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Introduction
ParkZone had long inspired an easygoing form of radio control flight for the casual pilot. They've made amazing steps forward in truly accessible micro radio control planes with a line of diminutive aircraft (I probably don't need to name them, they're now a fixture of RC gatherings; just try and have an event where a Vapor doesn't turn up - impossible). All models in the series have fully proportional channels, are incredibly easy to fly and amazing amounts of fun. However, the lack of ailerons fired all of our imaginations about what would be possible for a plane that small with a full-house of four channels and aerobatic capabilities. The day is finally upon us. Spektrum developed the AR6400 receiver, and Parkzone answered the call with the micro Sukhoi Su-26m. This diminutive little aerobatic steed has a wingspan a little under 16 inches and is offered in a Bind-N-Fly package. BNF means that you're ready to fly as quickly as you can bind your DSM2 radio system and attach a charged battery. (Spoiler alert; this plane is amazing fun, but let's explore why... )
Box ContentsParkZone planes come with everything you need to fly in the box. It’s a excellent package with a carry handle to protect the Sukhoi on your travels and everything you need to know printed on the back.
The box contains:
Required to fly:
AssemblyPop out the two pieces of foam holding the plane in place, and there it is, ready to go. The only thing to assemble is the landing gear, and if you're flying over grass you wont even need to do that. Everything else is installed, connected and ready to go. It will bring a smile to your face as you hold a full house, fully aerobatic RC plane that is little bigger than a hood ornament.
ChargingThrow the provided batteries into the charger, and plug in the provided lipo battery. The red LED will glow when charging, and as it nears completion will start blinking. When the time between blinks is more than 20 seconds, the battery is charged and ready to fly. If you have a charger that came with a Vapor, Ember, mCX helicopter, feel free to get them involved. You can also use the batteries from the mCX helicopter, though refrain from using the smaller batteries from the micro planes (Vapor, Ember, etc.) as their batteries are lower capacity and cannot sustain the amp draw of the Sukhoi.
Binding the radio
Spektrum DX6i
This is an excellent example of an entry-point computer radio: a capable system that has all the features you need for many years of flying. While it's capable of flying CCPM helicopters, and has all manner of fancy features, the focus of this radio for this review was on aerobatics and what it can do with end point travel adjustment and exponential travel. These features allow you to fly highly aerobatic planes with a lot of control authority for wild maneuvers and still maintain precise control around the neutral position. The radio has a very utilitarian feel and good ergonomics. It balances well on a neck strap, and because it runs on only four AA size batteries, there's no excess weight. Four 1500mah batteries come with it so there's ample power to extend use between charges. The trim switches can be easily located without taking your eyes off the model. The extra function switches follow suit. The features are easy to operate in the system, and programming is simple using the rolling jog wheel. This intuitive interface meant that I could operate the system without having to turn to the manual.
The performance of the system has been solid and without issue. The only thing I wish the radio could do is tuck the antenna away. All said, the radio is excellent value and a perfect match to play with the Sukhoi and the rest of the DSM2 capable wonders now and in the future.
The only step between the Sukhoi and flight is binding the transmitter, and it's a very easy process:
Radio setupA good first step is to select a new model in memory and to reset it to defaults. For Spektrum and JR sets, while you should confirm it, the control surfaces should all be moving in the right direction out of the box if the servo reversing is set to normal defaults. The dual rates are set up as follows:
Use the subtrim to adjust all the control surfaces to neutral center, and the plane is ready to fly!
Basic DSM2 radiosThe suggested setup is a great place to start, and I do recommend the computer sets for the use of the dual rates and expo. That said, people do have DX5e radios and the transmitters that come with the Vapor and equivalents. So, how do they fare? The Sukhoi comes with the control surface travel at low rates on the plane, and a DX5e will be quite comfortable to use as-is if you're used to flying very agile planes. The DX5e has the benefit of dual rates, but no expo, so the stick movement will be twitchy around center when compared to a computer radio on this model. You can indeed fly the Sukhoi with the four channel transmitter that comes with the other RTF DSM2 models. I used the transmitter that came with my Vapor for a couple of flights, but because the plane is so responsive and agile, I was constantly chasing it with the RTF transmitter. So while possible to use an RTF transmitter, it's very easy to see why the plane is offered as Bind-N-Fly, only for use with more capable radio systems. If you really want to enjoy the performance of this plane, set the minimum at the DX5e if you're used to twitchy and very agile planes. The DX6i and better if you want to smooth out the flying and have a plane capable of nice lazy sports flying and maximum enjoyment.
