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Hobby Lobby Twister "Medevac V2" RTF Coaxial R/C Helicopter Review
The Twister line of coaxial helicopters from Hobby Lobby are the perfect choice for beginners wanting to try their hand at rotorcraft flight. The Twister Medevac is full of cool options including lights, so join Dr. Dave for some hovering.
Introduction
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| Main Rotor Diameter: | 340mm |
| Flying Weight: | 222g |
| Weight: | 179g |
| Length: | 365mm |
| Servos: | hi-torque EnerG micro servos |
| Transmitter: | 72Mhz FM 4-channel with 4 trims |
| Stabilization: | On-board piezo yaw rate gyro |
| Flight Times: | 10 - 15 minutes |
| Main Drive: | Twin ball raced motors |
| Battery: | 7.4V LiPo 800 mAh |
| On-Board Control: | Twister 4 in 1 |
| MSRP: | $119.00 |
| Available From: | Hobby-Lobby |
Perhaps best known as the helicopter used in the Korean War and later in M*A*S*H,, the Medevac, or Bell 47 (H-13), came to life in 1941. By the Korean War/Conflict in 1950 it was successful both militarily and commercially. Its ability to haul two wounded soldiers from front line battlefields was notable. While less than 500 were built for the Army and Navy over 5,000 were built throughout the production cycle of the Bell 47.
Kit Contents
My Medevac arrived in great shape double boxed and well protected. An interior plastic shell provides excellent protection from damage and dust. It is a small, easily portable box good for taking with you to fly just about anywhere.
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Lots of eye catching information provided on the box.
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My version included the high quality TX flight simulator and MOPS system.
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And if that was not enough, there were the really bright cool looking lights.
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Great protection for shipping and storage
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Note the fly bar is removed.
Test-flown and ready to fly kit includes:
- Painted and detailed helicopter
- Transmitter
- Twister 4 in 1 On-board electronics
- Micro Servos
- Receiver and transmitter crystals
- 7.4V 800 mAh LiPo
- 12V charger
- 110-120V AC power adapter
- Instruction manual written for Medevac
- Twister Medevac DVD
- Extra blades
- Flight simulator
- AA transmitter batteries
All the necessary items nest well inside the molded Styrofoam packing box. The instruction manual is absolutely excellent. It is written specifically for the Medevac and is not a generic manual. Every page is packed with photos and instructions that not only introduces you to helicopters, but also completely describes every aspect of rotorcraft flight. Rest assured, if you are making your first sortie into helicopters, having access to a manual like this one is a blessing. I was impressed with the macro photographs and the number used to clearly show the intent of the instructions.
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Packaged and ready for flight
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Full color and full of details
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The complete flight-tested RTF
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Even the transmitter batteries are provided.
You get a lot of extras with the Medevac including the flight simulator and USB cable, transport bunks, extra blades and a red flashing tail beacon. I loved the detail of the bunks; The Red Cross symbol is painted on them, and they include the handles, foam pad and plastic bubble used to protect the wounded soldiers during the flight. That must have been one of the most merciful yet unmerciful rides a young soldier could ever experience.
A walk Around
I always like to let you see all the angles so I am providing a few pictures of the Medevac for you to get a better feel for all quality of this helicopter.
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Set up and ready to fly
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The two motors keep cool in the rotor draft.
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This is the blue warning beacon.
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The distinctive clear bubble surrounds the 4 in 1 controller
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To access the controller adjustment pots you have to remove the bubble. A screw locks the bubble in place from below.
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The main rotor head is plastic.
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The undercarriage supports the battery with a perfect fit.
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The 800 mAh 7.4 Lipo in place
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Servos are tucked in nicely.
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Take a look at all the detail on the tail rotor and boom.
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How about those lights!
Assembly
All I had to do is charge the battery and then lock the fly bar in place. Below is a photo that shows that process, but also shows the level of detail within the instructions. The bunks also slip onto the landing gear and then snap in place.
Flying
At just about 8 ounces, the Medevac may seem small but it is an excellent example of coaxial engineering and stability. As it moves through ground effect you do have to keep on the throttle, though, or you will bounce the ground. Once you get the hover sorted out (which I thought was not difficult), the Medevac goes where you want it to go. Trims help you get the hover stabilized, and once that is accomplished, it penetrates forward very well and is not pitch or roll sensitive.
Basics
Controlling a helicopter takes coordination and a mindset removed a degree or more from fixed wing. You need a soft touch and concentration. The Medevac supports your learning curve with high quality components, and an excellent FM transmitter.
