Get ready for a new experience at the flying field: feel connected. If you love our Katana MX, or the XR-52 – you really need to fly this one – the XR-61 takes the best of both. It is the largest plane currently available in the PA line and is the most accurate in the PA range.
The sophisticated aerodynamic design, straight and true factory-build (incidence pre-set) and incredibly powerful set up allowing this plane to perform just like you hope for. Be it precision flying or slow 3D – you got it!
Don’t be intimidated by the size or capabilities of this bird – the unique design makes it that it can be flown just like an accurate sport plane – relaxing to fly and easy to land. Switch to high rates and adjust your CG for entirely different flying characteristics.
To quote PA lead test pilot, Daniel Dominguez – “On low rates I couldn’t believe how precise this plane feels, it gives a similar feeling as the big F3A pattern ships, or a big 100cc IMAC airplane, and when you switch to high rates, you get the crazy high energy 3D flying of a smaller plane, yet this one has the stability of a big plane. There isn’t one maneuver that didn’t make me WOW, knife edge has 0 coupling, harriers and elevators are so easy that it feels like this plane has a gyro, it feels completely locked in and gives that connected feeling that really makes me love this airplane. ”
Being a NEXT Generation PA plane means the XR-61 sustains more energy when flown and by so keeping higher flight speeds which is vital when performing consecutive aerobatics or freestyle maneuvers and allowing sharp and quick turns, resulting in most impressive and breathtaking transitions.
You can expect everything: from crazy tumbles, to super slow harriers at walking pace, and high alpha knife edge without any coupling! Elevators that need 0 corrections other than small inputs to keep the plane tracking straight. Super tight and easy to do waterfalls, completely flat – flat spins! Slow rolls the length of the field, super precise snap rolls, completely axial rolls.
This 61” wingspan design is sure to grant you an unmistaken giant-scale feel: being capable of stable, true and straight lines with unlimited power to recover from any situation.
The XR-61 is incredibly lightweight and rigid. Couple its huge control surfaces to its feather-like lightweight and an incredibly low wing loading proves the XR-61 to be a floater that will respond immediately to your stick inputs.
Powered by the PA Thrust 60 24 pole RotorKool® equipped motor and PA Quantum 80 EVO HV ESC with a switching BEC makes the XR-61 extremely responsive providing absolute control, extreme performance and predictability, so you are able to get out of the most difficult situations with ease – and this builds confidence. The XR-61 is powered by two standard 2200 – 2600mAh 11.1V packs or single 6s 22.2v 2600 mAh pack, so you don’t need to get a new charger or buy a battery that is dedicated to only one model in your hangar. The two PA 11.1v 2200 mAh allow for 6 minutes of safe intensive 3D flight. This iPAs package has proven to be the most powerful yet most economical and reliable set up possible. Best of all, you don’t even need to know how to select your ESC, motor or battery or even need to learn how to program your ESC. Everything is done for you and all that is required is just to plug and play. With the iPAs package, we have made it as easy as it gets to get it right the first time when it comes to electrics. Not only does the iPAs package make it easy to get it right, it will give you the identical setup (and potential performance) as our Team Pilots.
The XR-61 is pre-assembled by our skilled staff, each specifically trained in building models using our most advanced FiberFusion® construction techniques to date; using only the finest grade material, all cut by state-of-the-art laser and CNC machines. In order to attain uniform performance for each and every model manufactured, each plane is consistently crafted on highly sophisticated and accurate jigs. Further, each set of wings are individually matched to their fuselage and all receive matching serial numbers (something most factories don’t do even in giant scales production). We test-assemble each airframe before shipping and ensure precise wing incidence, alignment and fit.
