Posted: 5/28/13
SAFE Technology
An introduction to SAFE™ technology for RC aircraft, another breakthrough innovation from Horizon Hobby.
SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology is a revolutionary electronic flight envelope protection system. It also offers smoother flight capability that battles windy conditions for you and multiple modes so you can fly with the level of protection and assistance that suits any given moment of the flight.
Attitude Awareness
Using a combination of multi-axis sensors and exclusive flight control software, SAFE™ technology makes an RC aircraft aware of its attitude relative to the horizon. This attitude awareness is at the core of every benefit SAFE technology provides.
Flight Envelope Protection
Using the attitude awareness provided by its multi-axis sensors and software, SAFE™ technology can create an electronic flight envelope for a model that prevents extreme or unusual attitudes. Depending on what mode it's in, flight envelope protection can return an aircraft to straight and level flight when the stick is returned to center. On some SAFE-equipped aircraft, it can also be used like a reset switch to save a model that a pilot has accidentally put into a dangerous attitude.
Takeoff and Landing Assist
Trainer aircraft equipped with SAFE™ technology can assist new pilots with takeoffs and landings. When the throttle is moved full forward for takeoff, flight envelope protection will maintain a steady climb angle so all the pilot has to do is steer clear of obstacles. When the throttle is pulled back for approach and landing, envelope protection maintains a safe angle of descent that prevents nose dives and sets the pilot up for a smooth landing.
Multiple Flight Modes
Every RC aircraft equipped with SAFE™ technology gives its pilot the ability to choose different levels, or modes, of flight envelope protection. Less experienced pilots can select a mode that provides more protection if they're flying a new aircraft for the first time. As their skills progress, they can switch to a mode with less protection and more maneuverability. The number and type of flight modes available will vary depending on the model.
Stabilization
Whatever mode a SAFE-equipped model is flying in, AS3X® technology is always at work smoothing out the effects of disruptive forces. For instance, in aircraft without AS3X, turbulence would make it more difficult to fly smoothly. What AS3X does is counteract the effects of turbulence by making small control surface corrections so you fly with more precision. This is why all aircraft with SAFE technology fly like expertly tuned models right out of the box.