Flight times on the Medevac (and all Twisters) are incredible. Ten minutes is typical, which is exactly what you want as a new pilot practicing your maneuvers. Once the battery cools, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to charge the battery.
Is This For a Beginner?
You bet it is. Everything you need to fly a helicopter is provided. The Medevac is durable, and even though the tail boom looks fragile it is quite strong. I bounced the Medevac several times and rolled it a few times as well with no damage.
Flight Video/Photo Gallery
Downloads
Conclusion
I really enjoy flying the line of Twister helicopters. I am as satisfied with the Medevac as I was with the Twister US Coast Guard. Long flight times, excellent durability, extras like blades, lighting and a flight simulator and price all make Twister worth exploring. I recommend the Medevac for not only outdoor flying but indoor flying as well.
When you combine the helicopter with the quality service and attention to customer needs Hobby Lobby provides and the clearly written and photographed manual, you have a great RTF.
Positive:
- Great looks and detail
- Durability
- Long flight times
- All the extras
- Great service
Not-So-Positive:
- Flight simulator is not high quality
Discussion
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Apr 15, 2009, 02:46 PM
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North Alabama
Joined Mar 2004
1,831 Posts
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Any video of actual forward flight?
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Apr 15, 2009, 03:10 PM
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Weston-s-Mare Uk
Joined Nov 2008
694 Posts
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Great review!
I purchased the Medivac well over 3 year's ago. It was the first heli i ever bought and the start of the OBSESSION!  It's exactlly the same as your review model, exept back then it did'nt come with the lights or the sim. The lighting system came out later as an optional upgrade, but i never got round to getting it. Mine's still going strong after all this time! It still surprise's me the head of steam you can pick up with this little beauty. I bought the Twister 3D after mastering the Medivac, and now i'm just venturing into 3D with a Mini Titan. So not only is it GREAT fun to fly, but it'll teach you the basic's and allow you to progress when the time is wright. I love my Medivac, and still fly many evening sortie's round the garden to wind down after a long day.  Cheer's, Dan.
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Apr 15, 2009, 05:11 PM
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various parts of NY
Joined Jan 2009
941 Posts
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Okay for indoor as well as outdioor flight ?it's a lot like the Lama V3 in size and weight. Like most coax's in it's class it's probably okay for outdoor flying if you live in a place that doesn't see much wind. Where I live it's almost always breezy, if not downright windy. Except for those still, hot summer nights small heli's are restricted to indoor flying round these parts.
Othwerwise it looks quite nice. I like the lights and I love that classic Bell 47 design. |
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Apr 16, 2009, 06:11 AM
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USA
Joined Nov 2005
1,312 Posts
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I agree that with wind flight becomes more complicated. This is true for both the heli and the pilot. I thought control movements were certainly enough to fight the wind and forward flight into the wind was not too bad. Even a hover held pretty good in a slight wind. Once you get sideways to the wind things get tough.
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Apr 16, 2009, 04:56 PM
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United States, OR, Beaverton
Joined Feb 2008
1,973 Posts
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Quote:
Quote:
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Apr 16, 2009, 05:08 PM
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Riverside, Ca
Joined Oct 2006
319 Posts
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Who makes this heli? it uses cx2/3 blades frame and so on. Is this from eflite.
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Apr 16, 2009, 08:19 PM
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USA
Joined Nov 2005
1,312 Posts
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Both- As advertised and as I saw it.
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Last edited by 78dave; Apr 16, 2009 at 08:25 PM.
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Apr 16, 2009, 08:29 PM
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United States, OR, Beaverton
Joined Feb 2008
1,973 Posts
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Quote:
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Apr 16, 2009, 09:17 PM
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Big Spring Tx
Joined Jan 2008
376 Posts
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Quote:
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Apr 16, 2009, 09:30 PM
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Riverside, Ca
Joined Oct 2006
319 Posts
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Quote:
Yes very interesting. If you go to hobby lobby's heli parts it looks like most of the parts are the same as cx2/3 |
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Apr 17, 2009, 06:32 PM
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United States, IL, Kane
Joined Nov 2006
437 Posts
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my first heli too!
its great fun |
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Apr 21, 2009, 07:20 AM
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Joined Mar 2006
395 Posts
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Imagine yourself laying on one of the outboard bunks, and the rotorwash coming down at you, if the battlewounds would'nt kill you, you'd freeze to death...("luckily" a windshield for forward flight was provided ;-) Those were harsh times I'd say! (However, it was the same era that smoking was good for you and sex was safe!)
Laterrr, |
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