Comparison CARF Tucano & Skymaster Pilatus
11-27-2016, 10:41 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Comparison CARF Tucano & Skymaster Pilatus
I’m interested in getting a turboprop. Looking at either the CARF Tucano T-27 or the Skymaster Pilatus PC-21. I’d like to know if anyone has experience with both and can give some comparison. I’ve read a lot of threads and watched many videos.. Seems like the Tucano has great flying characteristics, much like a pattern plane. I’m thinking of a JC SPT-10 or KT K60. The PC-21 appears to handle those turbines fine, whereas the Tucano will require some possible venting due to heat issues??? Any particular comparison between them would be appreciated. No bashing, I think they’re both excellent…
11-27-2016, 03:28 PM
#2
Love my Tucano. Upgraded from Jetcat Spt 5 to Kingtech K60 (noticeable difference in verticals). Mine runs fairly hot on the cowl - I think you would have to do something to improve the airflow over the gearbox/turbine if you went with the Spt 10/K100. I tried enlarging the holes around the exhaust tubes to get more air movement. Seems to have helped a bit - really needs temperature telemetry to know for sure.
The Tucano is not a "pattern" airframe in the sense that it has a bunch of rudder/roll coupling. It's a scale airframe and this characteristic translated over from the full scale. You can use a mix to tune some of it out.
If if you go with the Tucano, get electric gear - the air gear is a pita to get to work.
Attached a pic of mine in flight.
PaulD
The Tucano is not a "pattern" airframe in the sense that it has a bunch of rudder/roll coupling. It's a scale airframe and this characteristic translated over from the full scale. You can use a mix to tune some of it out.
If if you go with the Tucano, get electric gear - the air gear is a pita to get to work.
Attached a pic of mine in flight.
PaulD
11-27-2016, 05:01 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Hey PaulD, thanks for the info.. really looks nice. You mentioned the K100, I'm not sure Kingtech has released it yet??? I'm leaning more toward the Tucano, but.. man.. that PC-21 looks nice. After i saw this vid of the Tucano, it started to change my mind.
https://youtu.be/oIQBGx2DS0U
https://youtu.be/oIQBGx2DS0U
11-27-2016, 07:11 PM
#7
My Feedback: (15)
I have no experience with the Tucano, but I have flown the the Skymaster PC-21 with the Kingtech K-60 tp engine and a SEP 24x18 three-blade prop. The PC-21 with that engine/prop combination flies very well with good speed and no bad handling characteristics, imo. Heat problems in the engine compartment is an issue unless that area is properly insulated.
Recently sold my Kt-60tp, but will install a the Kingtech 100 tp in the PC-21 when that engine is released (sometime in December 2016).
Recently sold my Kt-60tp, but will install a the Kingtech 100 tp in the PC-21 when that engine is released (sometime in December 2016).
11-27-2016, 08:32 PM
#8
My Feedback: (10)
If you run electric gear go with the Behotec.. they are excellent quality... a lot of guys have had good luck with dreamworks electric gear. I like behotecs as they run stepper motors so the controller actually stops them vice letting the end of travel spike in current causing an overamp to shut down..
Looks wise the carf marchetti is my favorite.- The short nose with the turbine stuffed in looks great but is a bit of work. A couple of years ago I chatted with Andy Kane at an event and the only two planes he in the truck were a marchetti and a tutor... he said the marchetti flew the best of the non acrobatic prop planes Carf made and the Tutor was the jet that would fly off of just about any field anytime anywhere..
Looks wise the carf marchetti is my favorite.- The short nose with the turbine stuffed in looks great but is a bit of work. A couple of years ago I chatted with Andy Kane at an event and the only two planes he in the truck were a marchetti and a tutor... he said the marchetti flew the best of the non acrobatic prop planes Carf made and the Tutor was the jet that would fly off of just about any field anytime anywhere..
11-28-2016, 12:14 PM
#11
Thread Starter
I haven't heard too much lately on the Kingtech 100 TP, I was wondering if that's still happening... That would be interesting. I have a K120 and k210 and really like them. Also, thanks for the insight on the electric gear. I've also heard good things on the Behotec, but not familiar with their e-gear. I haven't been too happy with other electric gear, but the technology is getting better. The only thing I haven't liked about e-gear is the slower speed. I'd rather get rc gear up and, especially, down quicker. I'm not as interested in scale movement on gear.
11-28-2016, 12:55 PM
#12
My Feedback: (15)
Emailed Kingtech about the release date of the KT-100 tp in October. Received a response from Vera at Kingtech that the engine would possibly be released in December, 2016. According other communication from Kingtech, a 45 size turboprop engine is being considered. I was real happy with the KT-60tp, so looking forward to even more power from the KT-100tp.
Last edited by David Jackson; 11-28-2016 at 12:58 PM.
12-06-2016, 07:42 AM
#14
Thread Starter
I was looking at the comparison for size of the two planes and looks like the PC-21 is significantly longer. I see that the PC-21 has the ability to remove the tail section with only a few screws. If this something easy enough to do at the field for easier transportation? I know their F-104 kit has similar feature.
12-06-2016, 01:01 PM
#16
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Join Date: Dec 2001
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I tried the air operated Behotec gear on my Tucano with no luck. The struts and wheels are too heavy for the cylinder size. I tried everything including high flow valves and 4mm tubing to no avail. I had mine converted by Down and Locked and never looked back.
12-06-2016, 01:44 PM
#17
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Must admit, I have had absolutely no issues with the Behotec air retracts on my Tucano. I love the plane and have now been flying it for more than 4 years using a JC SPT5 v3.
Definately one of my favourite models.
Cheers,
Jan
Definately one of my favourite models.
Cheers,
Jan
12-06-2016, 03:34 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Just curious, I'm leaning toward the Tucano with the Behotec electric retracts. Would I have to buy the wheels and struts for the tucano separate and then buy the set of Behotec C50 electrics? Or does Behotec have a setup of wheels and struts for the Tucano
?
?
12-06-2016, 10:24 PM
#20
I originally installed a Jettronics air valve and found it just couldn't flow the air required.The pressure drop was enough it restricted the air flow to the retracts. I ended up switching the valve out for a Tom Cook 4mm high flow valve and the gear will now retract reliably. The next problem is they came down too fast so had to install a one way flow control to limit that speed.
The retracts are fine, the root cause is the long gear legs and the really heavy wheels. When assembling the wheels/brakes I weighed them and they are close to 20 oz each.
i have made things work but if I had to do it again, I'd find some different wheels and brakes. I'm not a big fan of electric gear. I think you just trade one problem for another.
cheers,
pauld
12-16-2016, 07:44 PM
#21
Thread Starter
Well, I decided on the CARF Tucano, The "Queen's Diamond Jubilee" scheme. Should be here toward the end of January. I appreciate the information. Will be going with the JetCat SPT10.
