For modellers out there with smaller 30-50cc type airframes the next step to a
larger aerobatic model may seem a bit daunting given the large amount of engine
and servo choices, power distribution setups and batteries etc. Hangar 9’s decision
to bring out a model with this level of completion has removed all the guesswork so
that the modeller will have a proven successful setup from the word go if they follow
the manual. I should mention for those that haven’t owned a Hangar 9 model before,
the manual is fantastic. Everything you need to know is there with clear photos for
each step. All control throws are given and the C of G is spot on. An extensive amount
of testing goes into Hangar 9 products before release so that it works for the customer exactly as advertised. No customer based R & D here like some manufacturers
seem to have. I must mention that the Sukhoi will require a Large Model Permit under
the MAAA rules due to the finished weight. As a Large Model Inspector I had no issue
with any of the construction or materials used on the model or the hardware supplied
with it. That’s good piece of mind when it comes time for your inspection.
Construction ....If You Can Call It That
The model is supplied in three boxes due to its size and is very well protected in
its packaging for shipping. The fuselage, tail feathers and other components are in
one box, the cowl in another and the wings in the third box. I was impressed at the
quality of the covering job done by the factory. The model is covered in Hangar 9 UltraCote, and whilst there were a few small wrinkles to shrink out, the covering job and
gap sealing of the hinge lines was fantastic. The colour scheme is quite eye catching and differentiating between the top and bottom of the aircraft in flight for very easy orientation. Construction of the
model is built up balsa and ply and all glue joints on my model that I could see looked good. I didn’t
feel I needed to go over any glue joints and I still haven’t to date. The turtle deck and top of the removable hatch in front of the canopy are balsa over foam. The helmeted pilot figure is painted to
match the airframe and the visor on the helmet is adjustable if you want it open or closed. Cute!
Removing the canopy hatch reveals the well-designed laser cut structure and pre plumbed
fuel tank that sits above the wing tube. A filler valve and vent are pre- installed and the fuel tank
plumbing has lock wire twisted around it for security. Heavy-duty 20AWG servo leads are secured
to the fuselage side stringers about every twelve inches (30cm) with zip ties making a very neat
installation. All servo wires terminate on a shelf at the rear of the canopy where the receiver sits
and are clearly labelled for easy installation. The manual provides guidance on battery and regulator placement for both 3D and precision aerobatic setups. Due to the size of the model and
the large hatch, there is plenty of room to get to everything needed inside the fuselage.
Hangar 9 recommends using a Spektrum AR9100 DSM-2 9-channel PowerSafe dual battery
receiver and that was installed in the airframe at the recommended location. Where I deviated
from the manual was to not install LiPo’s for the receiver along with the required Spektrum regulators. Instead I installed two 2600mAh LiFeP04 6.4v self-balancing MAXPACK’s from Booma RC
as the receiver flight packs. These batteries do away with the need to run regulators and the excess weight associated with them. If you’re not familiar with Booma RC then go to
www.boomarc.com and check them out. They’re an Australian Company and make some really
good gear. As the regulators were omitted I installed the packs under the rear shelf in the regulators positions to get the model to balance without adding any additional tail weight. The receiver
packs were placed under the shelf so as not to interfere with the canopy.
The four servos supplied with the model for the control surfaces are Spektrum A6030’s that
are digital titanium geared and have coreless motors. One servo is installed per control surface.
These servos feature dual ball bearings, an aluminium case to act as a heat sink and they produce
278oz/in (20kg/cm) of torque at 6v. The servos are fitted with heavy-duty aluminium long throw
spline lock servo arms. Heavy-duty ball link control rods are factory installed connecting the servos
to the heavy-duty horns on the control surfaces. A Spektrum A6000 digital servo with 90oz/in
(6.48kg/cm) of torque at 6v is installed for the throttle servo.
As I had both a new DA-85 and MVVS 80 (the
MVVS is marketed as an Evo 80GX in America) I
opted to install the MVVS 80 as the plane is a little
more biased towards its installation as supplied
from the factory. The MVVS’s mounting pattern
and carburettor clearance hole cut out is laser
etched on the firewall, making installation very
straight forward. Installed ignition mounting blind
nuts and battery/regulator placements given in the
manual are also for the MVVS setup so it made
sense to go that way. That said the DA-85 isn’t a
hard install; just work out your own measurements
then drill and cut the firewall accordingly. The
throttle linkage on the MVVS is a little tricky, requiring a couple of 45 degree bends to clear the
fuel inlet nipple so I did my own thing and installed
a Sullivan flexible carbon Precision Rod, which is
a relatively straight run and works perfectly. I used
a Tru Turn 4.25 inch Ultimate spinner drilled for a
DA-100 and a Vess 26C prop