BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
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BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
Hi - looking at purchasing a BVM Rafale kit.
Could anyone give me their thoughts on the performance of this model? Obviously 'a little' old school now and not in production any more, but typical fantastic BV quality... maybe a little heavier than the other jets we're all now building.
Not a huge amount of info re this model online. Thanks in advance.
Could anyone give me their thoughts on the performance of this model? Obviously 'a little' old school now and not in production any more, but typical fantastic BV quality... maybe a little heavier than the other jets we're all now building.
Not a huge amount of info re this model online. Thanks in advance.
#2
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RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: tobba
Hi - looking at purchasing a BVM Rafale kit.
Could anyone give me their thoughts on the performance of this model? Obviously 'a little' old school now and not in production any more, but typical fantastic BV quality... maybe a little heavier than the other jets we're all now building.
Not a huge amount of info re this model online. Thanks in advance.
Hi - looking at purchasing a BVM Rafale kit.
Could anyone give me their thoughts on the performance of this model? Obviously 'a little' old school now and not in production any more, but typical fantastic BV quality... maybe a little heavier than the other jets we're all now building.
Not a huge amount of info re this model online. Thanks in advance.
I fly mine with a single AMT-450 and it's plenty of power for all phases of flight, including super-slow high-alpha. I don't think you would be dissapointed.
Craig
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RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
Thanks Craig. Awesome accolades.
I'm choosing between the Rafale and the BVM F4. Quite different subjects obviously.
Thanks for your feedback.
Regards Craig
I'm choosing between the Rafale and the BVM F4. Quite different subjects obviously.
Thanks for your feedback.
Regards Craig
#5
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RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: tobba
Thanks Craig. Awesome accolades.
I'm choosing between the Rafale and the BVM F4. Quite different subjects obviously.
Thanks for your feedback.
Regards Craig
Thanks Craig. Awesome accolades.
I'm choosing between the Rafale and the BVM F4. Quite different subjects obviously.
Thanks for your feedback.
Regards Craig
FYI, both these jets require something called "building" and "painting" but the instructions/plans are superb and you end up with model vastly superior to any ARF on the market.
Craig
#6
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RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
it's a great jet amigo and at or near the top of the class in prefabrication.
the same guys who make the Ultra Bandit make this jet and the level of prefabrication is spectacular.
high alpha / low speed or low alpha and blistering speed you can't go wrong. it has an expansive flight envelope, it's loaded with fuel....has the space and carrying capability to carry plenty of smoke fluid also.
I flew mine with the AT450 and pix are on BV's website.
good luck with your decision.
cheers
..also if you decide to purchase the airplane and want a set of wing bags for the wing, tail and canards in addition to missle tube holders I still have mine.
the same guys who make the Ultra Bandit make this jet and the level of prefabrication is spectacular.
high alpha / low speed or low alpha and blistering speed you can't go wrong. it has an expansive flight envelope, it's loaded with fuel....has the space and carrying capability to carry plenty of smoke fluid also.
I flew mine with the AT450 and pix are on BV's website.
good luck with your decision.
cheers
..also if you decide to purchase the airplane and want a set of wing bags for the wing, tail and canards in addition to missle tube holders I still have mine.
#7
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RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
Hey Craig - thanks, love your machines.
Its all about the build for me - not interested in ARF's. I've done a few BVM models and in the middle of a Tomahawk Hawk at the moment.
See my Hawk at: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_93...11/key_/tm.htm
A shot of my BV Mig - sport scale but great fun building this one.
Thanks for the info, The Rafale seems maybe more appealing purely for the more controllable landing setup.
Regards Craig
Its all about the build for me - not interested in ARF's. I've done a few BVM models and in the middle of a Tomahawk Hawk at the moment.
See my Hawk at: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_93...11/key_/tm.htm
A shot of my BV Mig - sport scale but great fun building this one.
Thanks for the info, The Rafale seems maybe more appealing purely for the more controllable landing setup.
