Lightly-modded ParkZone Sukhoi XP - part 1: Vertical, harriers, flat-spins, torque-rolls & more

[stevecoterell9]

whats that growing out ya head at the start ? good video once it started

[rcflyer40plus1]

Just some great flying - def on my buy list. Thanks for sharing this.

[MrTurboparker]

Rcflyer40plus1,

Thanks for the compliment! She is a lot of fun - especially with the Hyperion cells & the GWS 5043 prop.

[XxTheStarDrummerxX]

@MrTurboparker What controller does it come with????????

I want to see a picture of the controller.

Is it the one your where using that comes with the read to fly?

[MrTurboparker]

,XxTheStarDrummerxX,

It doesn't come with a transmitter. You need a Spektrum DX6i or better (DX7, DX8) transmitter for this plane. Go to Horizon Hobby's website to check out the plane and the radios.

[XxTheStarDrummerxX]

@MrTurboparker but it says Ready to fly.

So how can it have no controller and it says it comes with a 4 channel control??

Can you send me a picture on how that looks???

[MrTurboparker]

@XxTheStarDrummerxX

It doesn't say 'ready to fly' anywhere on the website. It says 'bind & fly' - which means you need your own transmitter. This plane is for accomplished aerobatic pilots; not beginners. An accomplished aerobatic pilot would typically already have a computerized, programmable transmitter. Check the the website for pictures of the plane & what comes with it. If you want to know why it doesn't come with a transmitter, I suggest that you call Horizon Hobby & ask them.

[XxTheStarDrummerxX]

@MrTurboparker it says RTF on this website kingslynnmodelshop

[MrTurboparker]

XxTheStarDrummerxX,

Go to Horizon Hobby's website & look at the ParkZone Sukhoi XP - you'll see that it is offered as a B&F only. Regarding the website you posted - they may be offering a transmitter, but the manufacturer does not. I suggest that you contact them & find out which transmitter they are including. You need at least a DX6i or better for the XP.

[helicopterboy99]

Do you have any advice on upgrades for this plane? Mine flies great but im sure if i use more than just the factory defults i will get more out of it.

[MrTurboparker]

Helicopterboy99,

I recommend a GWS 5043 prop and Hyperion or Thunder Power 160 mAh UM cells. The Hyp 180 'flat-pack' cell is a great choice; but it doesn't fit the battery slot. I tape it to the belly with masking tape. Don't bother with 'bargain' batteries in this plane - they can't handle the load.

I'm using the 5043 & the Hyp 180 in the videos. You'll need a prop adapter for the 5043. If you haven't done so, move the elevator & aileron pushrods to their max throw positions.

Happy flying!

[helicopterboy99]

MrTurboparker,

thanks for the advise but a bit to late. I bought a sukhoi su-26xp and im doing great :) i have started some acrobatics thanks to a simulator. Thanks for the advice.

[MrTurboparker]

Helicopterboy99,

Glad to hear that the XP is working out for you! The Sukhoi is a bit much for most beginner/intermediate pilots who have little, if any aileron experience; however those with excellent reflexes & hand-to-eye skills seem to do well with it. Your CP heli experience is a big help, as well.

I'm still loving my two XPs. Check out my latest clip & you'll see me flying in my new backyard. It's great for flying helis & UM planes.

[beverke7]

very nice work, great landing considering the wind at the end also !

Another one on the ever growing wishlist LOL

[MrTurboparker]

Beverke7,

Thanks for the compliment! I love flying her in the wind. It helps me keep my reflexes sharp.

[nudel220]

so wonderfull plane. i love it.

[MrTurboparker]

Nudel220,

Me too! My XP gets more stick-time than any other plane in my fleet. It's just so 'tossable', and it flies so well. It has no bad manners whatsoever.

[helicopterboy99]

hey um just wondering if the sukhoi is a hard plane to fly. i fly helicopters i have the blade 400,and the blade msr.i started flying the firebird outlaw and wantes to know if a sukhoi is a good plane for me.

thanks :)

[MrTurboparker]

Helicopterboy99,

I know a few heli pilots who learned to fly planes with the XP; but there are better aileron trainers. The XP is to planes, what a maxed-out 250-class CP machine with a high headspeed & aggressive curves is to helis. If you can fly one of those, you likely have quick enough reflexes to handle the XP. However, the XP will not right itself when you drop the sticks like the Firebird does. It will keep doing whatever you last told it to do until you tell it to do something else.

[MrTurboparker]

Helicopterboy99,

The Firebird uses a simplified control setup as compared to most hobby-grade planes. The XP is an extremely responsive unlimited aerobatic plane that's designed for experienced pilots. I suggest the HZ UM Champ as a first step into conventionally-controlled planes. Once you've mastered the 3-channel Champ, try the PZ UM P-51 or their upcoming UM T-28. Either one will be a decent aileron trainer. Once you're proficient with either one, the Sukhoi XP would be a great next step.

[iflyf3d]

Sounds a bit windy... The extra power of the batt and prop are impressive.

Well done.

[MrTurboparker]

Iflyf3d,

Thanks for the compliment! The XP handles a surprising amount of wind for a ~35-gram plane. To prove the point, I've flown mine in 15+ MPH winds. That requires zero-groundspeed landings; but I find them to be both fun & challenging. Out-of-the-box, the XP is a great-flying aerobatic plane. With nothing more than a prop & battery change, it becomes an excellent-flying aerobatic plane. I prefer an aft CG (40-42mm) for 3D. I prefer a more neutral CG (36-37mm) for precision flying.

[tiredofchex]

Nice piloting

[MrTurboparker]

Tiredofchex,

Thanks for the compliment!

It's a great little plane. Horizon took the best of the mods that myself & others did to the original Sukhoi (P-51 motor, better prop, aft CG, larger battery, carbon-fiber in the elevator), and incorporated them into the new design. Plus - they added a few extra touches that also noticeably improve the performance - like the heavy-duty tail surfaces, the long-throw 6400L brick, and the pushrod guides.