E-flite DRACO 2.0m Smart Assembly & Flight Review | The RC Geek

We've got a bonus upload this week. Mike Patey's monster is here at last, E-flite's DRACO 2.0m! This is one of the nicest (if not the nicest) foam aircraft I've had the privilege to review to date. The scale details are numerous and the airplane looks incredible both on the ground and in the air. That's not to mention that it's an extremely fun STOL airplane to fly. E-flite has really put together an incredible model in this DRACO. #flitlikeyoustolit #draco #awesome
E-flite DRACO 2.0m ► bit.ly/EfltDraco
6s 5000mah Battery ► bit.ly/Sptm6s5000
6s 4000mah Battery ► bit.ly/Sptm6s4000
6s 3200mah Battery ► bit.ly/Sptm6s3200
Spektrum NX Radio ► bit.ly/SpktmTx
Du-Bro 5.5" Inflatable Tires ► bit.ly/Dubro55
APC 16x10 Prop ► bit.ly/APC1610
ERNST Airplane Mega Stand ► amzn.to/2RJ243X
So it Begins 00:00
Assembly 1:40
Flight 6:54
6s Flying 9:16
4s Flying 12:45
Final Thoughts 14:36
The Almighty Chuck Norris 15:25
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[@f1matt]

What an incredible model. Seeing how easily the wings go on and off, the awesome size isn't even a downside for transport. Amazing!

[@Thercgeek]

It is the nicest foam aircraft I’ve come across to date. The airframe and details are incredible!

[@3BrothersRC]

​@@Thercgeek Is it your camera or is that the most quiet plane ever!! Even for an electric 😮 I love that plane and have wanted it since it came out but at the time it came out, I had my right leg amputated and have Stage 5 kidney failure 😩 So at 49, I'm financially devastated to say the least and this plane is EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE 😭 Great video though, God Bless!

[@timvanasen6711]

Great video Chris I've actually watched all the history on Mike Patey's channel from frame cutting to crash he's an amazing person and Eflight did it right keeping Draco alive I'm watching his Scrappy build now 😉👍🛩

[@ruftime]

Thanks Chris! Can’t wait for my Draco. One of the most unique releases in Decades😎

[@Thercgeek]

For sure! Such a cool beast of a model.

[@Bellairvideo]

Congratulations on the first non commercial flight. Great build & review. Looking forward to mine here in Australia. Regards

[@jeffjackson6358]

I like the detail you go into on your new release videos. Very helpful.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you very much!

[@talkischeap7418]

Here we go 🥺🥰😘🤩, I’ve been waiting for this footage 💯👌🏽

[@Thercgeek]

Yasss! 😊

[@jeffreywolff4961]

Another excellent video - great piloting and photography. thanks for this!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@normleonard52]

Absolutely amazing model.....can't wait to get one. Great review Chris.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@jasongregory3950]

Awesome plane. Both real and RC.

[@davidsnyder238]

Excellent walk through Chris and flights!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man!

[@ToddBreda]

Fantastic! Cannot wait to get my hands on one of these when they are available. Well done!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! It’s Such a unique beast

[@fromaggiovagiola9128]

What a great toy. Patey motivates people.

[@mikenowland2739]

Great review as always Mr Geek 👍 Thanks for the tip on the wheels....just ordered a set .

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! Just keep in mind, they are heavy. But they work great for softening the landings.

[@HorizonHobbyProducts]

*HAPPY MIKE...haha! And hopefully HAPPY CHRIS too :) Awesome work!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! 😊. I’m lovin the DRACO 😎

[@chuckelleehin1270]

Hey Chris, great video. just preordered mine yesterday! 🍻

[@Thercgeek]

Awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a blast with it!

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

I just saw one for the 1st time today when I went to purchase a couple servo extensions at my hobby shop. It is so beautiful.❤️❤️❤️. I very well may pull out some dough for one Draco.

[@michaelreed9805]

What a story...what a plane!

[@GBLynden]

Good video man! I cannot wait for my to arrive 👊🏻💥👊🏻

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man!

[@JohnVHRC]

Awesome man! Great video!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man!

[@mustangracer5124]

Love the Drac.. who doesn't love the drac?.. I want one just because they're fun to look at.

[@erad05]

Thanks for the great review. I really appreciate your expertise.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@27niner]

Ditto from OZ- There's a invasion of Draco clips out now and you have covered a few really good points on setup- it all helps us here in Australia as we learn and wait for our pre ordered shipments, hopefully next week.

[@superGMan]

After seeing this I ordered one up! Great video!

[@Thercgeek]

Hey, thanks!