Two wing halves are removable making it easily transportable for a model of this size. The wings are joined together with a CF wing tube and CF sleeve that makes the XR-61 a compact and durable aircraft. All flight surfaces are fully airfoiled, and the ailerons are already pre-hinged with the gaps sealed . For maximum aerodynamics, the aileron design and construction in this model is exceptional, made in such a way that the hinge gap is completely sealed as part of the wing, similar to the full size high performance aerobatic planes. This is indeed quite complex to produce: the ailerons fit into the wing trailing edge tunnels being glued and aligned in the factory. Despite the laborious production of this design we insist on producing the ailerons this way, as it ensures perfect aerodynamic flow over the airfoil resulting in maximum efficiency of the control surfaces. To us, it is the aerodynamic performance that counts most.
Following PA tradition this model too gives the word QUALITY a whole new meaning. From the design through the construction, the hardware, level of finish, and the attention to detail are second to none. Our XR-61 is a TRUE ARF, 99% built for you in our factory. The brief assembly is a joy and most modellers will have it set up in just a few evenings with the help of our video build guide series, PA Builds – now included in the box of the XR-61.
PA Thrust 60 Revo 24 pole outrunner motor
PA Quantum EVO 80A Pro ESC w/ SBEC
Two PA Gen2 LiPo 2600mAh 11.1V (3s) 30-60C (or a 6S 2,600mAh pack)
Four NXT-200HV digital super-torque metal case and gears servo
VOX 15×8 / 16×7 wooden propeller
2.17″ PA Carbon Fiber Spinner
Note: Vortex Generators and Carbon fiber spinner are not included in the kit
iPAs Combos
Combos include the following:
iPAs Drive: The drive package includes:
XR-61
PA Thrust 60 Revo 24 pole outrunner motor with RotorKool Technology
PA Quantum EVO 80A High performance Programmable ESC
CNC machined precision prop adapter
Carbon Fiber X mount
iPAs Power:
The Power package includes
XR-61
PA Thrust 60 Revo 24 pole outrunner motor with RotorKool Technology
PA Quantum EVO 80A High performance Programmable ESC
CNC machined precision prop adapter
Carbon Fiber X mount
4 of NXT-200HV digital super-torque metal case and gears servo
Set of 4 Carbon Fiber extended servo arms specifically designed to achieve the desired linkage geometry for full control surface movement. Note that the supplied servo arms are designed to match the NXT-200. If you already own these servos, please purchase the servo arms separately to ensure the correct linkages geometry is achieved.
Thin gauge twisted light extension lead (made in the same German factory as our giant scale airplanes HD leads). Due to its fine high quality strings it is extremely flexible preventing RF noises and features low internal resistance.
16×7 VOX Wooden propeller
What is iPAs? –Integrated Performance Airframe-Drive System
NO COMPROMISES, NO MODS, NO HASSLE THIS IS THE REAL DEAL: PERFORMANCE OUT OF BOX
WHAT YOU SEE IN OUR VIDEOS IS WHAT YOU GET WITH iPAs
Unlike glow aircraft where it is mostly a matter of bolting on a specific size engine, the options for electric flight gear are simply overwhelming and matching electric gear to an airframe is a complex task for the average modeler and quite often can be very confusing.
Most manufacturers direct their customers to acquire a “compatible” motor and ESC or at best offer a “Combo” package that comprises of an off-the-shelf motor and ESC that would, in theory “fit” within the model’s power requirements.
Surveys we conducted showed that each and every EP models flyer has experienced at least one if not more of the following problems:
Unpredictable handling problems caused by reduced wing loading due to oversized motors or battery packs or ancillary gear.
Overheating or unwanted ESC cut outs due to over propping or undersized motors
Handling problems due to drastic shift in CG and overall weight distribution.
Unacceptable flight duration due to inefficient “hot” motors or undersized packs
Airframe structural failure due to increased aerodynamic loads caused by oversized drives and packs.
Overheating and swelling of battery packs caused by serious drive mismatch.
Less than optimum motor performance due to ESC incompatibility.
Crashes as a result of servo gear failures caused by excessive loads on the control surfaces or exceeding the maximum airspeed limits.
A huge disparity in flight performance observed in the promotional videos against actual aircraft.
