EAM's ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) RC scale replica is faithful to the full size Challenger II. As the full scale Challenger is designed for fabric covering, so too is the look of our model. The picture shows the rib construction in the wings, and the beautiful high gloss white Oracover (A high quality polyester covering material) that comes factory applied. Our models come in white to allow the builder/modeler to apply the color trim scheme of their choice. The kit includes your choice of color schemes of computer cut trim.

All wood is laser cut, including the plywood epoxy bonded fuselage bulkheads. We supply two fiberglass nose cones: One to match the original fabric covered style, or the other to match newer fiberglass nose cone version. The molded cockpit windows bow outward, and we now include the pod over the cockpit (which we've widened to hide the fuel tank and throttle servo.) The fuselage with all of it's intricate curves is molded fiberglass. Also included is a plywood platform that extends into the nose cone, to allow mounting of batteries and a 'lead pilot' weight to make getting the correct CG easier. (The full scale Challenger does not balance without a pilot seated in the front seat.)

The model has full span ailerons and its unique high thrust line provides the flier with aerodynamics similar to flying a flying boat (therefore making it a great trainer for that type of model.) Flying characteristics are consistent with the full size Challengers, in that the pusher configuration tends to push the nose over at full power, with the rudder having excellent response being directly in the prop wash. For ROG the model prefers pavement or other hard surface or short grass.

Even though the Challenger looks like an easy flier, it is best flown with dual rates or exponential to smooth its pitch sensitivity under higher power settings. Like the full scale aircraft it prefers being flown 'coordinated', meaning you will get more realistic looking flights by re-learning how to use the rudder. Flying weight with a .46 two cycle motor is approximately 8 lbs. This weight is caused by about 1.3 lbs of lead required to balance the model. (Remember this is a scale model, so form follows full scale design, not function - otherwise we'd be offering yet another Sukoi or Cap 232 or pattern ship!) With the full 74" wing span and 11.75" chord, the wing loading is still only 21 oz/ft2.

Kit hardware includes pushrods, control surface horns, fuel tank, struts, vacuum formed wind screen, pre-covered wings, landing gear, gear fasteners, etc. It is a very complete kit with lots of DuBro and Sullivan add-ins to eliminate extra trips to the hobby shop. Just add engine and radio and you're ready to fly. Typical build time from box to built up and trimmed is about 25 to 30 hours.

Designed for gas, This model makes it an excellent candidate for electric power.The reason for this is it's very light airframe weight, and the need to put 'pilot weight' (lead or batteries) forward to simulate the real weight and balance.

The Challenger II truly is a distinctive bird at the flying field (Just as it is on the tarmac at the airport!) This is a One-of-a-kind fun high wing flyer! This is a perfect model for electric conversion or the addition of floats!