcements strengthen the aircraft to withstand the rigors of sport RC flight. Screws assemble the model in minutes, and make wing removal fast for convenient transport.

As with all FlightLine model aircraft, the Ta-152H features many scale details to bring your model to life including an accurate outline, plastic cowl and intake, cannon, exhaust stacks, correct canopy shape and forward fuselage contours, and gear doors. Split flaps, large wheels, and a wide stance on metal trunion retractable main landing gear make landings predictable and stable. This is easily one of our best handling aircraft on grass under the 1350mm class size. A beautiful base paint job with 18 included tail number decals gives you multiple options to stand out at your flying field!

To further expand its versatility, our Ta-152H is the first aircraft from FlightLine RC specifically designed to accommodate a 3s or 4s battery. Fly at scale speeds with as small as a 3s 2200mAh battery, or enjoy spirited flying with the recommended 4s 2500 battery. We flight tested 3s 1800 batteries up to 4s 3300. On the recommended Admiral 4s 2500mAh battery, we fly a comfortable 5-7 minutes of mixed throttle sport flying on the stock PNP's three bladed scale power system with nearly unlimited vertical climbing power. The optional High Speed two blade power system requires the recommended 4s 2500 battery to achieve 90mph speeds.

Excellent performance and tracking, a rare warbird that will impress.  RC pilots with intermediate to advanced skill will be sure to love this model.

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FlightLine F8F-1 Bearcat 1200mm (47") Wingspan - PNP

FlightLine presents an exciting 1/9 scale flying electric replica of the F8F-1 Bearcat. This EPO foam model assembles easily in minutes and features a scale profile with many plastic detail parts such as spring-loaded inner gear doors, highly detailed cowl and radial engine, and removable cannon barrels. The 1200mm wingspan removable wing is easy to transport and strategic carbon reinforcements provide lightweight strength. The Bearcat’s magnetic hatch reveals a large battery compartment that can also accommodate a flight stabilization gyro (sold separately). Cooling airflow is channeled over the battery and ESC compartment. Large flaps help stabilize the aircraft for very slow and controlled landings to accomplish that perfect carrier landing!

Scale power is provided by a 3748-580KV brushless motor with 4-blade scale propeller, which provides impressive vertical climbing power and 120kph/75mph level speed on a 4s battery. The Bearcat is optimized for satisfying scale performance and extended flight times of 6-7 minutes on the Admiral 2500mAh, or up to 8 minutes with throttle management using the Admiral 4s 4000mAh.  An optional High Performance Power System Set provides 147kph/87.5mph level speed and increased vertical performance with slightly shorter flight times.

FlightLine's F8F-1 Bearcat is a suitable aircraft for novice warbird pilots to advanced pilots. Its 490mm wide landing gear stance provides stable ground handling especially on grass when compared to other aircraft with narrower gear stances or smaller wheels. The power to weight ratio also allows for most any acrobatic maneuver you can imagine, yet the Bearcat’s large wing and flying surfaces are most conducive to stable, scale flight, for an overall relaxing flying experience. Landing under power with full flaps can yield a very short landing length, which is ideal for pilots flying in confined areas.

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FlightLine FW-190 V2 1120mm (44") Wingspan - PNP

The FlightLine 1120mm FW-190 is a fresh update of Freewing’s popular FW-190 from 2011. Several key improvements bring this wonderful aircraft up to date with the other FlightLine single engine warbirds released in 2016: Flaps, improved servos and retracts, a powerful 4s outrunner motor, and a 4s capable ESC. The new power system gives this aircraft improved top speed, vertical climbing power, and overall flight performance. In addition, the FlightLine 1120mm FW-190 sports a new base paint scheme and three decal options inside the box. Customize your FW-190 to stand out at your flying field!

The model assembles in mere minutes, with 98% screw together construction. Glue is only required for the cosmetic cannon barrels. The FW-190’s removable wing makes transportation very convenient for this daily fun flyer. Durable retractable landing gear and flaps make landing a breeze.

A great, economical flyer, a go-to for many, even years later!  Great, reliable, well-behaved model for any RC pilot with intermediate skill level.

