Q: TBS Chupito FPV Wing: Build, Fly and Modify the Pocket Mojito

4 min read

Quick Answer

The TBS Chupito is an 800mm forward-swept FPV flying wing designed for fast assembly and forgiving flight. Inspired by the larger TBS Mojito, it fits in a backpack, builds in under an hour with the AIO electronics package, and delivers 8 to 20 minutes of flight time depending on your battery choice. It is the ideal first wing for quad pilots who want to try fixed-wing FPV without the usual build headaches.

What Makes the Chupito Different

Most FPV wings demand a weekend of glue, soldering and frustration before the first launch. The Chupito takes a different approach. Its plug-and-play AIO flight controller combines the FC, ESC and GPS onto one board with labelled connectors for the motor, servos and receiver. No soldering iron required if you use the TBS Chupito Electronics Package.

The airframe is black EPP foam with glass-fibre camera and motor mounts, carbon-fibre wing spars, and a proper HD camera cage in the nose sized for DJI O3, O4, Walksnail or analogue systems. At 650g all-up weight with a 6S battery, it is small enough to toss in a backpack but capable enough for 30km range flights.

Build Tips From the Community

The kit goes together quickly, but the FPV community has already found improvements worth making before your maiden flight.

Glue matters. Several builders, including Painless360, report that the supplied adhesive is underwhelming. Use proper foam-safe CA or UHU Por for the vertical stabiliser and control surface hinges. A poor glue job will let go in flight.

Protect the leading edges. The bare EPP foam dings easily on landing. Wrap the leading edges and belly with thin gaffer tape or laminate the wings entirely. Laminated wings also unlock higher speeds, with builders reporting over 230km/h on bi-blade high-pitch props.

Servo setup. Set the control rod holes lower than the top holes on the servo horns. This gives smoother, less sensitive throw and prevents over-correction on your first flights. The stock metal-gear servos are decent, but you will need short extension leads to reach from the wing bays to the fuselage connectors.

Battery hatch insurance. The push-to-open battery hatch latch works but can shift in flight. An elastic band over the latch is cheap peace of mind that prevents your battery from ejecting mid-flight.

Battery Choices: 2S Cruising to 6S Speed

The Chupito runs on 4S to 6S batteries with a maximum battery weight of 270g and maximum dimensions of 50 x 50 x 150mm. Your battery choice defines the entire character of the wing.

A 1300mAh 6S pack gives roughly 8 to 10 minutes of aggressive flying with punchy vertical performance. Step up to 1500mAh for longer endurance. On the other end of the spectrum, builders have fitted large 2S packs for over an hour of gentle cruising. The sweet spot for most pilots is a 6S 1000 to 1300mAh pack, balancing flight time and weight.

For battery care and charging best practices, see our LiPo battery charging guide.

Flight Performance and Setup

The forward-swept wing design makes the Chupito stable at low speeds and forgiving in stalls. On the stock setup it cruises at around 70km/h with a top speed of 160km/h. It runs iNav firmware, and TBS provides a CLI dump for quick configuration.

First flights report stable behaviour in auto-launch mode, predictable trimming, and effective return-to-home from both switch and button triggers. The small wing does get pushed around in wind, which is expected at this size. Increasing rates above the default settings gives crisper response for more experienced pilots.

For camera stabilisation, record in wide mode with RockSteady disabled if you are using a DJI O3 unit. Stabilise later in Gyroflow for smoother results in windy conditions. The built-in HD cage keeps the camera secure without vibration issues.

Mods and Upgrades

The community has already produced a range of 3D-printable upgrades. A TPU nose guard protects against nose-first landings. An Eryo or PLA bottom stabiliser adds toughness to the belly. TBS also publishes a 3D-printable pan FPV mount on MakerWorld for pilots who want a rotating camera.

For the control link, the Chupito works with ELRS nano receivers or TBS Crossfire. The electronics bay has pre-cut slots for receiver antennas, keeping the build tidy.

If you are new to fixed-wing FPV and want a broader introduction, see our guide to building your first FPV wing. For understanding the flight controller side, our flight controller basics article covers what you need to know.

Which Package to Buy

The airframe-only kit is for builders who already have electronics. The full set with electronics includes the AIO board, GPS, motor, servos and prop. The electronics package is also available separately if you already have the airframe. TBS also offers a crash-a-lot bundle with two airframes for pilots who expect a rough learning curve.

FAQ

Q: Is the Chupito suitable for beginners?

A: Assembly is straightforward but requires basic wiring skills for GPS and receiver connections. The flight characteristics are forgiving, making it a reasonable first wing for pilots with some FPV experience. Complete beginners should start with a simulator first.

Q: How long does it take to build?

A: Under one hour with the electronics package. Most of the time is spent gluing the stabiliser, fitting servos and connecting plugs. No soldering is needed with the AIO board.

Q: Can I travel with it?

A: The three-piece configuration fits in a backpack or on a car seat. The tail is glued on by default, but some builders have modified it with magnets or thumb screws for easier packing.

Q: What is the difference between the Chupito and the Mojito?

A: The Chupito is smaller (800mm vs 1200mm wingspan), lighter and easier to build. The Mojito offers longer endurance and higher efficiency. Think of the Chupito as the packable, fun-first version.