Premature Motors, ESC and Battery failures or performance degradation over time due to mismatch setup.
Gear does not properly fit the airframe and requires modification.
We do not believe modelers should have to live with compromises in flight performances.
Through hundreds of hours of flight testing our airframe designs, we have established that there is a direct correlation between airframe and drive system, which influences the desired aerodynamic performance. This means that airframes and drives should not be treated as independent items, but as one integrated system.
Due to the extreme lengths taken in the design of the airframe, and the unprecedented flight testing period to finally achieve the desired aerodynamic characteristics, we felt a complete solution for this model is necessary. As a result, we have developed our iPAs, PA Integrated Performance Airframe-Drive System.
Each iPAs component has been carefully selected, tested individually and on the airframe itself. Any impacts on the overall flight performance and aerodynamic characteristics have been identified and addressed to ensure that all iPAs components interact in full synergy, as an integrated flight system within the constraints of the design specifications. Each component has then been further refined. The result achieved is a perfectly matched setup, successfully meeting the desired performance criteria.
For the first time, flyers have the unique opportunity to experience the exact aerodynamic performance as envisaged by our chief designer and team of test pilots minus all the guess work and unnecessary expense.
I just received my new green XR-61 today. Everything looked great as usual, the covering is flawless. The green color is awesome! The pictures don’t do it justice. The reason I am writing you is to thank you for taking the time to personally inspect my airplane. It means a lot to me. I wasn’t expecting it but that just goes to show your great customer support. Thanks again. Your planes are so predicable to fly that it gives me the confidence to push myself. Thus the reason for several replacement airplanes. Because of your quality flying airplanes I am one of the better airplane flyers at our local park area. I live in Salt Lake City Utah and fly with one of the main flying groups here in the Metropolitan area. We just recently built a new flying field which is about 45 minutes from my home out near the Great Salt Lake which will accommodate small or large scale airplanes. I have built two large airplanes and two giant scale airplanes two of the latter are gas powered. With the practice of your airplanes I am finally getting to the point to test the larger airplanes. I will always fly your airplanes no matter what. I can be at several local parks in ten minutes and keep improving on my skills.
Ken Miyake
They almost fly themselves i have 4 pa planes
Douglas Stolz
Just a few flights in and im loving this beast.
Austin Jones
Well you guys were right about the XR61, this thing flys amazing! With the AR636 it will knife edge with zero coupling and flys like it’s on rails. My first PA airframe but surely not my last!
Joe Willis
This is my third PA plane and I love your products and support. The how to videos are excellent!
Tim Markley
Can I take the time to congratulate you on the finest quality and most beautifully constructed kit I have ever received. Everything is better than advertised and it is amazing to see the construction and finish quality with fantastic attention to detail and fitment.
Chris Barton
Hi guys I am 86 years old and fly a PA XR-61 great flying plane . You are never to old to fly PA.
Edward Ulrich
Wooooow this thing is sick!!! Successful maiden no coupling and just awesome!!! Thanks PA! Thanks guy for all the input and help. Happy boy over here in Queensland Australia.
Gerhardus Berg
This is best balanced 60″ plane I have (I have 5 others) and most well behaved. It’s always in car when I go to field
Todd Bonack
You won’t go wrong with the XR-61! Super light and agile but very precise. I am not the world class pilot like Daniel or Michael but this plane makes me more confident with the way it performs. With each flight, I am getting it more “dialed in”. One other point, besides great design and great customer service is that it uses the very common and inexpensive 3s2200mah batteries. Think about your battery inventory and replacement costs as part of your purchase decision.
Willie T
It’s been a long wait but I finally have my XR 61 and have flown this awesome machine. So far I’m very happy with its performance. After coming from flying the EF 60” airframes then flying hundreds of flights on my 3 KMXs. I have come to really appreciate how good it is to fly a plane with a light wing loading there are just so many advantages of this. With one of the biggest advantages being that it gives you a slipt second longer to correct any mistakes that you make. I think the KMX is an outstanding airframe.
