Get Into Jets
Are ducted-fan jets more sensitive to CG than other aircraft?
Not really. ;e design of the airframe has much more e;ect on how critical the
CG is than the propulsion system.
Is there a size or classification of EDF jets that you would recommend to
someone just getting into jets and why?
It depends on the person’s knowledge and skill level in hobby. ;e ParkZone
Habu 2 is a great place to start due to its park flyer size and completion level. It’s
a great airplane with a wide speed range and friendly flying characteristics. A
plane like this will allow you to become familiar with how a EDF jet flies in
comparison to a traditional prop plane.
If you have a jet that isn’t performing up to expectations,
are there upgrades the pilot can perform to improve
the ducted-fan jet’s performance?
In most cases, there are ways to make a jet
perform di;erently. Many times, this comes
at the expense of reduced flight time and/or
added weight. Power systems are all about
a balance of what makes the individual pilot
happy.
Are there pitfalls to avoid when setting up a jet that would di;er from setting
up a prop-driven plane?
A ducted-fan jet’s performance is largely based on its intake and exhaust. Doing
your best to keep both of these areas smooth, clean, and free of excess radio
wires and other obstructions will help. If you have a jet that isn’t performing up to expectations, your best to keep both of these areas smooth, clean, and free of excess radio
Jet Designer: David Payne
A third-generation modeler, David has always been involved in
RC flying even at a young age. In his current position at Horizon
Hobby, he helps design and test fly new kits.
programing. One such example is that jets
may have very little rudder control during the
first part of takeo;, which is why they have
tricycle nose gears to keep them straight. One
of the first mixes desired is one that sets the
steering servo to a knob on the radio. Although
the rudder stick controls the steering wheel,
sometimes it is necessary to adjust that servo
independent of the rudder to get the jet to roll
straight down the runway. As with everything
else, when you increase quality and speed, you
increase the demand on the wallet.
PILOT TRAINING
Flying exciting EDFs such as the E-flite Habu, or
even a powerful BVM Electra Jet, is exhilarating,
but not especially di;cult. ;is is where you
must be the best judge of your piloting skills.
Beginners should first learn to fly normal prop-
driven airplanes and get comfortable flying
faster and faster. Move to a low-wing, higher-
performance sport plane that is great for pilot
training. Next, try something sleeker with less
drag like a flying wing or a ParkZone Stryker,
which is an advance flying wing design. Flying
wings have reduced drag, increased speed, and
are very well suited for pilot training. Now you
are ready to move up to EDF jets!
With the right power system, even this highly scale jet will have more than ample power for good flight performance.
THE MOTOR AND FAN UNIT
;is is one area where you want the setup
to be as e;cient as possible, so purchasing
a higher-end motor is a good idea. ;e need
here is that the motor has the right Kv to turn
the impeller at the correct rpm and draws the
correct amount of amps from the battery while
doing so. Matching these two items will all but
guarantee success. ;e next consideration is
the type of material from which the fan unit is
made. On smaller, lighter EDF jets, it’s fine to
use a fan unit that is made from plastic, seeing
as these fan units are the lightest and will be
less expensive. However, they will tend to flex
a little as the rpm goes up and become less
e;ective at higher speeds. Composite units
do have less flexing, are lighter, and are higher
priced, but are the norm in the upper end of
the need for speed. ;e best transfer of power
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