Hi Guys.
Im sure you've all heard this before WITCH JET TO BUY.Iv'e just joined RCU. I have been flying for 30 years.I want to get into ducted fan Jets,,Electric...This year I bought my first electric plane,,Mini Super Sportster EP. Just Love it.Beautiful ARF.......I bought one of those pusher jets,But I'd rather have a ducted fan jet..I'm looking at Hobby Lobbys F-86 and EJFs HET-F-16 General.Please everyone give me some advise on this,or your opinion. Any type jets....


Thanks Guys........chopper52

You picked two models that are widely different...the Alfa F-86 from Hobby Lobby is a foam ARF kit that is hand launchable and more of a park flier with top speeds averaging 50-70mph, while the HET/RC F-16 is a fiberglass performance type EDF that is not as easily hand launched and rather prefers a bungee system. The F-16 has top speeds ranging from 90-125+mph depending on your setup and may not make the best choice for a first EDF; the F-86 would be a better choice in that regards. The downfall with the F-86 is that only a couple models use the fan and motor. However, when flying the F-16, the fan, motor, ESC and battery can be re-used in a multitude of Minifan 480 sized EDF jets that are readily available on the market.

I would recommend the HET/RC FA-18 as a good performance starter EDF jet. It is made of balsa, making it much easier to repair compared to the foam F-86 from Hobby Lobby or the fiberglass HET/RC F-16. Moreover, it is more easily hand launched or bungee launched and can be set up with a good flying power system or a rocket ship type power system, depending on how much you want to spend. Speeds from 70-120+mph are possible, depending again on the setup and it slows down very well for landing. Moreover, the power system can be reused in the F-16 or any other Minifan model as you progress through the learning curve.

Check out the FA-18 and all the other HET/RC models, along with ARC and build-up jets at www.warbirds-rc.com. Markos at Warbirds-RC has the best variety of EDF aircraft in all kinds of flavors and all his prices include shipping! Moreover, his service is stellar, he is the only one I know of with replacement parts for the FA-18 and he also has a "replacement plan" in case you need a whole new kit.

A good budget power setup would be the HET/RC 6904 Minifan, HET/RC 2W motor, 60 amp SPT ESC and a good 3S lipo that can supply around 45 amps or more continously. Good quality 20C lipos like the Polyquest 3300 or 3700, the Kokam 3200, Hyperion or EVO 3300 or larger packs will work fine, as will the Thunderpower ProLite 3S 4200 or any of the new TP Extreme or Tanic packs. This will get you around 90-95mph for a quick top speed and you will have a blast with a minimal investment. For higher speeds, you will need a 4S motor setup and it does cost more.

Good luck and let us know if you have any further questions.

Carl