getting started in ducted fan jets (HELP!)
 

Hi, I'm interest in getting started in ducted fan (gas) jets. I would like to get a turbine, but right now the price is out of the question. I've been surfing the net looking for a jet and have found 2 jets I want to ask about.
One is (Red Arrows DF) that is red, white, and blue in color and sales for $300. The other is the (ESM Arrows) that is red and white in color and sales for $300 also. Both are the same make, they look like the JHH Red Hawk. Both of these jets are ARFs. This would save me time to get into the sport of Ducted-fan jets and if I like it, build one later. Both suggested the O.S. 46 VX-DF and the 48 turbax fan. Now that you know what ARF I'm looking at, I would like to ask some questions.
I'm a member of Valley RC Flyers and at our field we have 360 ft. of tarmac runway and 500-600 ft. of well cut grass runway. You can see our field at www.valley-rc-flyers.org
Will 360 ft. of tarmac runway be enough runway for a tarmac take-off or will one of these jets take off from the grass.
I also would like to know has anyone built on of these ARF or know of anyone, or seen one at a local field?
With the new O.S. 46 VX-DF and the 48 turbax fan what kind of low speed performance can I expect and what kind of top speed can I get? Since I am new to jets, are these well rounded jets in quality and performance? If you know of any 40-60 size ARF jets that would be worth looking, please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated. Also if there are any videos of these 2 jets for me to see, that would be appreciated as well.

RE: getting started in ducted fan jets (HELP!)
 

It should get out fine on 360ft. For more planes that size, check out Jet Hangar Hobbies. They have everything you need.
www.jethangar.com

RE: getting started in ducted fan jets (HELP!)
 

I am currently building a Jet Hangar Hobbiers F9F Cougar Kit which was originally set up for a /91 glow ducted fan. I was going to install one of the new (recently tested by JHH) electric units which puts out a claimed thrust of about 10 pounds. What I would like to know is there someone out there who has built and flown this same plane who can advise me about converting it to run with a Wren 44. - same thrust range. The plane should weigh about 12 pounds when finished. I have the tail completed as well as the wings but haven't started on the fuselage yet. Because of the high price of lipo batteries, electric motor and limited number of re-charges, etc. I would like to know if I should consider the switch or am I better off startinig with a kit or ARF designed specifically for a turbine? I know I can ask JHH but would like to get some feedback from someone without any financial interest in the decision. Also, any recommendations on where to get scale landing gear for the F9F since JHH no longer has their source for this plane. Thanks for any help.

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RE: getting started in ducted fan jets (HELP!)
 

Bill,
Instead of li-pol you might want to look at a new series of batteries produced by a company in Mass they had an ad in last Month MA. They have an exceptional discharge rate and recharged in as little as 15 minutes

RE: getting started in ducted fan jets (HELP!)
 

I have an original JHH hawk with a .46VX. Maybe I have a tired .46, but mine is marginal on takeoff and takes about 500 ft to get airborne. Flies fine once its in the air.

Keep it light, just in case.