
(It’s easily remedied by slightly widening the servo pockets to accept a wider range of faster servo options.) If this Sbach was designed and marketed for 3D purists then this would be more of an issue. 32 brushless outrunner and Hitec 80-amp Energy Sport ESC are a potent combination that is easily accessed with cowl removal.Īlthough the S3150 produces ample torque-more than 50 ounce-inches-and its slim body slides perfectly into the equally slim servo pockets, speed is lacking (.24 seconds per 60°). 32 800 Kv motor controlled by Hitec’s Energy Sport 80-amp ESC, which uses a 5-amp SBEC that provides 5.5 volts to the Futaba S3150 slim digital servos. I chose to outfit this Sbach with components recommended by Tower Hobbies.

As is recommended by most ARF manufacturers, going over your airframe with a covering iron on medium heat will pay dividends.
#TOWER HOBBIES RC PLANES MANUAL#
The manual includes an addendum regarding the retightening of the airplane’s covering. I was pleased that the Sbach’s covering is contrast free. Because incorrect or off-color matching is a common complaint among wooden ARF fans, I paid extra attention to how the fiberglass wheel pants and cowl visually flowed with the covering. CA hinges are utilized for all of the control surfaces, with the ailerons conveniently preinstalled at the factory. The fuselage sides utilize solid sheeting, but there appears to be no loss of strength or glaring weight penalty.īecause this is a budget-priced ARF, you won’t find carbon-fiber supports running the length of the fuselage. The landing gear is solid however, considering that its retention depends on somewhat thin plywood, hard landings should be avoided. The motor box is solid and its rigidness flows aft through the firewall, anchoring to the landing gear and battery location. This is a well-made airplane, utilizing many modern approaches to airframe design. I inspected each piece for obvious signs of damage (none found) before examining the airframe’s quality. This Sbach arrived well protected with foam, cardboard, and plastic separating and securing each part. The feature that arouses such passion in Sbach enthusiasts (the uniquely curved nature of the fuselage) makes scaling it down challenging, but considering its size and aesthetics, I found this version appealing. Some airframes scale down well, and some don’t. No wing bag or tools are necessary-grab the airplane, your radio, and a few 4S 3,300 to 4,000 mAh LiPo battery packs, and you’re good to go.Ī word about this Sbach’s design: If you are a scale airplane purist, you’ll notice that the Tower Hobbies Sbach 3D differs slightly from the full-scale version. Considering the universally accepted axiom of “bigger flies better,” the Tower Hobbies Sbach 3D ARF, with a wingspan of 49.6 inches, is sized to maximize flight performance while minimizing setup time. I was pleased to hear that Tower Hobbies would be releasing a version that was sized (and priced) for the masses.Īs most experienced RC pilots will tell you, the wingspan limit for a model transported in an average-size vehicle without its wing being removed is somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 52 inches.

The RC community was quick to embrace this dreamy-looking machine, and for much of the past decade, manufacturers have been turning out scale versions.įrom tiny profile foamies to massive 40% beasts-the Sbach 342 has taken its place among the most popular RC aerobatic designs. Extremely curvaceous, the airframe looks fast simply sitting on the tarmac. Two years later, the Sbach 42/XA42 was released. This win came five months after the aircraft’s maiden flight. Its single-seat predecessor, the Sbach 300/XA41, won the first competition it entered: the unlimited category at the German Aerobatic Championships in 2006. Named for its designer, Philipp Steinbach, the full-scale Sbach 342 (XA42) gained popularity in a short period of time. Swinging a 14 x 7 propeller, the recommended power system provides unlimited vertical performance.

Visually striking color and design scheme aids in visual orientation.Wide flight envelope includes sport, precision, aerobatics, and 3D.Unlimited vertical performance with recommended power system.Radio system: Futaba 6K transmitter four Futaba S3150 slim digital servos Receiver: Futaba R3006SB FASST 2.4 GHz six-channel receiver Propeller: Xoar 14 x 7 Beechwood APC 13 x 8 thin electric

32 42-50-800 brushless outrunner Hitec Energy Sport 80-amp ESC with 5-amp SBECīattery: Turnigy nano-tech 14.8-volt 3,300 to 4,000 mAh 25C to 50C LiPo 32 outrunner brushless motor or equivalent As seen in the March 2018 issue of Model Aviation.