[@f.d.6667]

Looks really nice. However, a lot of people seem to forget that Mike Patey's work was based on what Gunnar, the previous owner from Iceland had already started: The red color and many modifications were already in place when Mike started the amazing Draco project...

[@brianbrissette9444]

Love it great job

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@7demo7review]

Great review!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@Nothinglefttosay]

This will be one to keep for later. They’ll be worth a small fortune in a few years.. brand new

[@jetman899]

Thanks Chris for the intro. I've only own one bush plane (Night Timber), thinking of getting this bad boy. I sure like how the wings can be easily taken apart for transport.

[@Thercgeek]

The DRACO is a pretty cool ride. Fun for scale stol ops. You’ll find that The night timer is considerably more maneuverable than this bird, so something to consider depending on what you’re looking for.

[@jetman899]

@@Thercgeek Yeah! She looks like a heavy flyer.

[@Thercgeek]

Links to everything used in the video are below: E-flite DRACO 2.0m ► bit.ly/EfliteDraco 6s 5000mah Battery ► bit.ly/Smt6s5000 Spektrum NX Radio ► bit.ly/SpktmTx Du-Bro Inflatable Tires ► bit.ly/32rvB4g APC 16x10 Prop ► bit.ly/APC16x10 ERNST Airplane Mega Stand ► amzn.to/2RJ243X ▼HELP SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL▼ Shopping through the following links helps support this channel! Horizon Hobby ► bit.ly/HorizHby Legend Hobby ► bit.ly/LegendHobby Bitgo Hobby (Dynam) ► bit.ly/BItgoHby AMain Hobbies ► bit.ly/AMainHby RIPT Apparel ► bit.ly/3ghD7Xy (Awesome Geek Shirts!) StarBond CA Glue ► bit.ly/StarBondCA (Use Code "Geek10" at checkout to save 10% OFF your purchase!) Amazon ► amzn.to/1WneysW

[@old_coastie]

Yeah buddy... Me gotta get back to work, but not before doin a Happy Dance.. Great opening vid...

[@Thercgeek]

*happy dance intensifies 🤣

[@s9523pink]

I like it!

[@BDTennessee]

Awesome video! 4S flying was nice and seem to have efficient power too!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! Yeah, does alright on 4s. Just don’t plan to be doing any big verticals with it. 😉

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Right! Might use 4s when flying in park down the street early morning instead of at air field. Keep me from getting to crazy lol.

[@BDTennessee]

@@Sabotage_Labs Sounds like a plane to me :)

[@claygrigsby1280]

Great video! A lot of great information. Where did you get the gauge to help set up the surfaces on your Draco?

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! The one I used was made by great planes. Looks like motion rc has something similar: www.motionrc.com/products/benchcraft-control-surface-deflection-meter-bct5029-001

[@NICHOLASRGLORIOSO]

OMG DUDE, YOU KILLIN ME!!! LOL I Gotta Get me one of those AFTER I Move! Lol AWESOME VIDEO AS ALWAYS! :D

[@Thercgeek]

Haha, thanks man!

[@need4speedrc]

Nice review bud!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@ljhobbylife]

Great Video and the tips were amazing, do you think it was quicker with the 2 blade prop?

[@Thercgeek]

The performance with the 2blade was pretty much the same as the stock prop.

[@heregoesmike]

I really hope that they ship mine soon... I ordered among the first batch and they won't ship it because "Priority Customers Come First" even though I ordered within the first couple hours of the release... I wonder if I'll still be excited to get it IF it ever shows up...

[@jb6027]

Nice! It looks more scale with the 4 cell.

[@rodgerhecht3623]

Great review! I really like the details, but i guess its worth the price...IDK guess id have to see one . It does have a lot of unique design and gadgets.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks Rodger! This one is one of a kind for sure.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Keep in mind...smart 100am ESC. That's like $100. 637T-A Telemetry reciever with gyro (safe) you got carbon fiber pieces, lots of lights. Wing and servo quick connects. They didn't short cut anything on this one. Doubt Mike Patey would have let them. If only wheel breaks and variable pitch prop! 😋 Would pay another $150 for that!

[@eddieksrc]

Great job,

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@MrBlompod]

thanks for the vid... I just set up the plane as per the book, is it normal for the rudder to move in sink when controlling the ailerons?

[@Thercgeek]

For this model, yes. It has a pre-programmed aileron/rudder mix. The wing generates quite a bit of adverse yaw, so it helps in the maneuvering.

