- Source: ParkZone
ParkZone was a brand specializing in intermediate-level, radio-controlled electric model aircraft. It was created and distributed by Horizon Hobby, an American hobby manufacturer based in Champaign, Illinois, United States. The term "park flyer" inspired the brand name, signifying compact models suitable for flying in parks.
The ParkZone lineup featured various scale aircraft models, including the P-51D Mustang, F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, and Spitfire, alongside non-scale sport aircraft.
ParkZone aircraft and other park flyers opted for lithium polymer batteries due to their superior energy density, lighter weight, and extended lifespan. These batteries, popular in portable electronic devices, contributed to enhanced performance and agility in radio-controlled aircraft, offering longer flight times.
As of 2004, ParkZone offered through its website the following aircraft models: Typhoon 3D, P-51D Mustang, Super Decathlon, J-3 Cub, F-27B Stryker and Slo-V. The website also offered add-on accessories and parts for these aircraft, with the claim that these aircraft and parts offered high quality fun with no hassle.
HobbyTown USA, a franchise retailer of hobby and remote control products, recognized ParkZone as the "Hobby Company of the Year" in 2005.
The "Bind N' Fly" or "BNF" purchasing option facilitated aircraft ownership for Spektrum transmitter owners, allowing easy binding without the need for an additional transmitter or receiver crystal.
On September 1, 2009, when an unknown pilot flew a ParkZone Sukhoi Su-26m model onto the field during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium. This emphasized the importance of responsible hobbyist practices to prevent disruptions and accidents.
The ParkZone model lineup once offered a variety of options, including the Sukhoi SU-29MM, Sport Cub, Artizan, Fw 190 A-8, T-28 Trojan, Radian, and Radian Pro. Additionally, they introduced the "Ultra-Microline," featuring small-sized radio-controlled aircraft designed for indoor or small outdoor flying.
Over time, ParkZone discontinued several models, such as the Typhoon 3D sport plane, Super Decathlon, Bf 109, Fw 190, Cessna 210, Citabria, Etomic Vapor slow flyer, and Slo-V slow flyer. Reasons for discontinuation varied, ranging from the completion of production cycles to low sales or parts availability issues, aligning with a strategic focus on more popular and profitable models.
Horizon Hobby has discontinued the ParkZone brand, though some of their popular models, such as the Cub, have been rebranded under E-flite.
As of August 7th 2024, the URL that used to correspond to ParkZone's original website [1]now redirects to a page in Horizon Hobby's website [2]. The page in question does not currently offer full model aircraft for sale, only parts and accessories such as the PKZ6528 motor mount or PKZU2229 bottom fin set, among others.
References
External links
Official ParkZone website
Official Parent Company Website
Official Hobbyzone website
REVOLECTRIX international website
