Flyeagle F18F
#51
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
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
The maximum weight estimate is 25 kg/55 lbs with a 180N class engine from FEJ source.
An airframe fitted with a 160N class engine can be lightened, dixit James. However I would not put such an engine in this plane.
The real F-18 is an impressive and powerful aircraft, the scale model needs power as well.
#52

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From: norwich, UNITED KINGDOM
Hi All the FEJ F18f protertype flew with a Jet Central Rhino 170 with no prob,s and there are two versions one is lighter than the other,the heavey version is for bigger engines it has a bigger exhaust duct amongest other things regards Keith W
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
Hello Jet Modeller,
What are the other things that FEJ has done to the "heavier" one. As I ordered mine with the pipe for P180 I would like to know the differences and or area's that have been strengthened.
Would I, get this stronger model with ordering the kit with The P180 Pipe, or is this an upgrade you must pay for, if so how much.
Thanks
What are the other things that FEJ has done to the "heavier" one. As I ordered mine with the pipe for P180 I would like to know the differences and or area's that have been strengthened.
Would I, get this stronger model with ordering the kit with The P180 Pipe, or is this an upgrade you must pay for, if so how much.
Thanks
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From: SANTA ANA, CA
Kevin,
Your aircraft was built based on the turbine pipe size you specified. Since these aircraft are, in essence, being built to order, rather than to stock, they will simply add a little extra fiberglass or use a little thicker bulkheads, in strategic areas to suit. I also believe on mine they used a little larger wing tubes, as well as a 10.6cm pipe to handle a turbine as large as a P200.
David S
Your aircraft was built based on the turbine pipe size you specified. Since these aircraft are, in essence, being built to order, rather than to stock, they will simply add a little extra fiberglass or use a little thicker bulkheads, in strategic areas to suit. I also believe on mine they used a little larger wing tubes, as well as a 10.6cm pipe to handle a turbine as large as a P200.
David S
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From: birmingham, UNITED KINGDOM
Hi All
I was not asked what engine i would be using so i have just sent an email to James saying that it will either be AMT Olympus or P180. Hope this doesn't delay my order[
]. Im No 20 ish so should be cool.
Just out of interest does anyone know when the JR 12X is due in the UK
Cheers
Gary
I was not asked what engine i would be using so i have just sent an email to James saying that it will either be AMT Olympus or P180. Hope this doesn't delay my order[
]. Im No 20 ish so should be cool.Just out of interest does anyone know when the JR 12X is due in the UK
Cheers
Gary
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From: Maryland,
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Gary
There's a Thread on the 12XI suggest you check it outmay be a problem here or there with it...
I'm sure you'll be good to go on your birdbeing 20ish is a long way awayi'm 23 but i ordered it for the P-180 from scratch, but i'll be using the Mammoth insteadsame power range...
Mr DJ
There's a Thread on the 12XI suggest you check it outmay be a problem here or there with it...
I'm sure you'll be good to go on your birdbeing 20ish is a long way awayi'm 23 but i ordered it for the P-180 from scratch, but i'll be using the Mammoth insteadsame power range...
Mr DJ
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From: Maryland,
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All - I just talked to JamesI live 45mins away...
Anyways, he said they build all F-18s very strong but if you are going to use a 36 pounder, then they build it a bit lighter... So, if you told FEJ what turbine you will be using, then they build it accordingly...
I suggest to those of you who have ordered but the plane has not been built yet, if you even think you will go above 36lb thrust, to contact them and let them know. But if you will remain 36 or less, then leave as it, for it will be too heavy. Just a my thoughtsthe move is yours...
Mr DJ
Anyways, he said they build all F-18s very strong but if you are going to use a 36 pounder, then they build it a bit lighter... So, if you told FEJ what turbine you will be using, then they build it accordingly...
I suggest to those of you who have ordered but the plane has not been built yet, if you even think you will go above 36lb thrust, to contact them and let them know. But if you will remain 36 or less, then leave as it, for it will be too heavy. Just a my thoughtsthe move is yours...
Mr DJ
#62

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Appreciate the heads up. I plan to use a powerplant producing 45Lbs of thrust and had already purchased 30' of carbon fiber tape to reinforce areas that I thought might need it. After looking at the photos shown in the instruction manual, I was quite concerned about the absence of CF reinforcement in a bird of this size. I will however send James an email regarding turbine selection for my Hornet.
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From: birmingham, UNITED KINGDOM
Hi All
DJ i have contacted james and told him what engine i am using so that should be cool beans, cheers for the heads up on the 12X will check it out.
Take it easy all
Gary
DJ i have contacted james and told him what engine i am using so that should be cool beans, cheers for the heads up on the 12X will check it out.
Take it easy all
Gary
#64