[@jordandoell]

Great review!! Mine comes tomorrow! :) Where did you get that little spinner wrench with the different nut sizes that you used for the wheels and tailwheel assembly? that looks handy!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! You know, that’s a wrench that comes in the tamiya rc car kits. It’s been rather useful for more than just that. 😊

[@hechtspeed]

So sick. Ima need ine fo shooo

[@Thercgeek]

All the planes!

[@insurancemann1]

Outstanding video as always. You really do the best reviews in the business. Those big tires look like a necessary upgrade. I didn't hear but are they are direct replacement for the stock wheels? Any modifications necessary?

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you so much! The only modification I made was to drill out the hub for the kit axle. Otherwise they fit straight away. Just make sure that you have two washers on the back. Also, if you over tighten the lock nut, it’ll impede the tires rotation as the hub is just slightly wider than the axle piece.

[@dwproductions5172]

Thanks Chris.

[@thomasfeichtinger7197]

Well I ordered mine a few weeks ago and was told it should be here in Australia by end of May so I should have it in June just can't wait for it

[@Thercgeek]

I hope it arrives soon for you! 😊

[@wingtimeRV7]

Question on the Dubro 5.5" tires. How many washers you using to hold them on? Just the small outside one? Mine were a tad wider than the axle so I sanded the inside of each wheel half a tad for a better fit. I drilled out the hole to 13/64". Mine don't seem to spin as freely as yours and the rub the gear leg just a tad. Maybe I'll try not tightening down the nut all the way. Thanks for the helpful videos.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! I have 2 washers on the back side and just the 1 on the front. Because of the width of the hub, if you over tighten the lock nut, it will bind up the wheel. So, tighten and then back off 1/4-1/2 turn and it should spin freely.

[@wingtimeRV7]

@@Thercgeek one of my wheels fit better than the other. I tightened the hub bolts a bit and it fit better and spun freely with the nut tight against the axle end.. Might try one more washer on the inside and back off the nut. Thanks.

[@user-rx8qq8sk9ydv1ce5ib]

Thanks for the video. Great fun. Would you choose this Draco or the eflite Carbon Z Cessna 150t. It seems the Cessna flies more smoothly.

[@Thercgeek]

Between the two, the Cessna would be my choice. It’s quite a bit more versatile and aerobatic than the Draco.

[@ret737]

Waiting impatiently for mine to arrive.

[@Thercgeek]

I bet it’ll be there before you know it! Ships Friday, right?

[@ret737]

@@Thercgeek Yessiree!!

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@@ret737 ok...probably should have read this before asking. Man..I hope you are right! And..that they ship from Cali distribution center. I'm in phx and typically only takes a day or two! I can't freaking wait!

[@modernmuscle9119]

Have you thought of adding the Kavan tires they are nearly 1/4 the weight of the Dubros for the same type of tire?

[@Thercgeek]

The kavans are a good option. I wasn’t aware of them at the time I put this review together, otherwise I probably would’ve gone with them since they are lighter.

[@edwardmullen1581]

I at first thought you were flying at the Palomar field, but there isn't houses that close by. So I'm now thinking somewhere in the Vista, San Marcos area.

[@Thercgeek]

There’s an rc site next to black mountain ranch park. That’s where we were. 😊

[@shanethepain2009]

blinged out wilga

[@Thercgeek]

Yup! I find the mods improved the looks. The Wilga 2000 is not the prettiest airplane... 😉

[@1966Hemi426]

The new DUBRO tires are a great addition. They looked like they went right on with no problems. Did you have to drill out the holes in the wheels or did they fit without modifications?

[@Thercgeek]

Its been a while, I don’t remember. I may have had to drill them out slightly, but not much.

[@1966Hemi426]

@@Thercgeek Hello. Ok thanks.

[@iansampson2492]

I got the Dubro tires....still waiting on model lol...Have you seen the Kavan lightweight balloon tires...They come in a 5"...2.6 oz each...ordered as well..

[@Thercgeek]

I’ve had a few mention the kavan tires, but haven’t tried them. They’re quite a bit lighter than the dubros, so may be worth trying those first on yours. Them dubros are fat, haha