I’m that happy with the XR61 that I’m going to place an order for another one.
I cannot wait to see what your next design will bring. I hope that the rumours of something bigger are true.
Luke Neilson
Again, thanks for this incredible design. Absolutely nothing like it.
Chris
Hello PA USA,
I have the XR61, great aircraft, love it.
Neal Smalley
Hey Shaun, Hows it goin? Finally flew mine WOW. Kudos you guys nailed it. My first wooden electric and amazing. Still setting it up but flew the crap outta it. Windy as well. Did violent parachutes and I mean violent hehe, snaps you name it and smooth. Love it will for sure buy another PA electric. Will upload videos soon.
Aamir Ali
After a very long wait to get my XR61 I was finally able to fly this awesome machine. I’ve got 7 flight on its so far and cannot wait to put some more on it. Like all PA planes it rules in the low and slow environment and the inverted harriers are so rock solid.
superduke1 @ RCGroups
Lightest loaded 3d balsa I’ve flown. So sweet!
This is a plane that can float around with the best. Huge control surfaces allow for instant flight path changes. I thought my PA Extra 260 was the cat’s meow until flying this one.
Again, the floaty factor is amazing and not many built -up planes can even come close to the wing loading/weight. Period.
Mickel @ RCGroups
Man is the XR-61 good or what!! Good would be a massive understatement it’s unbelievable! I can only speak really in comparison to the ADXL but it does everything that does and MORE! I’m loving pop tops and knife edge spins, they’re by far my favourite maneuvers at the moment. I’m still getting used to the post stall characteristics as it doesn’t fly as slow as the ADXL… Amazing plane!
Junganaught @ RCGroups
the XR61 is amazingly accurate and axial in rolls.. When my wife first saw me flying the XR61 (after many months seeing the KMX) she commented on how ‘clear’ everything looked in comparison. After another couple months flying it, I really started to see what she meant, & I agree totally!! The XR shows up EVERYTHİNG you do, so it can make your flying look crisp and perfect the XR61 performs just perfectly! One-roll circles and loops are absolutely flawless with it.
That’s so true about the durability of PA planes.. I’ve had a couple dozen little bingles with the XR61 so far, and it’s still flying as light and perfect as day 1. (field repair kit consists mainly of thin CA, kicker and scotch tape).
That being said though, the XR blows me away more with it’s ability to get out of trouble than it’s crash resistance! So many times I’ve got away with some VERY sticky situations, and was able to power away when it seemed there was no way out.. the XR seems to be able to defy physics at times, thanks to it’s mega-lightness and ability to change directions at lightening speed!
I was actually thinking it would be cool to make a video showing ‘lucky’ saves with the XR hehe, it seems to happen so often when trying new stuff
Natesh @ RCGroups
This plane is definitively an awesome plane.
thinano @ RCGroups
I’m happy to say I’ve finished my XR-61 and had the first few flights! Wow, it’s a really responsive, agile plane. It made me imagine what it would be like getting in a supercar for the first time and taking it for a spin! It’s very precise and stable, at the same it time it enters every manoeuvre really explosively. KE authority is fantastic & high alpha KE is superb. So are rolling harriers, so locked-in and axial. Everything happens really tight – KE spins/lomcevaks are wild! Harriers, upright and inverted, are really stable, and the XR turns really tight in both.
Natesh @ RCGroups
If you’re choosing between a PA plane vs another company, even Extreme Flight (which has awesome planes), the PA plane will out perform in terms of low wing loading, floaty feel, superb precision, and easier recovery for dumb thumbs. They’re amazingly light
setxws6 @ RCGroups
Hands down the sexiest looking fuselage on the market, the outside now matches the beauty of the construction technique inside.
