Intro to EDF

[jobinseattle]

Morning all,

Probably been asked before but I want to try an EDF plane. Was wondering if I can get some recommendations?

[fhhuber]

Main thing is that EDF doesn't quite work the same.

It requires appx 50% more watts to get the same max performance as with a standard prop. To deal with this you use a heavier battery or accept the reduced flight duration. Mostly we accept reduced duration. Some EDF models get less than 3 min at full throttle. (and full throttle is where these models are fun to fly...)

EDFs in general don't like tight turns They bleed off speed almost like a dead stick even with full power if you turn too tight.

If an EDF model is flying too slow and the fan isn't getting enough air, the thrust can be severely reduced at high throttle. Many will get off the ground with less runway at 1/2 throttle vs full throttle.

They tend to have high wing loading needing more runway and high landing speed. Some have really evil stall-spin characteristics and then the high rpm fan's torque can sometimes make spin recovery difficult with power on. Expect it to take a LOT of altitude for spin recovery.

EDF is mostly about cool factor and speed. There are few (even with vectored thrust) that can do well at low speed aerobatics.

If you know what to expect, then almost any of the current EDF models won't be difficult to deal with. There are some that benefit from improving the air intake, but mostly these issues have been dealt with.
For example, the Art Tech F-18 used to be a poor flying model without the air intake mod and a couple of other changes. The current version, the factory has already done the mods we used to have to make after buying the "RTF" model.

[WintrSol]

One of the few exceptions to the rule of low speeds and EDF aircraft is the A-10 Thunderbolt; that is because the airframe was designed from the ground up for low speed maneuverability. It still has high angle of attack - loss of thrust issues, and ramping the throttle, as you would with a tail-dragging warbird, makes for a better take off - because of the low speed thrust issues, not the left turn on take off issues, of course. You also have less 'oh sh##, I need more throttle' leeway, so really have to mind your airspeed; a ducted fan just doesn't ramp up the thrust as quickly as a prop.

Still waiting for an improved Warthog EDF ...

[jobinseattle]

Thanks everyone

[gooniac33]

If you want to start out with an EDF get a Dynam Meteor... You will not be sorry! It flies amazing in stock form and when you are ready to go faster you can upgrade it to a better fan. Mine is currently running a 70mm 11 blade fan with 2200kv motor running on a 6s set up. It is a beast but still really easy to fly with 5 min flight times...

One thing to understand about EDFs is that if you should get the plane to have as close to 1:1 thrust to weight or higher for best results.