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@thercgeek Hey Chris, got first flights in this morning with the Dubro tires. Dude...you are the man! Good call! Night and day difference! Looks like I know how to land a tail dragger again and landings are my jam...lol. Hey..did you put any air in yours? I got a bit in each wheel but it just killed the clearance. So, let out the air and really...doesn't seem to need any that I can tell. So pilots... if you wanna drastically improve (reduce) the bounce on landings...see the link below for the Dubro 5.5" tires. Makes a huge difference and honestly...I think they look soooooo much better. A serious bush plane like Draco should have some real rubber tires lol. Here's some hip tips... Like I mentioned above...clearance can be tight with air in the tires. Seem to work fine with being pumped up. You'll need to drill out the hub hole on the wheels. The shaft is like 18 mm but I think used a 21mm drill to give a little clearance. Check all the screws and nuts that hold the center hub of the wheel together. A bunch were pretty slack/loose. In tightened them but one still came out after a couple takeoffs. Maybe a little loctite or even a dab of hot glue I had to use more washers on the inside (closest to fuselage) part of wheel shaft when I was putting them on last night. Othrrwise..they were rubbing on the king shocks. The lock screws ain't always that locky...lol. really looked like I had enough of the screw sticking out for the plastic to lock it in but...nope! First take off and ended up doing a one main wheel landing. Did it in the dirt and of course, Draco handled it like a champ! Ended up losing the two inside washers too but..found the locking not and was that goes in just before it. Phew! So...another hip tip.... I ended up using a prop spacer/adapter that comes with knew props. Works beautifully! Just the right size to keep the tire from rubbing on the gear struts and shocks and you can still get the lock nut on. But...I didn't have loctite in my flight kit. So, I used my battery operated little glue gun. A little dab will do you in the end of the nut. Got me back in the air and landing on 3 wheel instead of just two lol. The tires are heavier for sure. Takeoff roll out is a little longer but....considering how ridiculous short it was before...its slightly less ridiculous now lol. Was taking off with half flaps before so now I go full. And...I kinda like it a little heavier now. With full flaps and a decent head wind...she just doesn't wanna come down. I actually had to reduce the full flap settings a bit. Now, I have them cranks down more and I like it. Seems easier to get the nose up to touch down on tail wheel. I did lose maybe 90 seconds of flight time with the more wait. Maybe. But, I was already getting as much as 14 mins on a 6s 6000mah which is just insane to me after flying EDF jets so much. The CG does seem to be a little more towards nose heavy but...really not even noticable in the air. Couple clicks of trim at half throttle. Totally worth it though with the Dubro tires. Reduces the bounce by maybe...60-70% I would guess. And..they look awesome! For newbies to the channel...when Chris (the Geek) gives advice or suggestions...listen and do it! He never steers us wrong! By far...he is the best of the youtube review channels. I hope to use his painting tips this summer (to hot to fly in Phoenix in summer lol). Gonna get missiles off the Eflite F18 blue angels fuselage...because the just repainted the Marines gray one with blue Angel's livery and the blue angles don't fly with missiles. Patch and repaint. I was going to paint the Tbirds F16 with weathering (Chris does a fantastic job with that) but...have my new Eflite 80mm F16 on order. Can't freaking wait for that bone girl! Was gonna wait until after the summer to get it but...saw Chris' review and...its all his fault lol. Scale gear...full flying stabs....oh yea! Seriously...Chris is the man! Set your planes up like he suggests and you'll love it!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks for your kind words man! I appreciate your insights here as well. I didn’t put any air in the tires at all. I wanted them extra squishy. 🤣

[@dannyhelton6363]

Mine shipped Wednesday EXCITED

[@Thercgeek]

Awesome!!

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Seriously!!! When did order it? You're killing me man 🤪

[@dannyhelton6363]

@@Sabotage_Labs About 4 or 5 minutes after they went on sale. I hate to say this but it shows deliver tomorrow (Friday) can’t wait.

[@dannyhelton6363]

Mine shipped from Illinois to Tennessee

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@@dannyhelton6363 Interesting. I've almost always get shipments from their California DC.

[@fredericguerrier8416]

Good morning, Do you have the reference number of the rubber tires that you installed on the E-Flite DRACO 2M? Thanks in advance

[@Thercgeek]

They are the 5.5” diameter dubro tires. I actually have a link in the video description to them: bit.ly/Dubro55

[@MrLportz]

Very nice, congratulations!!! Please how mah was The 4S batery?? Thanks!

[@Thercgeek]

It was a 4s 5000mah pack. Thanks!

[@MrLportz]

@@Thercgeek thanks!! Please watching my vídeos, I have very Nice eflite flying. Goodyear night and congrtulations from Brazil!!!!

[@michaelbackus7107]

Excellent review as always! I'm picking mine up Friday morning from the LHS, pre-ordered. So regarding the wheels, I know PRBushWheels is still gone but have you considered ESPIRIT AirTop wheels? They have a 5.5 inch set- I believe a set is 280grams, and they're inflatable, but much lighter than the 600RV Dubro ones. Have you tried those yet? I might buy a pair.

