Multiplex Tucan

Article and flight video by Jon Barnes and HDFlyer.com. This advanced trainer can be flown mild or wild Full review on page 43 in the August 2013 issue of Model Aviation and the app.

Specifications

Model type: Sport Scale Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot Wingspan: 51.2 inches Wing area: 496 square inches Length: 43.7 inches Weight: 4 pounds Power system: Himax HC3528 1,000 Kv brushless outrunner; Castle Creations Thunderbird 54 brushless speed controller; APC E 11 x 5.5 or 12 x 6 propeller Radio: JR X9503 2.4 GHz DSM2 transmitter Construction: Elapor foam Covering/finish: Included Multiplex graphics Street price: $179.99

Test-Model Details

Motor: Himax HC3528 1,000 Kv Speed controller: Castle Creations Thunderbird 54 Battery: E-flite 3S 3,200 mAh Propeller: APC E 11 x 5.5 or 12 x 6 Radio system: JR X9503 DSM2 transmitter, Spektrum AR7000 DSM2 receiver; four Hitec HS-65MG servos; one Hitec HS-85 servo Ready-to-fly weight: 4 pounds, 2 ounces with electric retracts Flight duration: 8-10 minutes using recommended 3S 3,200 mAh battery pack

Pluses

• Multiplex’s version of the Embrauer Tucano is a nice-size model. • The positioning of the battery near the CG and ample space inside the fuselage allows for different sizes of battery packs. • M-Frame light plywood framework creates strong internal support structure. • Included fixed gear is sturdy.

Minuses

• The canopy tinting is slightly dark, slightly obscuring the cockpit details. • No flap option provided. • The retractable gear that the kit was designed around is not yet readily available.

Flight Video

Review Photos

The light plywood M-Frame construction gives the Tucan a strong, internal skeleton. Multiplex’s Elapor foam serves as a great media to capture the sleek, flowing lines of the Tucan. The included eye-catching decals are the finishing touches. Thunderbird-style graphics on the bottom of the airframe look great and assist with orientation. Similar to the full-scale Tucano, the Tucan is fully aerobatic and can perform all of the basic aerobatic maneuvers. It is an easy-flying, low-wing Sport Scale model. The Tucan was designed to accept a set of DSR-46T electric retracts as an alternative to the included fixed tricycle gear, without the need for modifications. I enjoy working with Elapor foam. The laser-cut plywood parts in this kit are crisp and clean.