RC electric jets today, What they are, how they work and a small selection of the latest available.
RC electric jets have come a LONG way in a short time! From small, hand launch semi-scale models that were marginally powered, they have evolved into super scale, large size jets that can rival turbojets for effect and speed.
The price for some is very reasonable for what you get and is a long way below the cost of a turbojet!
Please remember that these RC electric jets fly FAST and in no way are they a beginners model! Learn to fly on something like the Apprentice and than practice, practice on a good simulator, before that first flight with a modern jet.
This super looking F-16, is available in two colour schemes, the gray camouflage and the US Air Force Thunderbird. The 105mm diameter fan RPM is over 30,000, giving true jet performance and sound!
This is not a toy but a true scale RC electric jet, that in the hands of a competent RC flyer can give amazing results.
HSD Hobby are a Chinese company that offer a range of WW2 warbirds as well as a wide selection of RC electric jets, both scale and semi-scale.
All are made from injection molded EPO flex foam and a lot of detail is molded in. It is interesting to note that turbojet versions are offered for some of the jets. I would have thought that foam and jets would not mix, but apparently it is possible! I would be prepared to melt a jet at some point!
Photo shows the auto plug-in for the wing servo and navigation lights-nice feature!
The photos below show the 105mm diameter EDF (Electric Ducted Fan) unit. With the 12s battery hooked up, the amperage is 95A and the thrust is 6 kg(13.2lb)
Here we can see the air intake "cheater holes". Note no air is ducted from the scale intake, which does allow the substantial landing gear to be accommodated.
The manual is written in good English and is short at 9 pages, but all the important information is covered and there is a detailed wiring diagram. The electrics with all the LED lights etc. is quite complex.
The video below is narrated in Chinese, but it does have English sub-titles and is well worth a look.
As this is a very new RC electric jet, there are few reviews yet.
I found this one on the internet-
This RC electric jet is a true ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) RC airplane, in that it is just a basic airframe and does require some simple assembly and installation of servos, receiver,EDF and all electronic components.
The buyer may already possess these components or may have to purchase them separately.
It is a sleek looking airplane that looks fast, just standing still! It is not a true scale model and does require a competent, experienced pilot.
The retractable landing gear does demand smooth landings and a hard surface runway is almost mandatory. If a grass runway is used, then the grass must be very short and long takeoff runs are the norm.
This is not an inexpensive RC electric jet! I have included a list of extra items required and also links to Red Rocket Hobbies and Amazon for your convenience. If you have to buy all of the extras then you can spend well over a $1000 to get into the air.
Kinexsis 22.2V 5000mAh 6S 30C LiPo from Red Rocket. Click Here.
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Item 5-LiPo Battery: 6S 5000mAh 22.2V 30C |
Spektrum A4030 Micro HV High Torque Aircraft servo
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Item 6- Spektrum A4030 Micro HV High Torque Aircraft Servo |
E-flite 15-25 Tricycle Electric Retracts
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Item 7- The E-flite 15-25 Tricycle Electric Retracts |
This is a typical Horizon manual, well written in 4 languages and has copious photos explaining the assembly process of this RC electric jet. It makes the assembly a pleasure and if you get stuck, you can always call Horizon and take advantage of their excellent after sales service.
The first review I read was very positive (5 stars). The RC electric jet flew very well and gave a 4 minute flight time, leaving 44% capacity left on the 5000mAh battery pack.
The next one was much more negative-typical of what you can see on the internet! The biggest complaint was the cost and the building time. Regarding the building time I cannot see how this ARF can be a long build! There are not that many components.
The E-Flite Habu 32x ARF Duted Fan Sport Jet is in stock. Price=$389.99 with free shipping