Pulse XT-40

As with any Hangar 9 kit, a blow-by-blow account of the assembly process would simply re-write the superb manual and achieve very little. Thus, a quick run through the build sequence is more than sufficient here.

Unlike many models now, the ailerons are not pre-hinged and pinned, although attaching the moving surfaces is a simple enough task. There’s an aileron servo in each wing half employing a standard push-rod link, and in this respect it’s handy for you to know that you’ll not need extension leads to reach the receiver. Actually, I didn’t even mix the servos electronically, opting instead to plug both leads into a Y-lead that’s permanently located in the aileron socket of the receiver.

You’ll note that the wing is designed to disassemble for transport, the two halves being joined using an alloy tube brace (at the spar position) and an incidence peg (near the trailing edge). Dowels at the front and two wing bolts at the back lock the wing into position for a perfect and durable fit. You really couldn’t ask for more. What with the two piece wing and a bolt-on tail the Pulse can, if desired, be stowed in a very small space for transportation.

Beautifully finished in matching red, the alloy landing gear is attached by inserting three bolts into pre-fitted captive nuts, the whole topped off with the toughest looking pair of spats its been my pleasure to behold. The spat fixing arrangement is durable too, so you can expect them to survive all but the roughest of landings. Well done Hangar 9, the kit’s worth the extra money for this alone!

When it comes to fitting the radio the obvious consideration that’s gone into this model is all too apparent. Starting with the fuselage-mounted push-rod tubes you’ll note that their height perfectly matches standard servos, making installation quick and easy. It’s also good to see that at the front the engine bulkhead is pre-drilled, with captive nuts fitted to accept the engine bearers supplied. Continuing the pleasurable fuss-free build sequence, the engine bearer locations suited my SC52 perfectly, so again, another chunk of the assembly was completed quickly and easily. Mind you, the throttle linkage wasn’t quite so simple! In common with most ARTF models the pre-installed tube and wire have been positioned to suit a two-stroke engine, whereas the SCs carb is, of course, mounted at the rear of the motor, much higher than you’d find a two-stroke carb. After some initial head scratching I decided to simply bend the throttle push-rod by 90 degrees to meet the throttle arm. Not ideal, but so far its worked okay and looks set to continue that way.

My SC.52 has been fine although the throttle link provided a few challengesThe fuel tank is supplied pre-plumbed and when installed is readily available for inspection via a hatch on the underside of the fuselage, which doubles to provide battery access if you happen to install an electric power-train. Complete and with just the C of G to establish, only 1oz of stick-on lead was necessary at the firewall to achieve perfection.

With the greatest level of prefabrication and build quality that I’ve yet encountered, the Pulse has provided the quickest, easiest and most enjoyable build of all the ARTF models Ive yet assembled.

The take-off process is straightforward. A little elevator is required to hold the tail down at first but this can be released within a few yards before a little more pressure eases the model off the ground. A few clicks of trim may be required just to achieve straight and level flight but it’s unlikely to be very much if the C of G is correct.

As you might expect, stall handling is excellent. The model will drop her nose if pushed to a slow walking pace but her wings remain level throughout. For the low-wing novice, then, landings will present absolutely no problem. And that means you have no excuse for bending the undercarriage or damaging those delightful spats!

In terms of performance the sky really is the limit, indeed all the classic pattern aerobatic manoeuvres can be performed crisply. Loops, in particular, are very impressive; the model doesn’t skew out in either direction, she simply tracks around beautifully, the power of the SC52 coupled with the light airframe making large jet-style figures eminently possible.

Assisted by the sizeable rudder, stall-turns are straightforward and, again, the four-stroke provides power enough for the model to punch skywards from level flight with some authority. Actually, I’d go as far as to say the SC52 motor seems perfectly matched to the airframe, it sounds good and the power provided is just right, its a combination that I find very difficult to fault.

Moving through the manoeuvres you’ll find that inverted flight is a breeze with just a touch of forward pressure being required to hold her level. Once there shell hold position all day long and at all throttle settings, in fact if you get her in the groove you could almost forget you’re inverted!