Complete and ready for its maiden flight. The bright, flowing trim scheme (above left) really flows nicely with the Tucan’sshape. Thanks to the wide track
can be run through one of the two holes in the firewall. The lower hole will surely help to ensure that the wires will not come into contact with the rotating motor. Under the canopy and inside the light ply “M frame” there is plenty of room for a 3S 3000–4000 mAh Li-Po pack. An APC 11–5.5 prop and Styrofoam spinner complete the business end of the Tucan.
The first trip to the airport with the Tucan was exciting. Unfortunately, some of the ex- citement was a result of some minor prob- lems. As the airplane was taxiing to the run- way, the foam spinner flew off. In all fairness, it appeared slightly off balance and once it was re-attached, it remained there for all of the flight testing. Takeoff was straightforward and with just a hint of up el- evator the airplane started skyward in short order. It climbed smartly, although it is not going to make a vertical ascent. Virtually no trimming was necessary so I set up for a se-
tricycle gear, the Tucan’stakeoff run (above right) is rather straightforward. All that was needed was just a slight touch of up elevator and the Tucanwas off.
ries of photo passes. More excitement en- sued when the canopy ejected itself from the airframe while cross-controlled. I immedi- ately set up for the Tucan’s first landing. Even without the canopy it occurred to me how easily the airplane landed and how pre- dictable it was. The canopy was found un- damaged and the misaligned magnet that was the cause of the separation was quickly adjusted.
With that drama out of the way and back in the sky, the Tucan proved to be a great flying airplane. It’s a very stable platform throughout the flight envelope and doesn’t seem to have any bad tendencies. Basic aer- obatic maneuvers are a pleasure and at no time did the airplane seem to be anything but rock steady. Of course no airplane this stable will tumble or be flown as a 3D model with success. However, if you enjoy the Bob Hoover style of aerobatics this airplane won’t disappoint. In fact, the Tucan would
probably make a fine low wing trainer per- haps as a second or third airplane. If there is a downside to the Tucan it is due to its tremendous potential. The air- plane is so robustly built and so stable in the air, the recommended setup seems a bit conservative. There should be no mistake about it, this airplane isn’t underpowered; it’s just that the airframe is so obviously strong and true that it practically begs for more power. The recommended power sys- tem delivers between 400–500 watts. With an 800-watt power system and retractable landing gear the Tucan should be an adren- aline producing machine! For those seeking a more scale-like military finish, the Tucan could certainly be painted rather than ap- plying the factory provided decals. Perhaps some navigation and landing lights, a 3- blade propeller, and an aluminum spinner. With the Multiplex Tucan, the possibilities are endless.
Aerobatics with the Tucanare easily performed (above) throughout the traditional aerobatic routine. Don’t expect 3D maneuvers though; the Tucanis not that kind of bird. Landings with the Tucan(at right) proved to be predictable and easy, making this model an excellent first time low wing aerobatic plane.
FLYING MODELS 29
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