Reaction 54 Detail Photo #9 - In Flight / At Home
Flying the R54 is a treat. Takeoffs will use about 150 ft., a bit more on grass. I estimate top speed to be about 125 mph,
maybe 140 at the most. That's scooting right along, but it's actually on the pokey side compared to most turbine models.
It's actually happier cruising around at 2/3 or 3/4 throttle at something less than 100 mph. The R54 wasn't designed to be fast,
its specialty is smooth, jet-like aerobatics. The rudder is too small for snaps and spins, but it will hold a knife edge clear
across the horizon.Landings are slow and sweet thanks to its generous flaps and thick airfoil. With a bit of practice, you will begin doing what very few "heavy jet" pilots dare: touch-and-goes!
In this pic you can see the flap and aileron servos are exposed on the bottom of the wing for simplicity. You can also see the Robart Mighty Mini retracts and the total lack of finicky retract doors. The wheels are standard sport R/C wheels from Sullivan and Hangar 9 - no special "jet wheels" are needed. Despite its turbine power, the R54 is a sport model at heart.