Distributed through Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: (217) 352-1913 www.hangar-9.com
I've recently become quite a fan of the small, electric Micro-Fliers that are hitting the market. Not only because they are a lot of fun, but also because I am amazed by the technology involved. I can remember when a receiver alone weighed more than these entire planes do! But until now, all of the Micro-Fliers to which I have been exposed have been 3-channel planes - And I really missed having ailerons!
Lo and behold, along comes the new ParkZone Sukhoi-26 XP BNF. Not only is it a 4-channel plane, but a fully aerobatic plane at that!
Designed by the renowned Mike McConville, the new SU-26 XP is an updated version of ParkZone's earlier SU-26m that features a more powerful motor than its predecessor and larger control surfaces for better aerobatics.
Wingspan: 15.8 in (400mm) Weight: 1.2 oz (35 g) Length: 14.3 in (362mm) Radio: Spektrum AR6400L Ultra Micro Receiver Recommended Battery: 3.7V 150mAh Li-Po Battery
Items Needed To Complete
4-channel (minimum) Spektrum Transmitter
Like the other ParkZone Micro-Fliers, the Sukhoi 26 XP comes in a square, cardboard box with a molded foam cradle inside. The box also features a handle so it can double as a carrying case. The Sukhoi sits snugly into the foam cradle and is well protected.
Inside the box we have the plane, Landing gear, rechargeable LiPo battery, a battery charger, batteries for the charger, and a spare prop.
Manual
The manual is well documented and while there is not really any assembly required, it also explains important things like setup procedure, battery charging, binding instructions, rates and CG, etc.
The only assembly required (if you can even call it that) is to install the landing gear wire into the bottom of the fuselage. Note that the Sukhoi will still fit in the carrying case with the gear installed.
There is a slot in the bottom of the fuse for the battery. The slot is elongated so the included LiPo battery can be moved fore and aft for balancing.
To charge the flight battery, you just install the 4 "AA" batteries (included) into the bottom of the charger, and then insert the LiPo into the charger. A red LED indicator will light to let you know it's charging and when the light goes out, the battery is ready.
That's it! Bind it to your Spektrum transmitter and you're ready to fly.
With the CG and controls set as per the manual, we took the Sukhoi out to the field. There was a slight breeze the evening of the maiden flight, but it was relatively steady so I wasn't overly concerned, so with no further ado, I set her down, cranked her up and about 3 feet later, the Sukhoi was airborne. Woo.... Hoo! This little baby is dynamite!
Very little trim was needed, so I immediately did a variety of standard maneuvers. Oh yeah, I like this! A micro-Flier that can not only turn and loop but can also do rolls and inverted flight!
I tried a few basic 3D-type maneuvers with it, but I'm not much of a 3D pilot, so a few weeks later, I brought The Sukhoi down to the "Watts Over Owatonna" event to let a few other pilots have a go with it. They all were equally impressed! When it came time to shoot the video, I asked my friend Ross Hollermann of the Paynesville R/C club to take the sticks.
Ross is an outstanding 3D flier with several accolades under his belt and when I showed him the SU-26 XP, he informed me that he already owned its predecessor, the 26m. Ross did the flying for the video below and his comments were, "It's great! It has a lot more power and much better control than the original."
You can tell how much Ross was enjoying it by the sound of his chuckling during the video!
Sukhoi SU-26xp BNF by ParkZone Or, Download the Video (24meg) CLICK HERE
If you're a fan of these little "Fun Machines" and have an aerobatic urge, you will love the new Sukhoi SU26 XP - And if you're not already a fan of these things, this plane will make you one! It's fully aerobatic yet stable enough for an intermediate pilot to handle, and it's virtually fully assembled so you can go from box to air in as little time as it takes to charge the battery.
It short, it's a winner!
Distributed through Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: (217) 352-1913 www.hangar-9.com
Spektrum Radios
Distributed through Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Road, Champaign, IL 61822
Website: www.spektrumrc.com
Support Phone: (877) 504-0233
Sales Phone: (800) 338-4639
Comments on RCU Review: ParkZone Sukhoi SU-26XP BNF
There are no comments
The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review.
Email this Article
| PDF
Distributed through Horizon Hobby