Regards Craig
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RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
Tobba, no doubt the BVM Rafale have been amongst my most rewarding jets.
I still have my original one (first kit out of production), and often fly my camo one (fantasy scheme).
Building them is very easy due to the quality and precision of the kit.
I fly them with a couple of Jetcat 160. I can transition from very high alpha to accelerating verticals easily ... awesome.
Speeds of 250 MPH without diving (it is not prohibited in Venezuela .. LOL).
I know that twins are complicated, but I enjoy complicated models
Landing is easy, but to be honest, Craig makes them look easier that what they really are !!!!
Craig: I cannot forget your flights with the Rafale at Top Gun. They were just unbelievable. I have always thought that the Rafale is the plane that you fly the best.
Summarizing: awesome and enjoyable model.
Let me know if I can be of any help with your project.
Jack
I still have my original one (first kit out of production), and often fly my camo one (fantasy scheme).
Building them is very easy due to the quality and precision of the kit.
I fly them with a couple of Jetcat 160. I can transition from very high alpha to accelerating verticals easily ... awesome.
Speeds of 250 MPH without diving (it is not prohibited in Venezuela .. LOL).
I know that twins are complicated, but I enjoy complicated models
Landing is easy, but to be honest, Craig makes them look easier that what they really are !!!!
Craig: I cannot forget your flights with the Rafale at Top Gun. They were just unbelievable. I have always thought that the Rafale is the plane that you fly the best.
Summarizing: awesome and enjoyable model.
Let me know if I can be of any help with your project.
Jack
#9
My Feedback: (1)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: tobba
Hey Craig - thanks, love your machines.
Its all about the build for me - not interested in ARF's. I've done a few BVM models and in the middle of a Tomahawk Hawk at the moment.
See my Hawk at: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_93...11/key_/tm.htm
A shot of my BV Mig - sport scale but great fun building this one.
Thanks for the info, The Rafale seems maybe more appealing purely for the more controllable landing setup.
Regards Craig
Hey Craig - thanks, love your machines.
Its all about the build for me - not interested in ARF's. I've done a few BVM models and in the middle of a Tomahawk Hawk at the moment.
See my Hawk at: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_93...11/key_/tm.htm
A shot of my BV Mig - sport scale but great fun building this one.
Thanks for the info, The Rafale seems maybe more appealing purely for the more controllable landing setup.
Regards Craig
Great to see interest in doing a full on build!!!!!
#10
My Feedback: (6)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
I to have built a few of the BVM jets and if you are really looking for the Quality and the best and most reliable jets out there you can't go wrong with any of the BVM kits. I have not ownsed a Rafale i do have an F-100 and the 80" F-86 that i have built and when i get the chance i would like to get an F-4. This is my example of the F-100 that i built and finished last year and i love it.
#11
My Feedback: (40)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: Jack Diaz
Landing is easy, but to be honest, Craig makes them look easier that what they really are !!!!
Craig: I cannot forget your flights with the Rafale at Top Gun. They were just unbelievable. I have always thought that the Rafale is the plane that you fly the best.
Jack
Landing is easy, but to be honest, Craig makes them look easier that what they really are !!!!
Craig: I cannot forget your flights with the Rafale at Top Gun. They were just unbelievable. I have always thought that the Rafale is the plane that you fly the best.
Jack
I always thought this jet would become popular when BV came out with the single engine version and people saw how well it flew. Unfortunately, ARF's have taken over and there are not that many builders left.
Craig
#12
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
I just picked up one of these Rafaels. This will be the second one I have owned. They just fly incredible.
This one will be Twin Jet Central cheetah power..
Pablo Fernández
This one will be Twin Jet Central cheetah power..
Pablo Fernández
#13
My Feedback: (4)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: pbusa1400
I just picked up one of these Rafaels. This will be the second one I have owned. They just fly incredible.
This one will be Twin Jet Central cheetah power..
