CHARACTERISTICS of a first EDF

[runway14left]

I see a lot of people who post recommending this plane or that plane as a first EDF plane. While it is helpful, I think it isn't that objective and can include biases. So to help in evaluating any EDF plane as good or not for an EDF beginner, What are the characteristics that one should look for in a beginner EDF plane?

[Beeg]

Cheap..

[Beeg]

Welcome to the forum by the way..:shy:

[runway14left]

cheap because you can expect to crash it?

what characteristics would make a plane easier to not crash? easier... nothing would be crash proof.

[gooniac33]

Forgiving, stall resistant and slightly under powered. The Dynam Meteor is one of the best EDF trainers you can buy! And it can be made to be a beast once you get used to how it works...

[Beeg]

cheap because you can expect to crash it?

what characteristics would make a plane easier to not crash? easier... nothing would be crash proof.

no, cheap because you don't want to spend a bunch of money if it's not your thing. Of course, you can save a bunch of money by switching Geico!

Seriously though, the Freewing 80mm F-86 would make a good first EDF in my opinion. Very easy to fly and land and doesn't cost a lot.

[Russ]

Keep in mind first electric ducted fan (EDF), not first plane... mine was a Dynam A-10 twin 64 mm using 3 cell lipo. It was a great first edf because it's a floater and gives you time to think while you are freaking out due to the big difference in sound of these motors. The plane is actually anemic in flight so it fights to stay up but on 4S with at least 40 amp ESC it performs very well. It also has no rudders so crosswind landings can be tricky. I now have the Freewing A-10 and it's a much better plane, more powerful, better looking, has rudder control and has great flying manners but it's not a floater and I'm glad that I started with the Dynam one.

BUT, what I would recommend now as a first EDF would be something like a Durafly Sea Vixen (out of production) or a Durafly Vampire from Hobby King or similar edf because they are so stable and floaty in flight, are tricycle landing gear, and have adequate power. Both are 70mm power and will serve you well. Both use 4 Cell power also so pretty economical to operate also. I have had both of these edfs and still have the Sea Vixen and it's one of my go to planes for just great, relaxed flying when I want to grease some landings!

Russ

[F106DeltaDart]

I would also recommend the Freewing 64mm Panther as a good first edf. Light, stable, 3S power, with good flight time. Only downside is that it is best as a hand-launched model. Still hoping to see an 80mm Freewing version with retracts. If you have a nice field and you are fine with a more expensive model, you can't go wrong with the Freewing 80mm F-86. I have had mine since they first hit the market and it is still one my go-to smooth flying airplanes.

[yorkiepap]

EDF's can be tricky & a handful until you get the "feel" of the characteristics of an EDF. My entry & weaning into the EDF arena was with the Tech One Neptune. Hand launches were quite easy, the flight parameters were excellent as the 'Neppy" glides effortlessly & landing on grass is a breeze. It made my maiden of a "jet airframe", the Stinger 64, a snap. Just some "food-for-thought".

Denny

https://www.motionrc.com/collections...mm-edf-jet-pnp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6qLpXEXpW4

[runway14left]

Thank you for the additional input. The characteristics you mention - stable, slower speed, floater, etc. is helpful.

Also, some of the planes you mention are ones I've heard suggested before (stinger 64, F9F Panther, F86, etc.)

From what I've read and conversations I've heard at the airfield, rates and expo seem to be important settings with EDFs. Is this correct? I'm hearing to use low rates due to the speed? Are there pretty much set starter rates for EDFs or does it vary quite a bit from plane to plane?

[seaviper]

It varies from plane to plane. You definitely don't want to get into the air out of trim with not enough control throw. Make sure your CG (not battery placement, but the balance point) is where the book says. Be prepared to make adjustments.

I find that the T-28 is a very good jet simulator as it flies very much like a jet. It's just not as fast as one and it's a lot easier to see.

If and when you do get a jet consider that most jets are small and they get out and away fast. Also you want to carry a little throttle most of the way down on approach. Jets are usually bricks (aka lawn darts) when you pull power. They need a little power in turns and tend to fall off in the steeper turns at low speed.

I think you will love jets once you get into them.

[runway14left]

It varies from plane to plane. You definitely don't want to get into the air out of trim with not enough control throw. Make sure your CG (not battery placement, but the balance point) is where the book says. Be prepared to make adjustments.