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FlightLine Spitfire Mk.IX 1200mm (47") Wingspan - PNP

To honor this aircraft and the heroic crews who served with it, FlightLine presents its Supermarine Spitfire in the popular Mk.IX variant. Constructed using EPO foam and painted with matte finish scale colors, this 1200mm wingspan model uses carbon tubes and plastic parts to reinforce the removable wings and control surfaces for durable handling. The wing and elevator can be easily removed in seconds for convenient transport. FlightLine RC captures the beautiful classic lines of the Spitfire Mk.IX with an accurate cowl shape, exhaust stacks, and accurate canopy outline complete with a scale rear view mirror. Split flaps, radiators, two optional air filters, and two optional decal sets are included in the box to provide pilots with multiple customizing options. Choose from either Commander Pierre Clostermann’s LO-D or Wing Commander James “Johnnie” Johnson’s JE-J.

FlightLine’s Spitfire Mk.IX features a scale four bladed propeller and 580kv motor to achieve satisfying scale performance at 135kph/83mph top speeds. An optional two bladed power system (sold separately) can be purchased to reach 150kph/93mph level speeds on the same 4s 14.8v battery.

The Spitfire also features oversized retracts with metal trunions and metal reinforcing plates. Slightly oversized tires help to minimize nose overs. With the recommended Admiral 4s 2500 mAh battery we obtain 5-6 minutes of mixed throttle scale flight. The model can also accommodate an Admiral 4s 3000mAh or even Admiral 4s 4000mAh battery for longer flight times, but the 2500mAh and 3000mAh are the best balance between speed, vertical power, flight duration, and wing loading.

A good flyer, with the FlightLine level of quality.  Good for any RC pilot with intermediate skill level.

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FlightLine P-38L Lightning 1600mm (63") Wingspan - PNP

FlightLine’s P-38 represents the pinnacle of engineering for a foam electric P-38. It is the largest mass-produced foam electric P-38 in the world, with a high level of quality and scale fidelity. We know our customers have been waiting for a large P-38 with good size, clean wiring, and scale lines. The wait is over, it’s here!

The Flightline P-38 was designed for easy operation. Its outer wings disassemble with four screws for convenient transportation and allowing the aircraft to sit on all three wheels without the outer wings attached. FlightLine RC’s P-38 Lightning features durable electronic retractable landing gear, five sequenced servo driven landing gear doors, day-bright LEDs, machine gun details, plastic nose cone and cowls, four flaps, accurate canopy and nacelle shape, and many other scale details. Each rudder is directly controlled by its own servo. The cockpit layout accommodates a wide range of 4S 14.8v Li-Po batteries with ample space for electronics. To ensure a high degree of structural rigidity, the entire model was designed around a special framework of carbon rods and reinforcement points. This framework strengthens the aircraft during high speed maneuvers, while still providing a gentle and forgiving flying behavior.

This P-38 comes in both "Allied Green" and "Pacific Silver" liveries. Excellent flight characteristics, stable and impressive in the sky. Great for any RC pilot with intermediate skill.

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FlightLine La-7 1100mm (43") Wingspan - PNP

FlightLine’s 1:9 scale flying replica of the La-7 uses EPO material and a fiberglass reinforced one piece wing to offer pilots excellent performance at a great value. A large equipment cabin gives easy access to the ESC, receiver, and battery compartment. Screws attach the wing and elevator for quick assembly. Scale details such as the three bladed propeller and split flaps enhance the model’s realism.

Small and fast with excellent maneuverability at a wide speed range, the La-7 flies great but can get away from you in a hurry. Great for any RC pilot with intermediate to advanced skill.

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FlightLine Hawker Sea Fury 1200mm (47") Wingspan - PNP

This is the first model from FlightLine. The Sea Fury has a quick build, offers multiple reinforcement material in the wings and flaps, intuitive internal structural design for optimized cooling of all electronics in the fuselage from the nose to the tail, easily removable wing and horizontal stabilizer for transport (if needed) and tall foam rubber 65mm diameter main wheels and additional forward rake angle for operating on short grass runways. Most FlightLine models including the Sea Fury offer an optional two bladed propeller Sport Power System (sold separately) to achieve higher-than-stock speeds.

Well behaved, flies like it's on rails with a good flight envelope. Great for any RC pilot with intermediate skill.

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