Pablo Fernández
I just picked up one of these Rafaels. This will be the second one I have owned. They just fly incredible.
This one will be Twin Jet Central cheetah power..
Pablo Fernández
#16
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
I'm doing dual gyros for the ailerons(JR 370a). My last one had none. The cheetahs should keep the wing loading low. My last one flew great on twin Ram 1000's
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RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
Pablo, the Rafale doesn't need gyro in the ailerons.
It does need it on the rudder (with a lot of gain).
Is it my imagination, or am I perceiving some kind of conspiracy between you and Gerardo to steal my plane?
Jack
It does need it on the rudder (with a lot of gain).
Is it my imagination, or am I perceiving some kind of conspiracy between you and Gerardo to steal my plane?
Jack
#20
My Feedback: (4)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: Jack Diaz
Pablo, the Rafale doesn't need gyro in the ailerons.
It does need it on the rudder (with a lot of gain).
Is it my imagination, or am I perceiving some kind of conspiracy between you and Gerardo to steal my plane?
Jack
Pablo, the Rafale doesn't need gyro in the ailerons.
It does need it on the rudder (with a lot of gain).
Is it my imagination, or am I perceiving some kind of conspiracy between you and Gerardo to steal my plane?
Jack
#21
My Feedback: (15)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
Great to see this thread, I have always been interested in this too. Love the gear on this thing...
I like twins too but has anyone got one flying with a 48-52 lb single? I am enjoying my 200sx in the UB and am looking for a new project for this Fall....
Craig, sounds like yours was great as a single?
I was always a little unsure about the canard settings, is that pretty straightforward now?
Thanks to everyone who is adding to this thread.
Dave
I like twins too but has anyone got one flying with a 48-52 lb single? I am enjoying my 200sx in the UB and am looking for a new project for this Fall....
Craig, sounds like yours was great as a single?
I was always a little unsure about the canard settings, is that pretty straightforward now?
Thanks to everyone who is adding to this thread.
Dave
#23
My Feedback: (40)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
Dave,
I have a single AMT-450 in my Rafale putting out maybe 42-43lbs. It would be awsome with something in the 50lb range. As you can see from this pic, there is tons of room for a single and easy access to the gear. As you mention, the gear is a work of art and nearly bullet proof.
The canards are easy to set up...just run them as a mix to the elevator function. They seem to be much less critical in centering and throw than the canards on my Eurosport. FYI, the delta wing has inboard "elevators" and outboard "ailerons". I run them in tandem on each wing as "elvons" which seem to give better high alpha performance.
I have a single AMT-450 in my Rafale putting out maybe 42-43lbs. It would be awsome with something in the 50lb range. As you can see from this pic, there is tons of room for a single and easy access to the gear. As you mention, the gear is a work of art and nearly bullet proof.
The canards are easy to set up...just run them as a mix to the elevator function. They seem to be much less critical in centering and throw than the canards on my Eurosport. FYI, the delta wing has inboard "elevators" and outboard "ailerons". I run them in tandem on each wing as "elvons" which seem to give better high alpha performance.
ORIGINAL: ddennison
Great to see this thread, I have always been interested in this too. Love the gear on this thing...
I like twins too but has anyone got one flying with a 48-52 lb single? I am enjoying my 200sx in the UB and am looking for a new project for this Fall....
Craig, sounds like yours was great as a single?
I was always a little unsure about the canard settings, is that pretty straightforward now?
Thanks to everyone who is adding to this thread.
Dave
Great to see this thread, I have always been interested in this too. Love the gear on this thing...
I like twins too but has anyone got one flying with a 48-52 lb single? I am enjoying my 200sx in the UB and am looking for a new project for this Fall....
Craig, sounds like yours was great as a single?
I was always a little unsure about the canard settings, is that pretty straightforward now?
Thanks to everyone who is adding to this thread.
