FMSRE038

Overview

The FMS EL Retract FMSRE038 is an essential electronic landing gear retraction system designed specifically for the 1700mm F4U Corsair V3 scale RC aircraft. This component represents a significant upgrade for enthusiasts looking to add authentic retractable landing gear functionality to their model warbird. Whether you're an experienced RC airplane pilot in the UK or someone discovering the intricacies of scale aircraft building, this retract system delivers the mechanical precision and reliability that serious hobbyists demand.

Retractable landing gear adds both visual authenticity and operational sophistication to scale aircraft models. Rather than having fixed landing gear permanently extended during flight, this electronic system allows you to raise and lower the gear on demand, creating a more realistic flight profile that mirrors full-size aircraft behaviour. The FMS EL Retract system is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the 1700mm F4U Corsair V3 airframe, ensuring compatibility and proper fitment without requiring extensive modifications to your model.

This is an accessory component ideal for builders who already own the 1700mm F4U Corsair V3 and wish to enhance their model's functionality. RC enthusiasts appreciate quality retracts because they enable smoother take-offs and landings whilst maintaining the clean lines of a properly built scale model. The FMS EL Retract brings genuine engineering to your RC aircraft, transforming the flying experience and allowing you to execute more authentic flight manoeuvres.

Key Features

• Electronic Retract System — This is a powered electronic landing gear retraction mechanism that allows you to raise and lower the landing gear via radio control, adding authentic functionality to your scale aircraft model without the complexity of manual systems.
• Designed for 1700mm F4U Corsair V3 — Purpose-built compatibility with this specific aircraft model ensures perfect fitment and integration, eliminating guesswork during installation and ensuring reliable operation throughout the model's service life.
• Professional-Grade Engineering — FMS manufactures components to exacting standards, incorporating quality materials and precision mechanics that deliver consistent performance across numerous flight cycles and ensure your investment remains functional long-term.
• Enhances Scale Authenticity — Retractable landing gear transforms your F4U Corsair from a static display piece into an authentic flying replica that operates like the legendary World War II fighter, complete with gear-up climbing flight and clean gear-down landing approaches.
• Reliable Performance — Electronic retraction systems eliminate the mechanical complexity of manual gear systems whilst providing instantaneous, dependable operation that you can trust during critical flight phases.

Technical Performance

The FMS EL Retract FMSRE038 represents a sophisticated approach to adding retractable landing gear functionality to large-scale RC aircraft models. Electronic retract systems operate through servo-controlled mechanisms that engage and disengage the landing gear on command, allowing pilots to manage gear position throughout the flight envelope. This component is manufactured using quality materials designed to withstand the mechanical stresses of repeated extension and retraction cycles. The system integrates with your existing RC aircraft's control electronics, typically utilising an available auxiliary channel on your radio receiver to control gear position. For the 1700mm F4U Corsair V3, this retract system is engineered to fit within the aircraft's fuselage and gear bay design, utilising the model's internal structure to house the servo mechanisms and linkages. Installation requires careful planning and potentially some modifications to the airframe's internal structure, but FMS designs these components with builder accessibility in mind. The performance and reliability of electronic retracts depend significantly on proper installation, correct rigging of the gear doors and linkages, and ensuring smooth mechanical operation before your first flight. Pilots operating RC aircraft with retractable gear in the UK should ensure they have adequate flying space and are comfortable with the increased complexity of managing gear position during flights.

What's in the Box

• FMS EL Retract electronic landing gear retraction system
• Mechanical components and linkages for 1700mm F4U Corsair V3 integration

What You Need to Complete

• 1700mm F4U Corsair V3 airframe — this retract system is designed as an upgrade component and requires an existing aircraft airframe for installation
• Radio receiver with available auxiliary channel — you'll need a spare servo channel on your existing radio system to control the gear retraction function
• Servo (if not included) — depending on the specific retract design, you may need to provide a servo for the retraction mechanism
• Tools for installation — small hand tools, adhesives and fastening hardware suitable for RC aircraft construction
• Mechanical knowledge — installation requires understanding of RC aircraft construction and the ability to integrate the retract system into your airframe's internal structure

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FMS EL Retract FMSRE038 suitable for beginners? — This component is best suited to experienced RC aircraft builders and pilots who have previously worked on scale model aircraft. Installing retractable landing gear requires understanding of RC airframe construction, servo rigging and proper integration with your control electronics. Beginners should consider gaining experience with basic RC aircraft first before attempting a retract installation.
• What servo does this retract system use? — The source information does not specify the exact servo requirements or compatibility details for this model. You should consult the detailed installation instructions that come with the retract system or contact FMS directly to confirm the specific servo specifications required for this component.
• Will this retract work with any F4U Corsair model? — This electronic retract system is specifically designed for the 1700mm F4U Corsair V3 airframe only. FMS manufactures separate retract systems for different aircraft models and scales, so you must ensure you have the correct version for your specific aircraft. Using a retract designed for a different model may result in poor fitment and unreliable operation.
• How do I control the landing gear with my radio? — Electronic retract systems connect to an available auxiliary channel on your RC receiver, typically using a three-position switch or proportional control on your transmitter. This allows you to raise the gear during flight and lower it for landing. You'll need to programme your radio to assign gear control to an available switch or knob on your transmitter.
• What happens if the retract fails during flight? — If the electronic retraction system experiences a failure during flight, the landing gear will remain in whatever position it was in at the moment of failure. This is why proper installation, thorough testing and reliable servo operation are absolutely critical before flying. Always perform a complete ground test of your retract system before your first flight, and consider the consequences of having fixed-position gear if failure occurs.
• Is installation difficult? — Installing a retractable landing gear system requires removing internal fuselage components, creating or modifying gear bay structures, installing servo mechanisms and linkages, and integrating everything with your control electronics. This is an advanced modification that demands mechanical aptitude, patience and attention to detail. Many builders find retract installation to be one of the more challenging aspects of scale aircraft construction.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FMS EL Retract FMSRE038 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.