[@Thercgeek]

I wasn’t aware of those, but look like a good option. They’re about half the weight of the dubros. I do like having the softer tires on there. Really help absorb the landings better, especially those not so perfect landings.

[@janpayne964]

I’m definitely doing a wheel upgrade to mine. Dubro rims are more scale. They are 265 grams airtop 280 grams so horse a piece.

[@scalebuilder_sweden]

Hi thanks for great review. I just bought the Draco. I had big issues with the cg, Im running gens ace 6S 5000mah and when I fly it half throttle it really hangs in the nose. My idea was to get a slow flying airplane. I noticed that you fly it more or less on full throttle? It feels very unstable and unpolit. Coming in slow flying for landing makes it very difficult to fly.

[@Thercgeek]

I’m not sure I fully understand what you’re explaining. Are you saying the cg is too far back or too far forward? In all honesty, if you’re looking for a fun slow flying airplane, there are better options. This model looks amazing, but it’s stol and slow flight capabilities are just ok compared to say the timber or something like that.

[@scalebuilder_sweden]

@@Thercgeek Thanks, mine is tail heavy, having my 5000mah 6S as far to the motor as possible , doing this, flying on half throttle, it flies around hanging in the propeller, so when seeing you adding weight in the rear and moving your bigger battery to the rear makes wondering whats wrong with my draco

[@willdirickson9658]

Curious, what size Dubro inflatable tires did you swap out with? They looked good, Thanks

[@Thercgeek]

They’re the 5.5” size. They are heavy, but do work great at softening the landings considerably. Here’s the link: bit.ly/32rvB4g (also in the vid description)

[@willdirickson9658]

@@Thercgeek Thanks

[@Thercgeek]

Sure thing!

[@benten2933]

Great review 👍🏽 does anyone know what kind of speed this bird gets to?

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! You know, it’s not really meant for speed. I’d say it does about 85mph at full speed as a guess.

[@dutchloveRC]

that thing is so sweet

[@Thercgeek]

I agree! 😁

[@Slamdunc]

Hi Chris What make are the throw gauges you used to set up the model?

[@Thercgeek]

Unfortunately, it’s a product that’s not made anymore. It was called the accuthrow meter and was made by great planes.

[@Slamdunc]

@@Thercgeek that’s a shame. I’ve done a bit of digging though and found what looks like a direct copy for less than $10 ￡6.99 5％ Off | Radio Control Fixed Wing Plane Models Inclinometer Part Aileron Angle Meter Accessories for RC Aircrafts a.aliexpress.com/_mqYJPGD

[@lukenukem1164]

Not gonna lie, my sound was down first 5 seconds and I thought it was a clip of the full size Draco landing 👌 What a gorgeous model. I have a question...could I feasibly go up to this from a carbon cub s2?

[@Thercgeek]

It may have been... 😉 is your primary flying experience the carbon cub? If you’re proficient with it, the DRACO seems feasible, but it is a big and expensive model as these things go. So, definitely want to have some good proficiency before going all in on it. It is a pretty forgiving flyer.

[@lukenukem1164]

@@Thercgeek thanks for the reply. Yes the cub is my only experience with anything with ailerons. Previously just push prop rudder/elevator. I'm a confident flyer with the cub and realise this would be a big step up. Maybe my desire for the draco outweighs my skill😄 I did go for the base cub and bought an nx8 so that's a plus I guess. Thanks for the advise.

[@Allnonym0u5]

Dracul - blood is the life.

[@trevorwaligura]

What Dubro Tires? I used teh 6" and they rub on the inside of the landing gear like crazy.

[@Thercgeek]

I used the 5.5” diameter (link in the description).

[@trevorwaligura]

@@Thercgeek Thanks!

[@parrishpatterson6780]

Might I inquire as to where you got the control surface throw gauge?

[@Thercgeek]

Unfortunately it’s an item no longer made. 😕. It’s called an accuthrow meter and was made by great planes.

[@parrishpatterson6780]

@@Thercgeek Ok, thank you.

[@kenneth7197]

How do you put air in the Dubro tires??

[@Thercgeek]

The tires come with a fitting that screws on the tire receptacle and the. you can use a retract hand pump to inflate them. I didn’t put any air in them at all here as I wanted as much absorption as possible.

[@ruger1420]

Nice plane. Can’t wait to maiden mine. Dumb dumb me accidentally ran it into my coffee table and broke my prop. And of course it the only thing on back order. Lol. Will be getting that prop on the mean time.

