Performing The Inside Harrier Flip

Four steps to master this showstopper move

- John Glezellis

For many pilots interested in 3D, one of the first maneuvers they master is the upright harrier, which is performed at a flying speed well below the point of stall. The model is flown forward at a relatively high angle of attack and remains at the same altitude as it moves forward. As with all advanced aerobatic maneuvers, however, you can spice things up a bit by adding different components to create a new and exciting move, which brings us to the maneuver shown here. Combining a traditional harrier with an inside 3D flip is a great way to add excitement.

BEFORE WE BEGIN

To be successful, it is mandatory to have an aircraft that features a high power-to weight ratio, large control surfaces (with a minimum of 40 degrees of deflection), and a properly positioned center of gravity (CG). Having a light wing loading also provides more maneuverability and better slow-speed characteristics.

Even lightweight models may exhibit some wing rocking during the maneuver, and this can be caused by having too much elevator input and/or an improper balance of throttle and elevator inputs. Try decreasing the elevator deflection during the harrier segment while trying different throttle settings to balance the attitude and speed of the model. Also, move the CG backward in small increments to improve the aircraft’s performance during the maneuver.