BVM Rafale is gone?
 

...cant see it anymore on the site..anyone knows what happen ?[X(]

http://www.bvmjets.com/Pages/kits/jetkits.htm




..great jet..

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

BVM does not offer the Rafale any more.
It is a builders project....
There is one for sale right now on bvmJets.com....http://www.bvmjets.com/Pages/turnkey.htm

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

Too bad [&o]

it is a superb aircraft. We just brought one back to life with 2 cheetahs and it is just amazing.

And it was not hard to build, probably the most prefabricated pre-arf era plane

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

some more pics from BITW

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

What amazed me was how strong the gear were. These had to be the most robust gear I have seen on any model.

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

bummer they are will not make anymore of these birds. most prefab jet on the market.

great flier, I wonder how it will be made into a builder's project? that thing popped out of the mold better than anything currently offered.

great jet.

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

Hey , he lost me when he cancelled the Maverick and replaced it with the ridiculous looking Bobcat. But I guess it's cool if you like looking at your naked engine.

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

Amazing how the definition of "builders project" has changed in just a few years !!!

With the exception of finishing and painting, the BVM Rafale is not less of an ARF than an Electra.

THIS is a builders project .... :D:D

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

Impressive Jack. The Flaps look to be very complex.. Do you mind telling us what it is???

I love this style of build. This is on my bench right now. Not quite as complex but I think it still counts.

The BVM Rafael was on my list of models to do.... One day.

Roger

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

so nice to see real builders in this ARF world! ...Roger i think this are aluminium torque tubes so the flaps wont twist/blow back.


JackD ...i have search all youtube for BITW Rafale with no luck.....video for popcorn please?[8D]

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

It is a shame this isn't still available, I too would like to build one some day. Maybe someone reading this will have a kit stashed away they are no longer attached too.
How does the Aviation Design version compare? Even if you could use the bvm gear (if it were available) in the AD airframe it would be one option.

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

Thats exactly what i did to my old AD Rafale.Treated my self a BVM gear for my AD Rafale. Best choice IMHO.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_43...%2Cgear/tm.htm

This winter project is to try to scale it out with dual nose gear head lights from Detail4Scale and add details to the mains too.

AD is exact the same scale as the BVM but much lighter airframe.Im at estimate 14kg dry (30lb). p160sx powered!
The new AD version has the updated stronger wood frames everywhere and anothere deference is that the new AD version is full with scale rivets and details.

http://www.aviationdesign.fr

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

canards rule [8D]



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvqQlDaQW4Q[/youtube]

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

Hi Roger, it is a Fouga Magister from Philip Avonds.
Yes, the flaps are very complex. Each has 6 ball bearings (3 on each side) that slide on aluminum rails fixed to the wings. The torque tubes connect to the extremes of each flap to transfer the servo movement. The ailerons internal linkage is quite more complex !!

Sean, I agree with you; it it a shame that such an awesome kit is not made by BVM anymore. It was probably his most prefabricated kit ever made. An unpainted ARF in today's standards for sure. It's twin engine performance is still unmatched.

A few pictures of my Fantasy scheme one (my second Rafale):

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

Why classify a model as "no longer available"? Not just BVM necessarily, but any manufacturer. They have the molds and tooling to produce the item (unless they sell them). If sales drop off in a particular model, I would think it could still be produced in smaller runs and longer than usual production times - and at higher prices. Maybe its only profitable in higher quantities though - its been a long time since I saw a newly finished Rafale at the field or the events. I'm sure a production area takes up valuable floor space that may be needed for other projects...wonder if BVM is gearing up for something new?

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

i have a buddy with a BVM Rafale kit, started, about 30% of the work done and done right.
im sure he would sell it. if interested please PM.

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

I have received PM's regarding BVM's Rafale set up.

This is it:

CG: 7.5" to 8" from Leading Edge
Aileron throws: 1 3/8" up 1" down according to BVM. I use 70% of those values.
Elevators and canards: all the throw you can mechanically get (addendum from BVM)
Rudder throw: 2.5"
Rudder gyro gain: a lot. (the most you can get without gyro induced oscillation). Rudder gyro eliminates wing rocking !!
Aileron gyro: haven't used them; but will try and post optimal values.

Regards
Jack

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

My buddy has one set up with twin Jet Munt VT-80's that I am sure he would sell for the right price with or without turbines! ;)

PM me if interested and I can provide contact info...

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

I have gotten to see Jack (Dad flew it too I think) fly that Rafale about 10x. Twin Cheeta's is what? 62 lbs thrust? It goes good, and so easy on the eyes ;)

RE: BVM Rafale is gone?
 

building is finished and its a shame-no skills and now where all the same-and thats boring.