[@Thercgeek]

Ouch! Well, you can always maiden and fly with the 16x10 until the replacement props are back in stock. 😊

[@ruger1420]

@@Thercgeek headed to the hobby shop see if they have a 16 10. Prop. Suweet. 🤟

[@tughillrc6327]

Great Video , Wished you put in the link for the 2 blade 16X10 Propeller😎👍🎬✨✨✨✨

[@Thercgeek]

Just added it to the list, thanks! :)

[@wheelhorse518h]

Can you run this battery in the e-fly Draco 3200 50c 4s14.8v

[@Thercgeek]

Honestly, if you’re wanting to run a smaller capacity pack, I’d recommend running 6s. 4s is pretty pack luster for power and it’ll be that much less with a small cap pack like that.

[@JC-td4gg]

I would hope that they would not only make a smaller RC model of this plane but also a 12" or smaller static model you could display in your room. It could all be done with the computer model of the real plane!

[@TheRyaninspokane]

Did you have the power wire in the way?

[@Thercgeek]

I don’t recall there being anything in the way as I put it together.

[@laurenceboag2325]

Are those Du-Bro tires 5" 1/2"?

[@Thercgeek]

Yup, they are indeed!

[@alainrac56]

an other odd thing is the preset mixing in the receiver...should have prefered to make my own mixing, when you add power, elevator goes down as it should, but too much, and rudder goes left, quite strange, as prop is turning to the right! must enquire to cancel the preset mixing...

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Another great video, Chris. Any chance you'll get get your radio setup file up on your webpage soon. I do love those! Also... when did you get your shipment from Horizon (suspect others asking in the thread lol). I heard they should be hitting Hobby Shops on the 23rd. I have my backorder order in but its killing me man! Gonna start getting too hot in the desert here and I need to get in as much monster truck flying in as possible...lol Btw... pretty humble showing the crash man. Happens to all of us! Just a drag when parts aren't even available yet! Fly, crash, repair and repeat! Thanks man!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man! I received this one early from horizon for the review. They are supposed to be in the local hobby stores tomorrow. So, I’d def check there as I think they are limited on supply. As they say, they all have an expiration date! 🤣. Thankfully it wasn’t bad. I almost pulled out of it, but it clipped the bush and that’s what pulled it down. A total dumb thumb on my part, haha!

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@@Thercgeek Oh, I've done much more dumber than that lol. Man...I've been checking email and the Horizon site about 3 times a day at least for a week now to see if my order was processed. Like a kid waiting for Christmas! Been waiting on this since the announced it at Oshkosh 2019. 😁

[@Thercgeek]

Well, I hope you get the shipping notice soon!

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@@Thercgeek So, I checked my local hobby shop today and they had 2! Called Horizon and canceled my order and went back and snatched it up! Just couldn't wait any longer lol! She is magnificent! Tomorrow morning I'll be the Belle if the Ball at the airfield lol!

[@Thercgeek]

Ha, nice! Have fun! 😊

[@charliemarchiony7914]

Which dubro tires did you try?

[@Thercgeek]

they're the 5.5" inflatables: bit.ly/32rvB4g (link is also in the description)

[@janmb]

@@Thercgeek They are indeed brilliant. Did the same upgrade on my eflite cub - utterly necessary too. The weight doesn't matter much, and the difference in landing performance is massive. I assume the same is the case for the Draco.

[@ptaylor5014]

I would really love to have one of these Draco kits, but sadly can't afford one :(

[@Thercgeek]

I understand. Maybe you'll come across one in the used market at some point? Might be a little while, but there's hope for sure!

[@JermieMarasigan]

How does it fly when safe is on?

[@Thercgeek]

Does fine, but is far more fun with safe off.

[@f1matt]

With so many lights, any plans for some video of it flying in darker conditions?

[@Thercgeek]

Definitely something to consider.

[@JK-tj6ie]

4:2x How is this thing to adjust the rudder named?

[@Thercgeek]

It was called an accuthrow meter and Unfortunately is a product that’s no longer made. I’m working on my own version to bring to market actually, so stay tuned! 😊

[@JK-tj6ie]

@@Thercgeek Than i will wait to buy it

[@larsulrich3356]

LOOK AT THE LANDING GEAR ON THAT THING! IT'S A PAIR OF FLYING WHEELS!

[@Thercgeek]

#allthewheels 😁

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

If I remember correctly. Isn’t there a decent chance that the elevator control horn could be loose out of the box and it’s a critical note that pilots check it to see if it needs tightening. I know that pilots should do that in general with all models as a pre-flight check. But isn’t it extremely important that you do it on this plane?

[@Thercgeek]

It’s definitely worth checking and adding some glue to the connection. I had it loosen up over time and simply glued it with ca when I noticed it.

