The Defender, an unlikely moniker for an air vehicle that seems like it could trace it’s lineage to an overland cargo trailer with wings. Clearly designed for utility rather than esthetics, it has square edges rather than curvy lines, a rectangular rather than sleekly tapered wing planform and a funny looking landing gear system. “It’s got a great personality” comes to mind! So, with all these qualities, what makes the aircraft so successful? In reality, the Defender is a stretched version of the Britten-Norman Islander, the airplane you see in use everywhere in the Islands and small countries in commuter airline and short-haul utility roles. The formula seems to work, it routinely operates from fields that would make rotary-winged machines think twice.
From a modeling standpoint, it couldn’t be easier to build or fly. If you’re considering a sport scale twin, stick around. You’ve even got the option of converting it to that Islander I mentioned, a couple of extra cuts with your hobby knife to reduce the length of the fuselage and you’re there. The model has been built and flown in both Defender and Islander configurations, the latter by my flying buddy Gene Davis. They both perform well, with no appreciable performance differences between them. It really boils down to a matter of personal preference. The availability of some really great electric motors and power sources makes electric models of this type very practical as well as reliable. Although I see no reason why glow power couldn’t be used as well. A pair of .25 engines are the likely optimum displacement.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL: BN2T-4S Defender
TYPE: Sport scale electric twin
WINGSPAN: 70 in.
LENGTH: 52.69 in.
WING AREA: 600 sq. in.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Legend Hobby / Seagull Models - Cessna Grand Caravan 208
The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is a legend in aviation circles. A single engine utility aircraft that punches up with capabilities that rival many twin engine aircraft in its class. Its seemingly simple configuration belies its near extreme utility.
PROPER CG LOCATION FOR AEROBATICS
If you are getting into aerobatics and are starting to perform more advanced maneuvers, it is time to discuss ways you can not only become a better pilot, but how you can also improve the flight characteristics of your airplanes.
Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1
This famous multi-mission single engine observation aircraft served from 1950-1974. From calling out target locations to providing intel/recon information, the Bird Dog was a valued asset in both the Korean War and Vietnam.
EARN YOUR WINGS
10 Tips for First-Flight Success
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.
FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy
Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.
HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS
Four easy steps to increase performance and reduce vibration
PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL
I’m a sucker for shop stuff. I buy tools I will probably never use just because they are cool, or I might need to use them someday. When Glen from RC Plane Stands reached out about a review, however, I knew as soon as I browsed their website that I would be receiving something I would use a lot, maybe even daily.
SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER
A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
The secret to a plane that flies well