Poffertjesporem @ RCGroups
Hi buddies… just for sharing last saturday did the maiden of my XR61… it was only a short flight for checking response and give to feeling… not many aerobats… but still have lots of fun… wow…¡¡¡¡ how is true that each PA airplane have a different personality… on this model my first impressions… not sure if it´s right or not but is like a kind of mix between a Katana Mx and a Addiction XL…have almost the top speed, crisp fast aerobats and at the same time still keeps the slow flying, easy 3D of a Addiction… I wonder that going to love a lot this model…
Manolo
Had three flights with the XR-61 and even let Little Stevie have a play. Nearly there on tweaking to suit my thumbs, its much smoother than the XR-52, but still retains a greater flip rate than the Katana MX. Its a big model, but still the Thrust 50 provides a positive pull from the prop hang. Airframe is incredibly quiet, no vibe even in high alpha KE flight, motor box is really stiff!
with 2200 6s seven minutes easily possible.
Dave Wilshere
I bought the XR61 in August, and so far it flies better that I could have hoped. Knife edge, flat spins, harrier, hover, etc, are all at your command with this plane. The instruction manual is very specific and detailed as to how to put it all together. Follow the instructions with equal care and you will be more than happy with the results. The wing bags I ordered with it were also very well done and protect the wings well, even with the vortex generators installed. Great job PA!
Mark Lenfest
Just received my new XR61! This is my third PA airplane. I now own 9 RC airplanes from different manufactures but I find myself flying the PA planes exclusively for the full thrill of flying. There is no need for gyros or other gimmics. If you know the basics of flying and have flown RC airplanes there is no crazy coupling, you just need to fly the plane.
K Miya
Today first flight with the xr61, very good flight feeling, beautiful plane
Günni Hohl
Gallery
Videos
Build videos
Episode 1:
Introduction
Episode 2:
In this Episode of PA Builds Hans’ covers servo installation and the building of both types of linkages found on PA planes.
Episode 3:
In Episode 3 of PA Builds Hans Kahlert continues explaining the propert techniques and methods of construction your PA ARF. Topics cover include: Installation of the tail, motorbox, and the pull-pull system
Episode 4:
Hans Kahlert continues the build video series with Episode 4.
Topics covered include:
Landing gear assembly
Installation of the Motor, ESC, and air scoops Cowling alignment and mounting Installation of the Optional CF Vortex Generators
Episode 5:
Hans Kahlert demonstrates the basics for a good radio setup as well as the methods to properly balance your model and its prop
Soldering Guide:
PA Team Pilot Hans Kahlert continues along the “Builds” series with a special episode covering the proper techniques for soldering electrical components of your model. These methods are applicable for all soldering procedures including servo extensions and battery connectors.
PA recently upgraded the servos that are included with the iPAs packages with better performance in mind. The NXT High Voltage servos are far superior to the Hitec servos that were previously supplied with the models. They are effectively improving the plane performance and as such we felt that its not a good idea to hold on the upgrade of the servos in the iPAs package just because of the servo bays of the models that were just produced was already cut for Hitec. Instead we supply the model with spacers that allow the user to modify the servo bay to fit the NXT servos.
In this video Shaun Vanunu, Designer of PA models is showing how these spacers should be installed
Recommended Props
Thrust 60 Revo:
Vox 15×8: Provides excellent power for sport flying, 3D and precision flying, and yet is still very capable of high energy maneuvers. It has a slightly faster top speed compared to the 16×8, but offers an easier to manage throttle response. It also offers longer flight times. Note: Because of the decreased prop diameter, it might provide slightly less prop wash in slow 3D, but it’s light weight gives quick spool up for easy exits out of tumbles, blenders and knife edge spins. Excellent prop for any style of flying.
Vox 15×10: For those specifically looking for high speed / high energy flying and is also very good for windy days. This prop’s strong point is high energy tumbles. It is still very good for slow 3D but you can expect the throttle response to be slightly sluggish in slow 3D, while the higher pitch gives an impressive top speed.