Completion
FlyingIn no time at all this plane is ready to fly. If you had a battery from an mCX already charged and the radio preprogrammed as I did before the plane arrived, it can go from the box to flying quite literally in seconds. I used low rates for the first few flights to get accustomed to it. If you're flying over grass it's also best to remove the landing gear. The easiest way to launch is to hold the plane above the wing, and gently toss it forward underarm style at a 45 degree angle.
General FlyingThe Sukhoi has plenty of thrust and is easy to get airborne. Launching from the wingtip is also easy, and launching inverted is fun for a change of pace (just remember to push instead of pull to climb out!). You'll quickly see that it's a spirited little performer, and it moves along quite quickly for its size. Throw in some full aileron rolls and the plane starts to show her aerobatic appeal. With the low rates on the plane (default as set up in the box) and low rates on the radio, the plane is docile and very accessible. Anyone comfortable with a sporty aileron model can enjoy it in this form. Flying over grass is stress-free, and the plane will happily flop into the grass when you're ready to land. The large prop adds a lot of drag when gliding, so it doesn't glide very well, and expect to have a little throttle for a landing approaches. It's amazingly capable of handling wind. Feel free to fly in anything you can describe as a "breeze". Small breezes aren't an issue, and while it will be tossed a little in any turbulence, it is very enjoyable to watch it harrier into the wind and generally mix it up.
Smooth SurfaceIf flying over a smooth surface, the plane has surprisingly excellent ground handling and is happy to taxi around. Takeoffs are simple, uneventful, and like everything else with this little beast, a delight to watch. When it comes time to land, keep a little throttle on, and the plane will settle nicely. It was a surprise to find that the road in front of the house was smooth enough for this task, and I was happy to find out that the Sukhoi is an excellent little touch-and-go shooter. The large prop can tap the ground, though a perfectly performed landings are a joy to watch and tap-free. The prop tapping the ground actually provided a little extra game-like incentive to fly around and try again for a perfect tap-less landing. Many afternoons have been spent since with a handful of batteries, sitting at the side of the road performing touch-and-go's with the Sukhoi.
Flying IndoorsWhen you’re used to the plane, the fun can easily continue indoors. Because of the speed and nature of its performance, you will at least need half the size of a basketball court to have uninterrupted enjoyment though you will still be playing "wall avoidance" to some degree. It is nimble, but it can be kept in a very tight area with some practice. The dead calm air of indoors is addictive.
AerobaticsThe Sukhoi has plenty of power for sporty aerobatics; it happily loops off level, has enough vertical climb for satisfying stall turns, flies inverted and performs all manner of rolls. In low rates much of this is possible, though for performing aerobatics you will want to increase the travel on the control surfaces on the plane itself. This involves moving the pushrods to the inner holes on the control horns for rudder and elevator and moving the pushrod to the inner hole of the bell-crank for the ailerons (which also requires opening the fuselage). This is all very well explained and illustrated in the manual, though I did need to re-bend part of the elevator pushrod so that it wasn't rubbing on the stabilizer when using the inner hole.
The Sukhoi was fun before, but with these higher control throws comes an insane amount of fun. While it's still not an unlimited thoroughbred aerobatic machine, it is very capable. All the maneuvers listed above become crisp and can be performed with a degree of authority. It has a very quick roll rate, and you can get at least a couple of axial rolls in before substantial height loss. For slightly better aerobatic performance, remove about a half inch of the rear of the battery tray, and move the battery back as far as the wire will reach. I find this to be an ideal center of gravity. When inverted it will still need some down elevator, but the plane remains stable. I recommend against trimming for neutral inverted flight as the plane will become unstable and much less enjoyable. Practice how much down elevator is needed for inverted flight, and flipping inverted is a breeze. Inverted flight is such a big draw card as the plane is as happy on its back as it is the right way up, and flying around inverted at knee height is fun beyond words. Don't be afraid to push the stick forward; it's happy to tuck through outside loops and immelmans no problems. With a GWS DD 5x4 prop, the plane gets a few more horses and is generally more capable. For the ease and cost it's a worthy upgrade for aerobatics. With this prop, it's only a little shy of being able to maintain height in a knife edge, which is astounding. Snap rolls and spins are tight and quick. Flying inverted and negative snaps back to inverted are a favorite. It took me a while to find the timing, but rolling circles are a challenge but possible (if you're up to these, a higher angle of attack will help and you will need all the rudder). The summary of aerobatics is that it is quite a capable little machine and while it can't do it all, whatever maneuvers you can manage to pull off are simply a delight to watch and perform.
