ICON A5


Written by Jay Smith. Find the full feature on page 55 in the May 2012 issue. Watch a shop video and an interview with the designer.

Jay Smith talks with the designer of the Icon A5




Watch a shop video to learn more about the Icon A5




Specifications:
• Model type: Semiscale ARF
• Skill level: Beginner builder; intermediate pilot
• Wingspan: 52.5 inches
• Wing area: 357.5 square inches
• Length: 34.5 inches
• Weight: 43.4 ounces
• Power system: 480-size 960Kv brushless outrunner (installed)
• Radio: Four channels with four servos
• Construction: Foam and plastic
• Price: $199.99 (PNP) $279.99 (BNF)



Test-Model Details:
• Power: 480-size 960Kv brushless outrunner (installed); 30-amp Pro SB brushless ESC (installed)
• Battery: ParkZone three-cell, 2200 mAh LiPo
• Propeller: 9 x 8 three-blade
• Radio system: Spektrum DX7s transmitter; Spektrum AR600 DSMX receiver (installed); two DSV130 and two SV80 servos (installed)
• Ready-to-fly weight: 43.4 ounces
• Flight duration: 10 minutes



Pluses:
• Officially licensed model of the ICON A5.
• Durable Z-foam construction with an exclusive color scheme.
• Assembly is quick and simple.
• Flexibility to fly from land or water in minutes.
• Magnetic hatch provides easy access to the battery compartment.
• DX8 and DX7s users can download the radio setup.
• The included motor and battery provide a good balance between power and flight duration.
• Wings can be removed with two screws, making it easy to transport and store.



Minuses:
• Dutch Roll tendency under certain flight conditions.




Read the entire feature review on page 55 inside the May 2012 issue of Model Aviation.


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3 comments

Submitted by Chris Evans (No... (not verified) on April 23, 2012 - 4:26pm

It maybe just the lighting but looking at the photo of the Icon's propeller on page 57, the prop appears to have been installed backwards. The article talks about the need for writing on the prop so you know which way around to install it. Sorry but if you can't tell by just looking at a prop if its backwards or not you probably shouldn't be flying RC. Here's a trick to make things simpler... Most props have a curved side & a flat or concave side. The curved side should always face in the direction the plane flies. Simple as that.
Submitted by Sean (not verified) on November 11, 2012 - 4:51pm

My A5 don't fly. We tried to start from the water with no succes. Then we tried to throw him away and fly but the plain could not stay into the air. The current we measured was 12 A, 10 V. I don't understand the lack of power. Any tips?
Submitted by Dennis Miller (not verified) on June 5, 2014 - 5:44am

The propellors appear to be installed reversed. I had a terrible time off the water twice. Reversed the prop to face forward and off the water was quick and so was the flying 1/2 throttle instead of 3/4. They goofed

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