[@johnsons74thsquadron74]

@@Thercgeek Thank you Chris.

[@DiegoOrtiz-hi4uz]

Que tiempo de vuelo tiene con 6s y 5000ma

[@Thercgeek]

I do touch on that in the vid. My timer is set for 5 minutes but I was flying probably closer to 8minutes with plenty to spare.

[@DiegoOrtiz-hi4uz]

Muchas gracias por contestarme me encanta este avión mis compañeros de vuelo dicen que es muy feo pero a mi me gusta un montón y me lo voy a comprar en breve Diego desde Sevilla gracias colega

[@Scairborne66]

Chris; you may be my only source for sanity. Can you provide a proper wiring setup for the LED controller? Geek, please!

[@Thercgeek]

A wiring diagram for the leds in the Draco?

[@Scairborne66]

@@Thercgeek : Yes. Second look at the controller, I can make out the lettering on the circuit board...I'll DM you a photograph as I cannot attach a photo here. thanks!

[@45035]

out standing shipmate. Press on. USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 Jan 1980 to July 1983.

[@goldendredger]

I thumbed through did not see anyone ask. What size dubro tire you go with? Did you get the 6"? Also really bummed with Horizon on the Draco. I ordered 2 one for son and myself on 3/18 early. Somehow got bumped and not a word from Horizon on the 23rd with shipping. Finally got a person there and was told sorry you should have ordered on 3/18. I said I did. She says oh yes sorry you got 2 so you got bumped to June's shipment! Found out through inside source they shipped to selective people mainly KZbin people and just kept bumping those that pre ordered. Really disappointing as I dropped 2k in a couple new NX transmitters and other goodies not including the $1300 in the 2 Dracos. Only to be told sorry you don't get any till June. And I only know that cause I called. Otherwise I still have no official notice from Horizon. Pretty sad my order status said "pre order" for about 2 weeks then suddenly changed on my account on there site to "backorder" that's when I knew I got bumped off this first shipment. Just really bad job by Horizon. I do like them have 60+ eflite planes all spektrum gear and radios but this has really put a bad vibe on the plane for me. Real shame as at this point not sure I will keep the order in. Sure would be nice if they sent out an email notification to let the fellas know that got bumped or missed the next date with apology for this one. I dont think they should have taken pre order people's planes to fill youtubers ahead. No need for 50 KZbin promo videos when loyal customers bought right away. And no need to promo it with so many videos if there is no product to ship out. Now if the youtuber ordered like rest of us fine and got there's great. But that's not the case from inside source. And those people got there planes ahead of the 23rd to so they could post videos on the 23rd. That NOT what Horizon said in live chat or in videos. 23rd was Draco day and they where supposed to ship so everyone got there planes about same time. Not a select group got there's the week before. So that's my rant and it bothers me as I spent a good chunk of cash to get the Dracos and upgrade or gear to go with them. I don't consider that chump change and I feel like a pretty loyal customer only to be given some smart a$$ replies and or no answer at all from Horizon.

[@Thercgeek]

So, the tires are 5.5”. I have a link to them in the description along with everything else I used. Regarding your order, I’m sorry to hear about that, but I honestly have no visibility into any of that. there were only a select few of us that received product early for reviews (myself included). That’s a pretty common practice these days, but I think ultimately the number of kits they received in the first shipment just wasn’t enough for the extremely high demand.

[@DutchKC9UOD]

No chance you could put in a gas engine? For some way longer flight time???

[@Thercgeek]

I suppose it could be modified, but would take some work and would result in the cylinder and muffler sticking out. You can get quite long flight times with the electric setup too. 10+ minutes on a 5000 pack isn’t unreasonable.

[@donvirgo]

Would this make a good trainer?

[@Thercgeek]

There are better suited models for training. The apprentice is a really good one to learn on as well as the aeroscout.

[@donvirgo]

@@Thercgeek would you throw the Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m BNF Basic with SAFE in with those two, as well, or are those better?

[@Thercgeek]

The carbon cub would probably do alright as a trainer also.

[@DKTek07]

Do Scrappy too!

[@HenryL161947]

any comment on inverted flight ?

[@Thercgeek]

I thought I had put an inverted pass in the flying , but maybe not. Anyhow, does inverted just fine. Takes a little time to roll over to its back, so adding in some rudder helps speed up the roll a bit.

