A Brand New Big Electric RC Helicopter : The Hurricane 550

Electric RC helicopters are becoming more and more popular everyday. However, one of their main criticisms is that they lack of big models. Most electric RC helicopters are of the 400 size, which are not even as big as .30 size nitro helicopters - the smallest kind. Electric RC helicopter pilots who wanted to fly bigger models had pretty much only one model to choose - the T-REX 600 which although performs extremely well, comes with a hefty price tag. Now, from the production line of GAUI, maker of many successful models such as the Zoom and the Shogun, comes another model to fill the void in the big electric helicopter market: the Hurricane 550. With a much lower price, the Hurricane 550 will undoubtedly provide pilots who want to try their hands on a big electric model helicopter with a promising alternative.

In The Box:

The Hurricane 550 comes as an ARF (almost ready to fly) kit and claims to be 95% pre-assembled from the factory. You still to install the radio receiver, servos, and the gyro - a task which usually takes at least an hour for beginners. Nevertheless, the main frame, the head set, and the tail come already assembled. The frame is made of a plastic composite material which is strong and durable. The way that each pieces are put together should is quite impressive. Although the model is pre-assembled, the manual provides a comprehensive instruction on how to completely rebuild it from scratch. This is very thoughtful as lacking these instructions would make extensive repairs a daunting task.

The canopy comes already pre-painted. For many people who painting is not their strongest trait, this canopy is great news. On the other hand, others who enjoy airbrushing their own helicopter may be less appreciative. On the quality side, it should be noted that the canopy is noticeably thinner than other models, making it more brittle-prone. However, its thinner canopy is a good weight-saver. This kit also includes a motor and a speed controller. The motor, the 800 KV outrunner, has been upgraded to generate less heat and consume less power.

As for the battery, the Hurricane draws its required 22.2 V from two 11.1V packs. Personally, I think this is a very smart way to implement its power system - unlike the T-Rex 600 which requires a whole new expensive battery pack.

The wooden blade that comes included with the kit is already sufficient. However, for modelers who would like something different, this model can take any blades that is suitable for a .32 size nitro helicopter; namely blades from the 470-550 size.

In Flight:

In flight the Hurricane 550 proves an able helicopter. Beginner to intermediate pilots should find that this model is great fun to fly, nimble and crisp. It is not as aggressive and the T-REX 600, but then again, you wouldn't want to push this model to fly out the most demanding 3D maneuver as the swash plate is made of plastic. As for the flight time, this model can stay in the air for 8 minutes of ordinary flight and 5 minutes of 3D flight. All in all, although this model doesn't come with the aluminum tails, carbon bodies, and the shiny accessories of the T-REX, it is definitely worth its price.