DurabilityThis little plane can bounce! My Sukhoi took an amazing amount of abuse in trying to get the close-up photos, video and getting the timing for the rolling circles. I did manage to shake the motor loose which only took a little glue to set right. The first prop broke in a few afternoons, but the replacement lasted a very long time. If flying over grass, the two props in the box will seem indestructible. If landed in long grass, make sure you check the rudder and elevator aerodynamic balances to ensure there is no grass or sticks caught in them that could easily damage the flight surfaces and/or pull them off completely when you pick up the plane.
Gallery
Video - large widescreen (720 x 406 mp4)
(Quicktime Player is easiest, though anything with the mp4 codec, like VLC, will be fine. Videos also work on iPhone/iPod-Touch. Vimeo embedded player links will be provided when article is published)
Is this for a beginner?On low rates the plane is reasonably stable and accessible, and while it can take an amazing amount of abuse, I just can't say it's for a beginner or first aileron model. To get the most enjoyment out of it, you should have experience with at least one fully aerobatic plane.
ConclusionThis is an excellent product that delivers on its promise; Bind 'N Fly makes it trivially quick and easy to set up, and it is a fully aerobatic little sports plane. The innocence of the plane shines through when you learn that it's completely harmless... I flew it into myself more than a few times, and it simply bounces off (as evidenced in the video). Pick it up and fly again. It's very agile and aerobatic little performer, but consider that this plane is one mistake high at waist height, and it's obvious as to why these particular aerobatics are so much fun.
I heartily recommend the ParkZone Sukhoi Su-26m. Happily, most hobby stores will have extra batteries for the mCX helicopter, so grab a handful, ease the stick back and enjoy some lazy circuits and endearing touch and goes until the sun goes down.
Pluses:
Minuses:
Last edited by Angela H; Sep 16, 2009 at 12:08 PM.. |
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Sep 18, 2009, 10:55 AM
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#2 |
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Pedestrian! Don't Shoot
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lambertville, Michigan, United States
Posts: 4,968
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Nicely done!
My Sukhoi has been responsible for quickly making me a better flyer, purchasing a DX6i transmitter, and attempting maneuvers I never tried before. It is really a great platform for learning to fly acrobatics. Who knows, I might even try high rates one of these days 
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Sep 18, 2009, 12:51 PM
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#3 |
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E-flyer since 1981
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 917
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Another flyer in our club and I each have one.
We both are unable to produce enough power to do a straight and clean loop. Are we doing something wrong? Could the battery be a problem? I have run mine COMPLETELY down a few times. The planes fly quickly, roll superbly, and do nice rudder-stall turns. |
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Sep 18, 2009, 01:06 PM
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#4 |
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What the Fokker?
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 846
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GREAT Review and GREAT Photos - Excellent - THANKS!!!
I have way too much fun with mine as well. -Andreas |
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Sep 18, 2009, 01:15 PM
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#5 | |
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**Tri-Flow Joe**
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Posts: 3,592
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Quote:
M inT, Did you catch the part in the review about the prop upgrade? It's the best upgade you can do for the Sukhoi. GWS 5043 prop. Awesome info here... http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...89&postcount=1 rc ps. tKM, Enjoyed it! |
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Sep 18, 2009, 01:18 PM
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#6 |
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What goes up must come down...
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 124
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Awesome plane if you can get a hold of one. Most LHS's around me are sold out of them 24/7.
-Plus the PZ micro P51 (the Sukhoi's sister plane effectively) is suppose to be coming out here pretty soon. I'm waiting for that, personally. 
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Sep 18, 2009, 01:20 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Springfield, VA
Posts: 306
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One apparently needed step you do not call out is "Check the CG". A club member did exactly what you did, out of the box and into the air, and had such a bad time he was about to take it back to the store and return it. But first he hit the internet and learned many of the models come out of the box way nose heavy. After 3 pins and some tape on the tail to hit the 32mm CG location, he had a different airplane, and is now very happy with it....
