ORIGINAL: David Searles

Guys, a more realistic weight for this aircraft will be 46-52 lbs ready for takeoff. The F-18F is approximately the same size/volume as the CompArf Mig29, which when built properly just barely makes the WJM 20KG weight limit which equates to about 44lbs dry. Depending on fuel carried you will easily add another 6-10lbs. If the F-18F is built to the same weight savings standard as the Mig you'll be in the previously mentioned range.

My goal for #1 is to simply beat the 55lb takeoff requirement for AMA. I built a CJM 1/7 F-18E twin, which is almost exactly the same size as the FlyEagle F-18F and it came out at 49lbs dry, well over the 55lbs limit when loaded with 300 oz of fuel. That airplane was admittedly a bit heavy in construction so I do believe FlyEagle can do better, but hopefully not too much better. Nothing comes for free when designing aircraft. In order to save weight you have to give up something,usually strength and or durablity. I'd rather have a slightly heavier aircraft that can stand up to some punishment than one that breaks on the first hard landing or comes apart in the air as one of the CJM F-18s did at a major jet event a couple years ago.

David S