What is this new composite arf material Skymasters is advertising on their web site??
V..

Hi Vincent, it is basically a big upgrade in terms of quality and strengh. The new ARF PLUS kits will also have lower wing loading and the complete airframe will be lighter, they will have active hinging and all gear doors installed. Also detail and paint has been greatly improoved as well as many other things.

Michel

Vin,
As Michel has indicated, the new "ARF Plus" kits are being manufactured using new technology and materials. Using higher quality resin and cloth in addition to entirely new mold techniques, Skymaster has reduced the weight substantially in their new airframes. Live hinging, pre-installed gear doors, tube spar system, bearing stab mounts and dual engine mounts (on some airframes) are just a few of the outstanding upgrades in the Skymaster lineup. Stay tuned, lots more info coming



Todd

Thanks Todd and Michel
V..

ARF-PLUS + $$$ how much more per kit/arf ???

The new composite material "ARF PLUS" is much lighter and stronger, and also be made with much higher quality then convention composite material that most of the manufactures used. However, the price will not be that much of a different. As Skymaster continue to improve and provide best products for the most reasonable price for modeler.

Hello all,

Does anyone know if the new SM 1/6th F-16 will be of the ARF Plus varitey or will it be constructed with the old technology?

Aastan

Hi Aastan,

All the new jets are ARF Plus technology, this includes the Gripen, F-16 1/6, F-16 1/8 and F-4. The other jets will be converted in the near future.

Michel

Dont wish to say more on new materials!

BUT just leak out a bit of what I saw..

As we know, most of SM's models are more of sport then scale before, of course one can improve scale by doing a bit of DIY. e.g GRIPEN from a sweden cust.

Extra attention on scale outlook is also part of ARF PLUS package as I see and since SM existing models have already provide a proven flight characteristics records.
Recently, SM allowed me to involve in some new generation moulding playing.. and have a chance to exchange infor on re-design/improving plugs of existing models. Especially look out for the new HAWK, a totally new plug with hundreds of photos were used to verific the scale... this is definitely a new kid on the board if correctly priced ard the mid-price range and with scale.

And also some existing models could do a face lift if necessary, especially F18 family. Of course this leave it to market demand to decide.

Didnt I said more then I suppose to!!! too much from inside infor[:-]..flame out myself now.

AsiaScale RC

Hi. AsiaSRC,

Will the 1/6th F-16 have a more scale outward appearance? I've seen the 1/8th scale and it has a more fun look to it. I was hoping its big brother, due to its size, would lend to a more scale look.

Aastan,

Can you let us know where we should improve? We are very welcome any input. As AsiaScale RC said, Skymasyer try to improve scale as much as we can. Our planes might not the best scale plane in the world, but I believe we try very hard.

AirPac,

My experience and preference is scale. I have constructed Ziroli's 92 P-47, Hostetlers Cessna 172 and others and now I want to enter the jet scene. I hope my last post wasn't offensive. I am very please with the SM line. Mainly the F-18 F with its good panel lines and scale detailing. I would purchase it right away but the 1/6 F-16 has my heart and I am filled with anticipation . My comment was to get an idea of what kind of starting point and build time to expect with the scale detailing I am use to. Your post shows some pics, are those of the 1/6 or 1/8? Not having access to any close up photos of the 1/6 scale the only thing I can comment on is scale linkages, is there enough room in the bigger F-16 to offer the vertical stabilizer with a torque tube like the Avonds model.

Hi Asatan,

Airpac, should b the right PRO (public relation officer) for US territory but since question was address to me, I will just pickup this one. Sorry boss!
No offense at all! If u open the 1/8 f16 box, first thing that will strike your mind is let gears up every parts asap and rush out to field and have fun with min. hrs of detailing here and there abt scale. This was indeed the initial theme for this little viper. Despite of this - go to have fun concept, still u can see a lot detail lines on it

If F-18F panel lines and scale details are your benchmarks for your 1/6 F16 expectation, then u wouldnt b disappointed. I thought I saw a workable scale airbrakes too.

AsiaScale RC

I miss out the pix, showing the box was open!

Eric Wu,
I have emailed you guys 3 times about putting a down payment on a Skymaster ARF Plus F-4 and I never hear back from anyone. I want to know if I can get my name on one so when the first batch comes out I will have one. Is there a reason that I can never reach anyone by email or phone?

Thanks,
Buzz Killingsworth

Buzz,
I am sorry for you unable to reach me. Currently, I am in factory in China for quality check. We want to make sure the new products are the best. You should be able to reach AirPac office if you need contact me. As I understand, we already put you name for waiting list, We don't require deposit. The F-4 is near complete. We expect the F-4 will release to market in late Sept. Since the plane is not 100% complete yet, I unable to provide you all the detail information/price. I will got to you as soon as it available. Thank you for understand.

Eric,

I'll be coming to HI on 8/10/06. I also want to be on the list for an F-4 in a Jolly Roger's scheme. You know I love your kits.

Rafael

PS. I look forward to meeting you and checking out your setup!