Arrived: The SAB Goblin Kraken
Something totally different
After many and many months waiting finally it is landed: SAB Goblin Kraken. The new baby in SAB Goblin family has been unveiled at Rotor Live 2019. But why was this model such a huge secret? Because it's different from all traditional RC heli concepts. There wasn't any big technology change in the industry since the flybarless technology, until now. Even the first Goblin wasn't so different from other models than this one. SAB Heli Division has created a new RC helicopter. Of course it has got the same principals as all others, but how it builds up, that is unique.
SAB Goblin Kraken / Photos: Zsuzsanna Bogdán
The helicopter itself is a 700 size model with 690mm recommended blades, and the standard parameters, like 520KV motor, 160A ESC, 12S 4200-5500 mAh batteries. The take-off weight is about 5kg with batteries, approximately 3820g by the factory specification with no batteries. It has got a 120° CCPM swashplate with flybarless rotorhead (does anybody still make flybar rotorhead apart from scale models?), for two blades, and equipped with a two blade tail rotor, The entire drive chain is belt driven from the motor to the tail - except the mainshaft block, but this bit comes later on. The Kraken design follows the original SAB concepts mainly but... everything is a bit different.
The helicopter is an assembly its three main blocks: landing skid block, main frame block and complete tail boom block. They can be detached from each other for the higher durability and easier maintenance. Each block has its own canopy-like covers matching each other, therefore the assembled helicopter looks as one massive masterpiece with no inner structures. And I have no doubt, this is not just for the design, this is also for the better aerodynamics as well, because the shape of the heli follows the waterdrop shape which is one of the best structure for the airflow.
Three main blocks
New mainshaft block
Everything in this system is integrated under a steel alloy case, so its structure is a secret yet. And the reason of this secret is the patent, which is still pending - as we know - so this solution is going to be something radically new. But this system provides a silent and crash resistant running. The only one big one-way bearing provides good stability to the main shaft. Blade grips also redesigned and the rotor head made of 7075 aluminium alloy with high adjustment range and even the damper system is customizable.
New tail case
Even the tail is different. It has got a quick fin replacement system and it's 22% lighter than old Goblin tails - as SAB specifies.
Sharp design, matt painting
SAB is moving from glossy paints to matt for awhile now, this helicopter follows the path. Painting looks similar to Drake design, but this is true only when you look the helicopter from far. Canopy has got sharper design with rounded edges which is also not so typical since the Hirobo Freya, but it has no retro feeling. This step reminds us more to the car industry few years before, when the entire world has moved slightly from the bubble design to the more characteristic soft edges, like the difference between the Volvo V70 MKII and MKIII.
Kraken at the stand of Xnovamotors at Rotor Live
Flying capabilities
With one word: insane. Especially with extra strong components, like XNOVA or Kontronik motors and matching ESCs, like Hobbywing Platinum 160A, Scorpion Tribunus or Kontronik Jive. And very good servos also required for this performance, like BKServos or any good quality HV servos. And - of course - highly precise flybarless unit is also required to deal with the manoeuvring abilities.
Tareq Alsaadi with the Goblin Kraken at Rotor Live 2019
The current configuration
This is not known yet as SAB hasn't released the helicopter on the market and probably we have to wait few more weeks. Also the kit price and spare part prices are unknown so far. But let's not forget that, this is a revolutionary construction with no compromises.
Markes Hugo with the Goblin Kraken
Update
Simone Zunterer has created a VLOG about this heli at Rotor Live. Watch it. The video is German but English subtitle is provided.
