KIT REVIEW | RTF park fl yer
Panda Sport
MULTIPLEX DELIVER A NO-NONSENSE
TRAINER AIMED SQUARELY AT
THE BEGINNER
74 | RCM&E
oulded using Elapor (EPO
foam), the Panda Sport is an
M
that’s supplied in three versions:
z Basic kit (airframe only).
z RR (Ready to Run). A pre-built
z RR+. As per the RR version but
exposes a crisply-moulded airframe
with detachable plug-in wings and an
entry-level powered glider
version that’s fi tted with motor,
ESC, servos and decals, but
requires your Rx and battery.
including an Rx and battery.
Lifting the lid on the RR version
all-moving stabiliser. The servos that
drive the control surfaces (rudder /
elevator only) are revealed by
removing a large underside hatch
that also provides good access to the
ESC and battery bay. As you’d expect
from Multiplex, there’s a good quality
feel to all the components.
GET READY
Instructions are by way of a manual
that details the assembly of the basic
‘kit’ version, along with
supplementary sheets to provide
guidance for the ESC and, fi nally, the
few steps required to have the RR
www.modelfl ying.co.uk | November 2013
The Panda Sport is aimed at
the out-and-out rookie and
“
words » David Ashby | photos » David Ashby / Graham Ashby
‘is what it is’...
version ready for fl ying. It’s all easy
stuff, so there’s little to digest apart
from checking the C of G and
suggested control defl ections. The
rudder servo quick-link on my
example required some adjustment
but, this aside, RR set-up should be
straightforward, the suggested
defl ections being absolutely fi ne for
the beginner.
Much like Multiplex’ recent Solius
motor glider, space inside is at a
premium so you’ll need a compact
receiver (Rx) for the job. I used the
marvellous red Velcro included in the
box (you’ll fi nd none better) to slip
”
I like the colour
scheme, it’s bright,
sporty and visible.
November 2013 | www.modelfl ying.co.uk
RCM&E | 75
KIT REVIEW | RTF park fl yer
Expect nothing less
than smooth, gentle
handling
characteristics.
You may need a
little weight at the
tail, I did; small
metal pellets are
retained in cavities
by sticker patches.
It’s pretty tight in
there! I squeezed in
my Rx on the side
just above the
servos, leaving
room further
forward for the
battery.
my Rx just above the servos on the
side, so leaving room for the Li-Po
battery further forward, alongside the
speed controller.
Wings and tail feathers slide home
secured by clever little locking
devices, with the 7 x 4” folding prop,
spinner and ESC all being factoryfi tted. The model is most likely to
balance nose heavy with a typical
1000mAh 3s Li-Po, which Multiplex
has recognised by including some
weights retained by sticker patches in
two fi n cavities either side of the stab
joiner. Small, raised lumps on the
wing underside mark the C of G spot,
but do note that whilst the Panda fl ies
perfectly well when it’s a little nose or
tail heavy, the suggested spot is the
one to aim for.
My ESC was factory set ‘brake on’,
which is just what’s required here to
The slide-on wings are
retained thanks to clever
locking clips.
enable the blades to fold when the
throttle is chopped, thus improving
and extending the glide.
Power system measurements come
out at 85W at 7A, for which the 20A
ESC provides ample coverage.
BEAR UP
The Panda is a smooth fl ying,
vice-free model. It’s away easily from
a full-throttle overarm launch and
Turning 7 x 4 blades,
the spinner is
designed to allow a
little cooling air
through.
76 | RCM&E
www.modelfl ying.co.uk | November 2013
words » David Ashby | photos » David Ashby / Graham Ashby
reacts to control inputs well enough
in a sedate, 3-channel, rudder /
elevator fashion. It fl ies in a very
gentle manner which, let’s be honest,
is exactly what the raw beginner
requires from his (her) fi rst model.
Although it’ll cope on a breezy day
in the hands of an intermediate or
experienced pilot, when commanded
by a beginner the Panda must really
be aired only in calm or near-calm
conditions where it’ll respond best.
Experienced pilots will immediately
think about adding an extra cell or
larger prop blades as a way of
zipping up the performance.
However, I’ve one word of advice
here: Don’t! I’ve done that already
and, to be honest, the model’s not
really designed for tweaks of this
nature. Sure, you can make it go
faster, but the Panda just feels
distinctly uncomfortable when hopped
up. Indeed, in the manual, Multiplex
warn against inappropriate and
excessive fl ying manoeuvres, whilst
reminding you that the model is
designed only for the recommended
(or pre-fi tted) power system.
Where aerobatics are concerned,
loops are fi ne but rolls aren’t really on
the agenda. Flight times are
impressive, indeed you can expect a
good 15 minutes, perhaps a little
longer, whilst on a sunny day the
model is capable of catching some
rising air to extend endurance still
further. Bringing the model down is
easy since it has a sweet glide, a
gentle fl are being all that’s required.
BEGINNER’S DELIGHT
Needless to say, and as with just
about all trainers, beginners would be
advised to harness the guidance of an
experienced pilot before fl ying this
model. The Panda Sport is clearly
aimed at the out-and-out rookie and
‘is what it is’, a well-designed and
well-made little aeroplane that slips
in neatly under some of Multiplex’
existing trainer-type machines to
offer friendly handling characteristics
for those starting out.
As you’d expect, the
model won’t ignore
thermal activity so
soaring is a good
way to extend fl ight
times.
An underside hatch
provides access to
servos, Rx, battery,
ESC and motor.
DA TAFILE
Name: Panda Sport
Model type: Electric glider
Manufactured by: Multiplex
UK distributor: J. Perkins Distribution
Tel. 01622 854300
www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk
RRP: £54.99 (kit)
£144.99 (RR)
£179.99 (RR+)
Wingspan: 45.7” (1160mm)
Fuselage length: 31.5” (800mm)
Wing area: 2sq. ft. (0.19sq. m)
All-up weight: 17.6oz (500g)
Wing loading: 8.8oz / sq. ft. (2.7kg / sq. m)
Functions (servos): Rudder (1); elevator (1);
throttle (via ESC)
Power system: Permax 2812 1100Kv outrunner;
7 x 4” folding prop; 3s 1000mAh
Li-Po, 20A ESC
Quality:
Assembly:
Flying:
Poor
Easy
Novice
Acceptable
Intermediate
Improver
Excellent
Diffi cult
Experienced
November 2013 | www.modelfl ying.co.uk
RCM&E | 77
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