Vox 16×7: The choice for those looking for the best slow and low 3D performance. It provides maximum prop wash, which means the best control possible during slow 3D and rolling harriers. It is a very good all-around prop, with a slightly slower top speed compared to the other props, but offers excellent 3d stability. It is still very capable of high energy. Please note: The larger diameter creates higher gyroscopic forces, which can make for some really interesting tumbles!
Because these 3 propellers really change the way the plane flies, we recommend getting all 3 to determine which one you like best. During our flight testing we kept switching between these 3 props as they are all excellent choices.
Thrust 50:
VOX 15×7 wood (PA Item #AC-2113) – a good conservative prop for slowersport flying with decent freestyle performance but not good for 3D. It allows very good flight duration (due to the low amp drawn and high efficiency) and is best used in calm weather. Slower roll rate compared to the Vox 15×8. Can be a good propeller for initial flights to get used to the plane (due to the softer throttle range/feel) or if slower speed sport flying is what you’re after.
VOX 15×8 wood (PA Item #AC-2107) – This prop is a must-have with the XR-61 and is provided in our iPAs Power package. Due to the large size of the XR-61 (more drag), this prop is an excellent match with overall performance for fast aerobatics, high energy/high performance and extreme 3D when using PA V4 2200mAh 25-50c battery packs. The higher pitch and extra punch make it a better choice in a windier day. Great flight speed, faster roll rate, tighter tumbles and waterfalls compared to the Vox 15×7. The XR-61 has a very wide flight envelope from precision aerobatics maneuvers to very slow and easy 3D. the extra flight speed this prop offers is therefore essential, especially in sustaining the flight speed during the transition between maneuvers so you don’t lose much of the energy. It draws a little more amps than the Vox 15×7 but with the XR-61 efficient design and lightweight it still provides an excellent flight duration as less throttle is needed to fly the plane.
VOX 16×6 wood (PA Item #AC-2107) – this is a high range propeller to be used with the Thrust 50 motor. An excellent propeller for low and slow 3D when using PA V3 2200mAh 30-60c battery packs! Keep in mind that this prop offers a LOT of thrust and slower flight speed. That will cause throttle to be twitchier during hovering and harriers, therefore, will require sensitive throttle input. A few clicks of throttle will cause the plane to change altitude, especially, with more aft CG as then the elevator becomes more sensitive as well. That requires more pilot skills to master, therefore, we have done a lot more tests to get the peak in performance and if you choose to use this prop, we advise you to set up the TX with Spoilerons ,as suggested in the manual, and when executing harriers and hovering activate the Spoilerons (on a switch). That will reduce the throttle sensitivity (due to a few aerodynamic effects) and will help the plane to lock-in and not to change altitude easily, especially, during the slower high AOA turns. The excellent ailerons authority allows more stable and controlled hovering (ridiculously easy!), TR and harriers. It requires throttle management (using full power only on vertical climbs/up-lines due to its tremendous thrust). Very nice prop sound, especially while hovering 😉
The 16×6 will allow generally good flight speed but still slower than the Vox 15×8, so if you are more after speed for IMAC, sport or freestyle you may want to consider the Vox 15×8 althoughwe strongly recommend trying one of each. Start with the Vox 15×8 and then later on, once comfortable with the XR-61, swap the prop to the Vox 16×6 and decide which one you like the best. This will allow you to explore the full potential of the XR wide flight envelope.
Note: It is important to accurately balance your propeller prior to installation as poorly balanced propellers are inefficient and cause vibrations which are detrimental to your model and motor. A video showing how to check and balance your prop is available on our website. Use only propellers that are adequately sized to be within the specified limits of your motor.
Warning: Plastic APC “E” props of equivalent sizes are NOT recommended for any of the PA planes as they generate a lot of vibrations being out of balance. They also flex and will draw much higher amps compared to the Vox props at the same sizes being less efficient. Using them instead of the recommended Vox propellers can lead to a motor box failure!!
iPAs Drive:
PA Thrust 60 Revo 24 pole outrunner motor with RotorKool Technology
$199.95
