We have been talking about the T-Hawk and comment on the Aerobird from time to time. Let's compare

The T-Hawk is a fine starter plane. It is very rugged and flies well. We
have two in our club. We have 2 Aerobirds and 3 Aerobird Challengers and two Xtremes, so I
have first hand observations as well as pilot feedback.

I will try to detail similarities and differences to help you evaluate and
have a price summary below based on my understanding of costs.

Similarities:

Both are pod and boom plane design
Both are three channel and have similar flying characteristics.
Both are in the 16 -18 oz range.
Both use a speed 380 motor
Both can have proportional throttle (t-hawk FM option required)
Both use a polypropylene body with a carbon boom
Both use foam wing and tail.

Differences (T hawk items first)

standard tail vs. V tail
standard servo/receiver/ESC vs integrated control board
pushrods vs pull pull design
AM/FM option vs FM only
FM 2000' range vs 2500' range
Requires 7 cell battery vs 6 or 7 cells
40" wing with wood spar vs 42" all foam wing
AC-3.5 hour charger vs DC Peak charger - 40 minutes
5-10 min flight with std battery vs. 7-15 min flight with std battery
2 batteries, 2 wings, 2 tails - 1 of each
parts by mail only in most areas - parts readily available in LHS
$5 extra to choose channel - choice of 6 channels at purchase


Aerobird Options (not avail for t-hawk)
Air to air combat module
Bomb/parachute drop
sport mode/pro mode

Typical prices for comparable starter packages
(these would be my starter pkg recommendation)

T-Hawk, 160+5+10+40+5 = $220 (mail order)
Base Plane package with FM option, channel choice, two batteries, two wings,
two tails -
Upgrade to NIMH, Optional 12V peak charger (60 min charge time), 8 transmitter
batteries

Aerobird - 150 + 15 + 10 + 25 = $200 ( at local hobby store)
Base plane package - add wing, tail and second battery
includes nimh and field 12V peak charger (40 minute charge) and 8 transmitter
batteries

I have not included shipping or sales tax in either as that will vary.

What you see is that the price difference between them is not great. Both are
great planes! You make the choice.


e-bay option

The Aerobird Challenger is available daily, new in box, on e-bay for about
$115. If you consider this a valid source, then the Aerobird comes in at
$165. Lots of Aerobird stuff on e-bay.