Graupner HoTTrigger 1400S V2

From mild sport flying to wild 3D, this high-performance model delivers

Graupner’s latest offering, the HoTTrigger 1400S V2 Competition Plug-and-Play (PNP), includes many performance and durability upgrades to the original high-performance aerobatic model. According to Graupner, the HoTTrigger combines the best attributes of the Extra 330SC and Edge 540 designs and incorporates a NACA 63A-mod airfoil for outstanding performance at any speed. Like its predecessor, it is a PNP model that only requires a receiver and LiPo battery.

The HoTTrigger is constructed out of Solidpor, a dense, lightweight foam requiring no reinforcement. The main upgrades of the V2 include a more powerful motor, larger-diameter motor shaft, and metal-gear servos. Included in the box are the fuselage, two wing halves, horizontal stabilizer, vertical fin, landing gear, tail gear, canopy, carbon-fiber wing spar, pilot figure, assembly manual, spinner, and prop. Two sets of graphics are included: a racing/competition set and a cutaway design. Because it comes unpainted, the plane provides a blank canvas for those pilots wishing to customize the model. It is easy to remove the wings for transport or storage using Graupner’s innovative wing-attachment latch. The model’s convenient size, however, lends itself to transport and storage fully assembled.

With the motor, speed control, and servos all factory installed, assembly is super quick. The HoTTrigger’s performance will satisfy the average sport flier as well as the hard-core 3D pilot. The airframe appears to be durable, and its honest flight characteristics make it suitable for anyone with some low-wing flight experience.

UNIQUE FEATURES

The HoTTrigger is well packaged with all the components wrapped in protective foam sheets. Don’t throw out the box as it contains the assembly directions (also available at graupnerusa.com) and photos for the graphic placement. Assembly is easily accomplished using the provided hex wrenches, and the only glue required is for installing the pilot bust. The wing halves have factory-installed servos and linkages, while the installed rudder and elevator servos only require hooking up the linkages. Unique plastic flight-surface hinges are preinstalled, and the ball-linked linkages allow for extreme 3D throws. A Y-harness is supplied, but I chose to put each aileron on a separate channel for easier setup and to allow for fine-tuning. All the servo leads are clearly marked, and there is a molded recess for the receiver. The robust aluminum landing gear has the foam fairings and wheel pants molded on, and the entire assembly bolts to the fuselage bottom. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers bolt on as well.

All the graphic pieces are precut and have all the required clearance cutouts for the control horns and hinges. I initially was going to go with the cutaway design but, in the end, chose the racing/competition pattern for better in-flight visibility. I used the Windex method to apply the vinyl graphics to allow for proper positioning. Taking your time here pays big dividends. Either set will result in a great-looking model. Figuring out where all the various trim pieces go and applying them was the most timeconsuming part of the entire assembly. There is no need to be too fussy painting the foam pilot bust as the canopy is heavily

The included foam pilot bust comes unpainted, allowing you to show off your artistic talent.

There is ample room in the radio/battery compartment, located beneath the removable hatch, for a variety of battery sizes.

Ball-link linkages and heavy-duty hinges allow for extreme 3D throws with very little slop.

The wing mounting latch is shown here. Pressing down on the latch locks the wing in place.

The tail assembly is held on with two bolts. Note the tall tailwheel for good ground handling.

Installed at the factory, the brushless motor proved to be quiet and powerful. The included propeller was a good match for the motor.