Dave
#24
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: CraigG
Dave,
I have a single AMT-450 in my Rafale putting out maybe 42-43lbs. It would be awsome with something in the 50lb range. As you can see from this pic, there is tons of room for a single and easy access to the gear. As you mention, the gear is a work of art and nearly bullet proof.
The canards are easy to set up...just run them as a mix to the elevator function. They seem to be much less critical in centering and throw than the canards on my Eurosport. FYI, the delta wing has inboard ''elevators'' and outboard ''ailerons''. I run them in tandem on each wing as ''elvons'' which seem to give better high alpha performance.
Dave,
I have a single AMT-450 in my Rafale putting out maybe 42-43lbs. It would be awsome with something in the 50lb range. As you can see from this pic, there is tons of room for a single and easy access to the gear. As you mention, the gear is a work of art and nearly bullet proof.
The canards are easy to set up...just run them as a mix to the elevator function. They seem to be much less critical in centering and throw than the canards on my Eurosport. FYI, the delta wing has inboard ''elevators'' and outboard ''ailerons''. I run them in tandem on each wing as ''elvons'' which seem to give better high alpha performance.
ORIGINAL: ddennison
Great to see this thread, I have always been interested in this too. Love the gear on this thing...
I like twins too but has anyone got one flying with a 48-52 lb single? I am enjoying my 200sx in the UB and am looking for a new project for this Fall....
Craig, sounds like yours was great as a single?
I was always a little unsure about the canard settings, is that pretty straightforward now?
Thanks to everyone who is adding to this thread.
Dave
Great to see this thread, I have always been interested in this too. Love the gear on this thing...
I like twins too but has anyone got one flying with a 48-52 lb single? I am enjoying my 200sx in the UB and am looking for a new project for this Fall....
Craig, sounds like yours was great as a single?
I was always a little unsure about the canard settings, is that pretty straightforward now?
Thanks to everyone who is adding to this thread.
Dave
I just bought the Rafale from a friend of mine in the U.S. This one is almost built by Joe Grice a while ago. In fact the fuse and some other parts are still in the U.S. which i need to get down to India. Which do you thing would be the right engine for the single setup, I have a choice between the AMT NL oly or the jetcentral Mammoth. Behotec too is out with a 220N turbine in a 160 size can, could be a light setup as i have heard she has a heavy wing loading. Would need your help on the elevon setup once i get down on working on the rafale.
Thanks
Chatty.
#25
My Feedback: (40)
RE: BVM Rafale - flight characteristics
ORIGINAL: c_makhija
Hi Graig,
I just bought the Rafale from a friend of mine in the U.S. This one is almost built by Joe Grice a while ago. In fact the fuse and some other parts are still in the U.S. which i need to get down to India. Which do you thing would be the right engine for the single setup, I have a choice between the AMT NL oly or the jetcentral Mammoth. Behotec too is out with a 220N turbine in a 160 size can, could be a light setup as i have heard she has a heavy wing loading. Would need your help on the elevon setup once i get down on working on the rafale.
Thanks
Chatty.
Hi Graig,
I just bought the Rafale from a friend of mine in the U.S. This one is almost built by Joe Grice a while ago. In fact the fuse and some other parts are still in the U.S. which i need to get down to India. Which do you thing would be the right engine for the single setup, I have a choice between the AMT NL oly or the jetcentral Mammoth. Behotec too is out with a 220N turbine in a 160 size can, could be a light setup as i have heard she has a heavy wing loading. Would need your help on the elevon setup once i get down on working on the rafale.
Thanks
Chatty.
Anything in the 50lb range would be great in the Rafale. Surprisingly, the "wing" loading is not that heavy on this jet since a lot of lift is produced by the fuselage. It will do amazing slow flight/high alpha and slows down for landing even without flaps. The aft gear doors act as speed brakes to help slow it down.
If you run the "ailerons" and "elevators" as elvons, it requires quite a few mixes. I will be glad to help with any questions you have.
Craig