I've said many times that I like unique airplanes, and those that are seldom modeled really get my attention. Flyzone recently introduced a plane that just called out to me, and it's certainly in the category of "seldom modeled".
Meet the Millennium Master: A low wing, tandem seat, ultra-light mostly constructed of carbon fiber. An Italian design that first flew in 2006, the Master was derived from the Asso X wooden kit plane. Powered by a Rotax 912 engine, she had a cruising speed of 128 MPH with a stall speed of just 39 MPH.
Unfortunately, the design was sold to a company called Blackshape, in Italy, before production was started.
Flyzone has brought the Master to the masses! Molded in AeroCell foam, Flyzone has accurately reproduced the cool look of this plane while maintaining resilience in the airframe. With a lot of scale features built into this plane, I can't wait to get the box open - let's have a look!
AeroCell Foam Construction
Brushless Motor, ESC, and Servos Pre-installed
Great Color Scheme for Easy Orientation in the Air
Channels Used: 4 - Aileron, Elevator, Throttle, and Rudder
Control Throws:
Elevator (Low), up/down: 5/16" (8mm) 9°
Elevator (High), up/down: 7/16" (11mm) 12°
Ailerons (Low), up/down: 1/4" (6mm) 9°
Ailerons (High), up/down: 3/8" (10mm) 14°
Rudder (Low), right/left: 5/8" (16mm) 13°
Rudder (High), right/left: 1" (25mm) 21°
Items Needed To Complete (Tx-R version)
Tactic Transmitter or AnyLink Adapter (Tx-R version)
Thin or Medium CA
Threadlock
Items Needed To Complete (Rx-R version)
4-Channel (minimum)Transmitter and Receiver
Battery: 3S 11.1V 1800mAh 20C LiPo (Rx-R version)
LiPo Compatible Battery Charger
Thin or Medium CA
Threadlock
The Millennium Master was well packaged in a nicely adorned box. All pieces of the plane were individually bagged and taped in place to prevent damage during shipping, and mine arrived in great shape. There are very few parts to assemble, so I expect it will go together quickly!
This review is based on the receiver-ready (RxR) version of the Millennium Master. The transmitter-ready (Tx-R) version includes the all the items included with the RxR, plus a spare propeller, LiPo battery and charger, and a Tactic TR624 receiver.
There were several items that I really liked about the Millennium Master. The large canopy/ hatch makes changing batteries a snap, as well as the pre- installed motor, ESC and servos! Even the nose gear is pre-installed to save time getting this plane in the air!
I think it's really cool that Flyzone accurately reproduced the anhedral in the horizontal stabilizer! Speaking of the tail, two of the three control horns are pre-installed as well. Even the simulated landing gear door covers are in place from the factory! Well done, Flyzone, well done.
Manual
The manual is very informative - the illustrations are clear and the written instructions are so well done that almost anybody can assemble the Millennium Master.
Wing Assembly/Installation
Assembly began by securing the hook-n-loop tape and strap inside the fuselage , followed by inserting the pre-assembled landing gear into slots in the bottom of the wing. I then slipped the aileron extension wire through a hole in the bottom of the fuselage and secured the wing using the included nylon bolt. Make sure the bolt is not over-tightened! Turn the bolt in until it's finger-tight, then add half a turn with a Phillips screwdriver.
Tail Assembly
The stab slid easily through the fuselage and was locked in place by adding the fin. After a quick visual inspection for correct alignment, I used thin CA to secure them.
The right control horn was then installed and secured with a drop of thin CA, followed by attaching the elevator pushrods to each horn. The rudder pushrod was then attached to the rudder horn. The tail is complete!
Finishing Touches
I installed the prop and spinner on the motor shaft, mounted the battery and receiver, and applied the three decals. The Center of Gravity (CG) came out perfectly balanced, so the battery was marked in its correct location.
Tactic AnyLink
This is the new Tactic AnyLink transmitter adapter. It is a small device that is attached to the back of your favorite (non-Tactic) transmitter. For the purpose of this review, I used my Spektrum DX7.
Product Spotlight: Tactic AnyLink 2.4GHz Universal Radio Adapter
A transmitter alone can only do so much. But a transmitter with AnyLink can do wonders. It's so revolutionary that a patent is already pending, and so simple to use that it takes only seconds to add.
AnyLink works with virtually any transmitter,regardless of brand, band or modulation. AnyLink enables your transmitter to send out a true, 2.4GHz signal - and operate with all of the interference-free dependability of a frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum system. AnyLink offers all of the convenience, versatility and benefits listed above for far less than the cost of a new 2.4GHz radio system.
Installation began by applying the Duo-lock hooked material to the AnyLink adapter and the back of the transmitter case. With the adapter in place, the wires were then connected to the AnyLink and the Transmitter.
Reviewer's Note: Make sure you read the manual to ensure proper use of the adapter. There are several important warnings regarding the operation of the AnyLink!!!
For example, when using the DX7, the transmitter power switch MUST NOT be turned on - this will cause the AnyLink to stop transmitting its signal!
After the initial test flight and a chat with some of the Hobbico tech gurus, it was determined that the AnyLink needed to be repositioned on the transmitter. I fly with a neck strap, which means that my transmitter lays almost flat. Because of this, the AnyLink's signal was 'buried' underneath my transmitter and I was getting some glitches. I repositioned the adapter as shown in the image to the left, and I had no further concerns with the AnyLink system!
As I stated in the last section, the first flight was a little tough. After repositioning the AnyLink on my Spektrum transmitter, it was time for a second attempt at the maiden flight.
There wind was blowing around 10MPH when I got to the field, but I figured the Millennium Master would do fine. Besides, it was pretty warm - the temperature was pushing 90 degrees, so the breeze felt good!
I readied the plane for take-off and taxied down the runway. The steerable nose gear did a great job keeping the Master going in the correct direction. I turned the plane into the wind and advance the throttle. "Wow! She's got plenty of power!" was my first thought. The Millennium accelerated quickly and was airborne in about 25 feet, and climbed out easily at a 60 degree climb!
I checked the trims, and found it needed 2 clicks of 'down' elevator - the remaining trims were set at neutral.
At full throttle, the Master moves very nicely - she's not a speed demon, but she moves across the sky pretty quick! I then pulled the throttle back to 1/3 and the plane slowed nicely. She was flying nicely, just above the stall speed, and there was no loss of flight control.
With speed testing done, it was time for some aerobatics! The Millennium Master performed all basic maneuvers, and looked really good while doing them! From loops to rolls and Immelman to stall turns - She was easy to maneuver!
Around the 10 minute mark, I decided I'd better land. It was so simple to land the Master! I lined her up on the runway, held a couple clicks of throttle on, and let the plane settle in - It was that easy! As I came over the runway threshold, I pulled the throttle back and the she came down really gently. That's it - the maiden flight was complete, and I was grinning from ear-to-ear!
Check out the video to see
the Flyzone Millennium Master in action!
I really like the new Flyzone Millennium Master. Assembly was quick and straight forward - I think it took me an hour to put the plane together, including taking all the assembly pictures. Without the camera-work, I believe I could have assembled the Master in 30 minutes! Flying the Millennium is fun! Though not suited for a beginner, anyone beyond a trainer will enjoy the Millennium Master.
I'll give Flyzone two thumbs up for this plane - Well done, Flyzone!
The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review.
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