Complete Guide to JP Hobby Retracts for Giant Scale Warbirds

If you fly giant scale RC warbirds, you know the difference between a great landing gear system and a great-looking warbird. JP Hobby electric retracts are the gold standard — CNC machined, warbird-specific, and trusted by thousands of pilots worldwide. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Are Electric Retracts — And Why Do They Matter?

Electric retracts replace pneumatic systems with servo-driven electric actuators. The benefits are significant: no air lines to manage, no compressor, no pressure leaks. Just a clean servo signal from your radio and perfectly synchronized gear movement every time. For warbirds — where authentic scale appearance is everything — electric retracts deliver smoother, quieter, and more reliable operation than any alternative.

The JP Hobby Product Line Overview

🔩 ER-005 — For Warbirds Up to 6kg (7–8kg Possible)

The ER-005 is JP Hobby’s entry into warbird-scale retracts. CNC machined from aluminium, featuring 90° rotation and low mounting. Available with 75mm scale wheels for authentic ground roll appearance. Perfect for 60″–80″ warbirds. Price: $289–$299.

🔩 ER-120 — For Warbirds Up to 12kg

The ER-120 is JP Hobby’s mid-range system designed for serious giant scale warbirds in the 100″–120″ wingspan class. With 12mm main struts and a 13mm nose strut, it handles aircraft weights up to 12kg comfortably. Available in warbird-specific configurations for the FW-190 Focke-Wulf, F8F Bearcat, and F4U Corsair. Price: $279–$419.

🔩 ER-150 — For Warbirds Up to 20kg

The ER-150 is JP Hobby’s heavy-duty system for the largest RC warbirds on the field. Featuring massive 18mm struts, it handles aircraft up to 20kg. Warbird-specific fits include the F4U Corsair 2.7m, P-40 Warhawk, and AT-6 Texan. Scale 95mm main wheels and 55mm tail wheel complete the authentic look. Price: $480–$789.

🔩 ER-200 — Ultra Heavy Duty

JP Hobby’s flagship system for the largest and heaviest scale aircraft builds. Compatible with JP Hobby controllers and sequencers for full door and brake integration.

Which Retract for Which Warbird?

Warbird	JP Hobby Model	Why?
FW-190 Focke-Wulf	ER-120	Warbird-specific geometry fit up to 12kg
F8F Bearcat	ER-120	Direct fit configuration available
F4U Corsair (small–mid)	ER-120	Corsair-specific strut configuration
F4U Corsair 2.7m	ER-150	Heavy-duty 18mm struts for big Corsair
P-40 Warhawk	ER-150	Specific fit up to 20kg
AT-6 Texan	ER-150	Warbird-specific configuration available

ER-120 vs ER-150: Key Differences

The rule of thumb: if your warbird tips the scales past 12kg or features scale-correct long main gear struts, step up to the ER-150. The extra cost is worth every penny for reliability on landing.

Controllers & Sequencers Explained

JP Hobby controllers are where the magic of door sequencing happens. Rather than all gear doors and struts moving simultaneously, the JP Hobby controller sequences them: doors open first, struts extend, doors close. This produces the authentic scale look you see on real warbirds. Features include:

• Programmable door sequencing — customize timing for each gear bay
• Brake control integration — differential braking through your transmitter
• Next 1.9m compatible modules — works with modern full-scale models
• Compatible with ER-120, ER-150, and ER-200 systems

Why Thousands of Pilots Choose JP Hobby

“JP Hobby systems are already used by thousands of pilots all over the world and are also the selected equipment of many of the most prestigious model manufacturers.”

JP Hobby’s reputation is built on precision engineering, warbird-specific design, and real-world reliability. When you invest in JP Hobby, you’re getting the same system used by the best builders in the hobby.