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.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Parts and add-on accessories by aircraft
!
!J-3 CUB
!F-27 STRYKER
!SLO-V
!SUPER DECATHLON
!P-51D MUSTANG
|-
|Wings
|PKZ1108
wing hold down roads
PKZ1120
wing
PKZ1122
wing struts
|
|PKZ1320
wing kit
PKZ1318
wing/pushrod bracket
|PKZ1408
wing hold down rods
PKZ1420
wing
PKZ1422
wing struts
|PKZ1520
painted wing (no servo)
|-
|Tails
|PKZ1124
complete tail with accessories
|PKZ1220
vertical fins
|PKZ1324
tail set
PKZ1326
tail mount set
|PKZ1424
complete tail with accessories
|PKZ1524
horizontal stab
|-
|Props and related parts
|PKZ1001
prop with spinner
PKZ1104
prop shaft with hardware
PKZ1128
complete gearbox
|PKZ1002
prop for 7- and 8-cell batteries
|PKZ1003
prop with spinner
PKZ1304
prop shaft with gear
PKZ1328
complete gearbox
|PKZ1001
prop with spinner
PKZ1104
prop shaft with hardware
PKZ1128
complete gearbox
|PKZ1005
propeller
PKZ1504
prop shaft with hardware
PKZ1507
spinner
PKZ1528
gearbox with firewall
|-
|Chargers
|HBZ1026
1.2A variable rate DC pk
|HBZ1026
1.2A variable rate DC pk
|HBZ1026
1.2A variable rate DC pk
|HBZ1026
1.2A variable rate DC pk
|PKZ1519
1.8A variable rate DC pk
|-
|Batteries
|PKZ1021
8.4V 600mAh Ni-MH
|HBZ1012
7.2V 900mAh Ni-MH
HBZ1013
8.4V 900mAh Ni-MH
PKZ1013
9.6V 900mAh Ni-MH
|PKZ1021
8.4V 600mAh Ni-MH
PKZ1025
7.2V 600mAh Ni-MH
|PKZ1021
8.4V 600mAh Ni-MH
|PKZ1027
10.8V 1000mAh Ni-MH
|-
|Rubber bands
|PKZ1110
|
|PKZ1310
|PKZ1410
|
|-
|Landing gear
|PKZ1106
|
|PKZ1306
|PKZ1406
|
|-
|Other parts
|PKZ1112
battery door with latch
|PKZ1212 battery hatch
PKZ1213
hatch set
PKZ1215
nose
PKZ1234
motor count
|PKZ1314 carbon fuse with tray
|PKZ1412 battery door with latch
|PKZ1512 battery door with latch
|-
|X-port accessories
|
|HBZ4020
Sonic Combat Module
HBZ4025
Stealth Target w/Sensor
|HBZ6023
Aerial Drop Module
HBZ4020
Sonic Combat Module
HBZ4025
Stealth Target w/Sensor
HBZ3510 Night-Flight Module
|
|HBZ6023
Aerial Drop Module
HBZ4020
Sonic Combat Module
HBZ4025
Stealth Target w/Sensor
|}
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 [https://parkzone.com]now redirects to a page in Horizon Hobby's website [https://www.horizonhobby.com/parkzone/]. 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.
thumb|250px|right|ParkZone Slo-V
References
External links
- Official ParkZone website
- Official Parent Company Website
- Official Hobbyzone website
- REVOLECTRIX international website