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Sep 18, 2009, 01:37 PM
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#8 | |
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E-flyer since 1981
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 917
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Quote:
Merci beaucoup! I'll try that. |
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Sep 18, 2009, 01:53 PM
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#9 | |
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Slow Flyer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Richmond, TX
Posts: 1,558
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Arron:
Nice review...and beautiful skies in your area. Lucky man. Quote:
Rob |
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Sep 18, 2009, 01:56 PM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Torrance (LA), California/Gainesville, Florida
Posts: 193
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Great article.
This is the first R/C plane I have ever flown outside of the FMS simulator. For my first real-life take off, landing and flight it was very stable and I had no issues. I understood all of the controls and flight properties as I have flown in the simulator, but I wasn't sure if it would be the same. Clearly she was very agreeable to somebody new to flying! I agree with what you said about the wind. I just got my Sukhoi yesterday and took her out for a first flight in calm wind this morning. She flew very nicely in the calm and out of the box only required a little bit of up elevator as far as trimming goes. I was worried I was going to take her up and have to shuffle around with the trims like a madman while trying to keep everything stable. Later in the day the wind picked up to a 4 to 6 mph breeze. Naturally I was a little bit hesitant to take her to the sky, but I couldn't resist. She handled surprisingly well in this breeze, and was a blast when I turned her right into the wind and literally floated on half throttle or so. Full throttle was able to power right into the wind with just a slight bit of resistance. As the wind picked up to around 8 to 10 mph she started to get tossed around a bit, so I brought her to earth with a bit of throttle to keep her gliding. What an awesome plane and great flight. I should note that on her very first landing the prop that came attached to the plane in the box broke. The landing was in no way rough, but I've been reading that the prop that comes attached is very brittle. I added the spare prop, and haven't experienced any troubles as of yet. Last edited by speedster239; Sep 18, 2009 at 02:18 PM. |
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Sep 18, 2009, 02:05 PM
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#11 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,381
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A very nicely photo-llustrated and completely comprehensive review Arron. I have been jonesing for one since they came out and the review photos make the desire to own one even stronger. Nice studio shots also. (Did the Napster help you out with those a little?
 )
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Sep 18, 2009, 06:37 PM
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#12 |
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AMA member, rc flyer
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chesterfield, Virginia
Posts: 234
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Very nice review. I myself am waiting for the micro mustang which should be in soon. I'm not an extremely aerobatic pilot yet, and find myself enjoying the warbird aspect of the hobby. Still, the Sukhoi looks like a great little aerobatic plane!
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Sep 18, 2009, 08:58 PM
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#13 |
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Fly Naked! Uh, not you.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Newport, RI
Posts: 1,918
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I've got one and it doesn't come close to having enough power to loop from level flight much less get any kind of vertical lines for stall turns. My CG was WAAAAYYYY forward out of the box too. I removed the spinner and as much foam as I could from the nose and cut out the back of the battery tray to get the battery cable stretched as far back as it would go. I still need up elevator trim.
All in all a very disappointing product if you ask me.  Nice review, but we got very different samples.  kendall |
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Sep 18, 2009, 09:10 PM
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#14 |
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Balsa just crashes better
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Bradenton, FL
Posts: 352
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Nice review- I have one and discovered as you did that the prop update is a great improvement. Some of the guys here have also been trimming the scoop off the bottom of the cowl as well as moving the battery back for better c/g.
It is a great flyer and a lot of fun Cub Fan |
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Sep 18, 2009, 10:44 PM
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#15 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Orlando, Florida, United States
Posts: 223
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Nice job w/ the review of this great little plane.
I believe that most people will find that by spending a little time getting the c.g. (center of gravity) where they like it and re-propping to a GWS 5043, that it will transform the Sukhoi from an okay performer into a great little performer. There are several threads describing various methods used. I chose to add weight  at the tail progressively until it flew as I like for my style of flying. Easy to do & well worth the time invested. Mine too struggled w/ loops & other maneuvers prior to nailing the c.g. (way nose heavy, causing too much up trim for level flight, etc.) The prop change gives the added speed for cleaner maneuvers. Ed Last edited by Ed eFlyer; Sep 18, 2009 at 11:13 PM. |
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