I find that the T-28 is a very good jet simulator as it flies very much like a jet. It's just not as fast as one and it's a lot easier to see.

If and when you do get a jet consider that most jets are small and they get out and away fast. Also you want to carry a little throttle most of the way down on approach. Jets are usually bricks (aka lawn darts) when you pull power. They need a little power in turns and tend to fall off in the steeper turns at low speed.

I think you will love jets once you get into them.

Glad to hear about the T-28 because that is what I'm currently flying. I like it very much and am comfortable with it.

I've noticed there are some military jets like the F-18 that are in the same power and size range as the planes suggested above, yet people have not mentioned them. Is there something about their design that makes them not as good for an early edf?

[Hippie 64]

Its been my experience that planes with full rear wing elevators tend to handle different . If its your first I suggest one with a " normal " style elevator . Just a small elevator and until you fly them not sure I would try one with flaps . EDFs are a different bread . More runway for take and more speed on landing . If you cut power to land then decide to pull out you may just go down anyway . One thing to remember is a EDF needs to be moving to create lift under the wings . A prop plane creates its lift . I have the F9F and its a fun first plane but if you get the gear to go with it before you fly get back with me because it HAS to have a little added weight. The gear does fine on this one btw ...


Bryan

[IfIHadWings]

EDFs have a power lag that has bitten me more than once. On final with my propeller warbirds, I typically modulate throttle to control my glide slope and, depending on the model, I may be able to completely pull power until over the numbers. I did this with an EDF and quickly found that getting the power/thrust back had a delay I was not used to. This resulted in a lot of bouncing and repairing landing gear.

I've been flying warbirds for years with good success but I quickly destroyed an innocent FW Panther during my learning curve. Hand launch stalls were my nemesis and resulted in bulk FoamTac then ultimately taps.

I'm giving EDFs another try. I have an assembled and ready to maiden 64mm 3s Stinger on the bench. Like you, I've heard it is a great flyer with tame habits. I've installed the LG....see previous comments about failed hand launching. Hopefully the weather will allow the initial flight soon.

Good luck, let us know what you decide to buy and how it goes.

[runway14left]

I ended up doing two things: 1) Bought parts to fix a FMS F-15 that someone gave me and is sitting in the garage. But this won't be to fly right away. 2) Got the micro UMX Habu. This will be what I fly for awhile to get comfortable. I got this plane because I could bind it to a radio I still have from my Eflite Apprentice. That way I can use the SAFE technology as well as the AS3X.

I put 5 flights on it over the weekend. The first couple in beginner mode, then in intermediate with a little time in expert. All went well, no crashes. It is interesting how much the plane drops in sharp turns, so I'm learning the characteristics and such. The plane keeps the speed down due to size and only having a 28mm edf, but I suspect that I will be ready for something bigger rather quickly.

But I'm heading down the EDF path, that thats exciting.

[gooniac33]

I ended up doing two things: 1) Bought parts to fix a FMS F-15 that someone gave me and is sitting in the garage. But this won't be to fly right away. 2) Got the micro UMX Habu. This will be what I fly for awhile to get comfortable. I got this plane because I could bind it to a radio I still have from my Eflite Apprentice. That way I can use the SAFE technology as well as the AS3X.

I put 5 flights on it over the weekend. The first couple in beginner mode, then in intermediate with a little time in expert. All went well, no crashes. It is interesting how much the plane drops in sharp turns, so I'm learning the characteristics and such. The plane keeps the speed down due to size and only having a 28mm edf, but I suspect that I will be ready for something bigger rather quickly.

But I'm heading down the EDF path, that thats exciting.

Literally taking baby steps... and not a bad one either! Enjoy yourself!

[Kloverzero]

Just remember, an EDF is no different from anything else in regards to the wing situation. A high wing is easier to control than a low wing. I would start with something like an F-15 or F-18, in the 64mm size. You will have a more stable platform and a better glide ratio. The F-15 is a lifting body design, and is probably the most stable EDF out there. The F-22 also utilizes this shape, but is a little more difficult to control than an older body style jet. With that said, they are all EDFs in the end, and different rules apply from a tractor driven propeller airplane. Start small and cheap, and work your way up to a bigger model once you have mastered the little ones. I would look at something like the Yak-130 70mm as a second (or even first) jet. Happy Landings!!