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I emailed James regarding my engine selection. His response is below:
"Actually our F-18F will be very strong for people who use JetCat P-180 or P-200. If you have 51 lb turbine, it is OK too. You do not have
to worry about this point. "
You may want to contact James if you will be using an engine with less power than is produced by a P-180 or AMT Olympus. The plane will be built lighter for less powerful engines.
"Actually our F-18F will be very strong for people who use JetCat P-180 or P-200. If you have 51 lb turbine, it is OK too. You do not have
to worry about this point. "
You may want to contact James if you will be using an engine with less power than is produced by a P-180 or AMT Olympus. The plane will be built lighter for less powerful engines.
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From: Loveland,
CO
I'm thinking of getting one of these F-18's.
Is it worth it to have the factory install the gear and doors and fuel tanks, or are we better off doing this ourselves?
Does the factory do a good job of it, or should we do it ourselves to get a better quality job?
Thanks, Jim
Is it worth it to have the factory install the gear and doors and fuel tanks, or are we better off doing this ourselves?
Does the factory do a good job of it, or should we do it ourselves to get a better quality job?
Thanks, Jim
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From: SANTA ANA, CA
ORIGINAL: Hammbone
I'm thinking of getting one of these F-18's.
Is it worth it to have the factory install the gear and doors and fuel tanks, or are we better off doing this ourselves?
Does the factory do a good job of it, or should we do it ourselves to get a better quality job?
Thanks, Jim
I'm thinking of getting one of these F-18's.
Is it worth it to have the factory install the gear and doors and fuel tanks, or are we better off doing this ourselves?
Does the factory do a good job of it, or should we do it ourselves to get a better quality job?
Thanks, Jim
As soon as I get mine I'll let you know. For the cost, if the quality is good, let them do it.
David S
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From: Maryland,
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Gents
Pay the money for the installs. I've both their F-16 and the Rafale. pay the money...
Gary
You're welcome on the 12X. I'm a JR die hart but I bought the 12Z just for my turbines.
And now a question for any of you. The P-200 boast 50lbs but you only see it advertised at 45 why?
What other turbines out there produce 50+ pounds?
Mr DJ
Pay the money for the installs. I've both their F-16 and the Rafale. pay the money...
Gary
You're welcome on the 12X. I'm a JR die hart but I bought the 12Z just for my turbines.
And now a question for any of you. The P-200 boast 50lbs but you only see it advertised at 45 why?
What other turbines out there produce 50+ pounds?
Mr DJ
#70
Thread Starter

Hi guys
No doubt about it. Pay the install. You won't regret. I have mine made by FEJ in the F16 and it is great. The F16 as only 3 doors. The F18 as 10 doors.[&:]
You will regret if you do not do it[:@] Tell me how I know.
I am about to dive for this. Guess I will be number 9999999999999999999999999999999999, but I will wait.
What is worrying me is the thrust, because I want to put a 16 or 17 Kg turbine in it. Either a Rhino, Merlin or P160 and I specially worried to fly with the ordinance with this thrust.
Of course your opinions are good but more valuable if somebody had the kit in their hands. Did you received it already David Searles?
I guess this would be like flying the 1/8th F18F with a 12 Kg turbine.
What do you guys think?
Nuno
No doubt about it. Pay the install. You won't regret. I have mine made by FEJ in the F16 and it is great. The F16 as only 3 doors. The F18 as 10 doors.[&:]
You will regret if you do not do it[:@] Tell me how I know.
I am about to dive for this. Guess I will be number 9999999999999999999999999999999999, but I will wait.
What is worrying me is the thrust, because I want to put a 16 or 17 Kg turbine in it. Either a Rhino, Merlin or P160 and I specially worried to fly with the ordinance with this thrust.
Of course your opinions are good but more valuable if somebody had the kit in their hands. Did you received it already David Searles?
I guess this would be like flying the 1/8th F18F with a 12 Kg turbine.
What do you guys think?
Nuno
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From: Maryland,
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Seanreit
kool beans on that info... but i read all the time of US birds with twin turbines exceeding 50lbs thrust... in FL Jets 2008, there was one giant F-16 with a 54lb thrust tubine... Anyways, no real big deal, i was just wondering about the P-200 and its 45lb advertising... thanks again... i guess our overseas brothers have all the funno limits over there
Mr DJ
kool beans on that info... but i read all the time of US birds with twin turbines exceeding 50lbs thrust... in FL Jets 2008, there was one giant F-16 with a 54lb thrust tubine... Anyways, no real big deal, i was just wondering about the P-200 and its 45lb advertising... thanks again... i guess our overseas brothers have all the funno limits over there

Mr DJ
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From: SANTA ANA, CA
I will probably not have my kit till the week of the 22nd, when I will be in Fresno attending Fresno Jets.
As far as power requirements are concerned, it really depends on how you plan to fly the F-18F and whether are not you will fly with or without the ordinance. I have a Tam Hornet, which weighs 34lbs dry and is powered with a 36lb Rhino and it flys great! It performs the way I think a Super hornet should fly! Fast & maneuverable!
The FlyEagle F-18F is a much larger, draggy & heavier airframe than the Tam, so powering it with a 36lb thrust turbine, sure, it will fly, but will it perform?! Add the ordinance and I think you're going to have a plane that flys like a big Super Cub. SLOW!!
Not the way I want it to perform. I will put the max AMA 45lbs in and hope for the best. If the ordinance slows it down too much I'll just use it for static display.
James said they have a couple of flying videos they are working on and will post on the website as soon as ready. I'll be very interested to see how the Rhino pushed this beast.
David S
As far as power requirements are concerned, it really depends on how you plan to fly the F-18F and whether are not you will fly with or without the ordinance. I have a Tam Hornet, which weighs 34lbs dry and is powered with a 36lb Rhino and it flys great! It performs the way I think a Super hornet should fly! Fast & maneuverable!
The FlyEagle F-18F is a much larger, draggy & heavier airframe than the Tam, so powering it with a 36lb thrust turbine, sure, it will fly, but will it perform?! Add the ordinance and I think you're going to have a plane that flys like a big Super Cub. SLOW!!
Not the way I want it to perform. I will put the max AMA 45lbs in and hope for the best. If the ordinance slows it down too much I'll just use it for static display.
James said they have a couple of flying videos they are working on and will post on the website as soon as ready. I'll be very interested to see how the Rhino pushed this beast.
David S
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
Seanreit, thats exactly what I did. James asked not to post yet, so I am honoring his wish. Its just the plug, cannot see tmuch detail but the size is whats impressive. I have seen many F15's from many manufactures, they all fly well, so this big one may be a gigantic ***** cat.