[@HenryL161947]

@@Thercgeek thx was wondering if the slats make inverted harder , thx for the answer

[@robertbarlow6715]

How did you crash what went wrong was it you or the plane

[@Thercgeek]

Cause of crash = dumb thumbs, haha! I pulled hard in the vertical trying to stay in frame, didn’t add enough power and stalled it in the vertical. Had I had a couple more feet, it would have pulled out fine…but I didn’t, haha

[@janmb]

So... is the thrust reversal a standard PWM input to the ESC, or some proprietary spektrum mumbo jumbo? In short, can this be done by other radio brands as well?

[@Thercgeek]

I can’t say for certain, but I would think it’s a pwm signal in the esc. Wouldn’t think it’s anything specific to spektrum smart or anything like that.

[@janmb]

@@Thercgeek I see the page in the manual calls for setting up AUX2 for this purpose. I assume there is a regular servo lead connected between that port and the ESC then?

[@Thercgeek]

There’s a 6ch rx in there and all 6 channels are being used, so seems to me that that’s how it’s setup. I tried to dig around in the rx area, but is really hard to tell in there without really digging into it.

[@janmb]

@@Thercgeek No worries Chris, don't make a big deal out of it - we'll know soon enough :D

[@gonzo2779]

If I'm right, Horizon Hobby says this feature is only compatible with Spektrum telemetry transmitters and receivers. Only downside in my opinion.

[@mainananakmobilakipedalpla6623]

Pedalplane🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩 it is so cool

[@DadsRCHangar]

Wow chris, I think that may have been the first time I see you crash a plane. Still only a broken prop. Great plane 👍🏻

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, it happens, haha!

[@Thercgeek]

I got too comfortable coming in super low up that ridge line and then pulled too hard on it and got past 90degrees bank. Would’ve been ok if not for clipping the bush, haha

[@DadsRCHangar]

@@Thercgeek hindsight a wonderful thing Chris, just goes to show to can happen to the pros too. 👍🏻 Chris

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Yea... you think Pilot Ryan would have shown that...lol! Chris is the man! 😋

[@Rcdoski]

I have seen many reviews and flights of Draco. My only question is. Will it Harrier, with a nose high attitude for landing like the real one? I have not seen anyone try it. If it can't I hate to say that I would no longer be interested in it. Can someone answer this?

[@Thercgeek]

So, I do have another video posting on Tuesday where we did a bunch of STOL ops with different batteries. In that, you’ll see that the airplane will get into a natural tail sit fairly easily, but it’s not super tail low. I tried to get it into a more nose high attitude and perform a tail wheel touch and go but was never able to accomplish that (really wanted to feature that in this vid if I could get it to do it). I got close, but I struggled to get it into a high enough attitude plus managing the power was challenging as small throttle changes would make the airplane climb. I think with a more experienced 3d pilot it may be more feasible for them (I’m not a 3d pilot at all) but I don’t know how feasible a riding on the elevator harrier maneuver may be.

[@shaunferris6063]

Julian mountain range?

[@Thercgeek]

Yep

[@shaunferris6063]

@@Thercgeek sweet! Gorgeous up there. So curious now, year later would you still recommend this ? And what are your longest flight times your getting?

[@Thercgeek]

This particular model is an interesting one. It’s a good flyer and it looks amazing, but honestly it’s not particularly great at any one thing. If you want a Draco, then it’s a must have, but if you’re looking for a really aerobatic bush plane to fly, this isn’t it.

[@DutchKC9UOD]

Next fabrication job put in an engine that will pull a helicopter climb! Lol

[@alainrac56]

Outstanding foam model, nice details, but foam weels are not so realistic (but light) and replacement with Dubro weels makes the plane nose heavy with the 5000mA/h battery as aft as possible. Had some difficulties to insert 100g of lead in the tail...It flies, yes, but not as good as, say...a FuncubXL. The interest of this machine should be high AOA flight for short landing, but beware as it gets nose heavy and tends to stall despite the slats.

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, the dubro tires are heavy though I didn’t find it particularly nose heavy for me personally. I think more so is that slats don’t run the full span and so I actually think at slow speed, there’s laminar separation happening out at the tips. I plan on experimenting with placing turbulator tape out there as that should energize the flow keep it attach longer which should allow higher aoas.

[@alainrac56]

@@Thercgeek thanks Chris, lets see if it works, and thanks for you tests, it's very useful and your comments always accurate!

[@MWall711]

I would name mine, Ivan. Ivan Draco, because if it flies, it flies. And on landings, I must brake you!

[@Thercgeek]

OMG, that’s hilarious! I wish I would’ve thought of that. I totally would’ve had fun with that in the vid, haha

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Lol

[@Sabotage_Labs]

I call my hard landings in Motion RC AL37 jetliner...Southwest landings! The bus line of the skies!