Official Freewing 90mm F-16 Falcon Thread

[DCORSAIR]

Oh sorry guys, for some reason I thought this was the F-4 thread, oops.

[Hugh Wiedman]

Oh sorry guys, for some reason I thought this was the F-4 thread, oops.

No problem, this thread has a tendency to go dormant at times so it can use the extra activity. It took 7 years and we're still not over 1000 posts, unlike the Mig thread that got there in the first week. Like they say, "use it or loose it".

[Aros]

That's the sad fate of the Old Gen jets. Amazing for the time they were released but with the constant advancement in technology, just like any technology things become obsolete within months. This F-16, the F-15 are good examples of Freewing's Old Gen jets that still hold up today due to their impressive scale fidelity and wow factor, but they need the help of the current inrunner tech to put them up to par with their New Gen mates, performance-wise. With some tweaks to the power system these older gen jets are just as exciting as the newer releases in recent years. Honestly, I sold my first 90mm F-16 years ago because it was a dog, too heavy for my liking, etc. Then one day I came across Jeff's Custom RC's Arctic Camo repaint of this bird and I had to have her again, painting her in the same Arctic Camo scheme, and with Hugh's guidance she became completely reborn.

She's a worthy gal with a little TLC. I hope more folks come to the same conclusion. Yes, the New Gen jets are fantastic, but let's not forget about these Old Gen beauties!

Here's his video that brought me back to this bird...Funny how a livery change can re-excite the juices...

[Hugh Wiedman]

That's the sad fate of the Old Gen jets. Amazing for the time they were released but with the constant advancement in technology, just like any technology things become obsolete within months. This F-16, the F-15 are good examples of Freewing's Old Gen jets that still hold up today due to their impressive scale fidelity and wow factor, but they need the help of the current inrunner tech to put them up to par with their New Gen mates, performance-wise. With some tweaks to the power system these older gen jets are just as exciting as the newer releases in recent years. Honestly, I sold my first 90mm F-16 years ago because it was a dog, too heavy for my liking, etc. Then one day I came across Jeff's Custom RC's Arctic Camo repaint of this bird and I had to have her again, painting her in the same Arctic Camo scheme, and with Hugh's guidance she became completely reborn.

She's a worthy gal with a little TLC. I hope more folks come to the same conclusion. Yes, the New Gen jets are fantastic, but let's not forget about these Old Gen beauties!

Here's his video that brought me back to this bird...Funny how a livery change can re-excite the juices...

Right on Aros. Unfortunately, the F-16 got "labeled" as a heavy flier when it first came out (and still has that reputation), and indeed it WAS considering it was powered by a 9 blade 1650 or 1750 Kv outrunner. I love the airframe so much that I had to get one against everyone's recommendations (especially with all the included missals and AB), but was lucky enough to install the 12 blade 1835 kv inrunner at the suggestion of several in this thread. Now I can put "lead diving weights" in for a battery and it doesn't miss a beat and flies "forever" in EDF speak. What a difference. IMO, this F-16 with that fan is my best flying large EDF (along with the A-10). With all the different livery options and what I consider a well designed airframe/intricate main gear/other features by FW along with this inrunner, if it came out that way today I believe it would be "tearing the shelves up" at MRC. But of course the price would reflect that upgrade and still scare some off. And I'm sure that the original stock F-16 must have been a bear to get off of grass which added to the "not ready to buy" attitude-but that certainly is not so today.

Let's face it, the original stock F-4 and grey stock F-18 that had the same outrunner (and I have those as well) were definitely "underpowered", which is why they had to go to an 8S for the F-4 for those "more discerning" flyers (euphemism for those experienced pilots that knew what the heck they were doing-obviously not me) and ended up with the 1900 Kv inrunner today in the F-18 and F-4. My F-16 flies circles around my 2 F-4's and my F-18 (with that older outrunner), but not for long, as I have 2 more 12 blade inrunners on a FedEx truck as we speak.

I think the moral of the story is that all of these airframes are excellent, as pointed out by Aros, but with todays tech (EDF and Battery), what some of them need is that muscle 12 blade inrunner to bring the "air beast" out. When the full scale F-22 came out, the "old" F-16 still beat the pants off it in dogfighting exercises, but couldn't match up on the stealth. Imagine what the Mig would be like if it came out 4 years ago with the lower Kv 80 mm outrunners available at that time. That thread would have about 100 posts today and everyone would be saying it flew like a pig (aka the E-Flight SU-30).

So DCORSAIR we may have gotten a bit off track mentioning the F-4, my fault, but the real point for the F-16 thread was the 12 blade inrunner and that's what we were discussing that you put in the F-4, so right on point. The "Old" F-16 was like a Victoria Secret Model wearing a gunny sack over her head and her body is a large plastic garbage bag. Put the 12 bladed inrunner in her, and "she's back in her bra and panties", right where she belongs!!

[Mizer67]

Hugh,

Minor point but I think you mixed up the F-35 and the F-22. The F-22 has been described as an "F-15 on steroids" in a dogfight. I believe in BVR the mock kill ratio is >200:1. In WVR though, much worse. Once WVR, there's nothing magical about the F-22, but it doesn't have the same reputation as the F-35.

The F-35A isn't a rate machine like the F-16. If it gets in a WVR engagement with an F-16, the pilot made a mistake, but it's also probably dead if the F-16 has a competent pilot, without a high off boresight Fox-2 shot with an AIM-9X. There's a lot of growth left in the air frame though. Come a decade from now it'll grow into its own like the F-16 did.

[Hugh Wiedman]

Hugh,

Minor point but I think you mixed up the F-35 and the F-22. The F-22 has been described as an "F-15 on steroids" in a dogfight. I believe in BVR the mock kill ratio is >200:1. In WVR though, much worse. Once WVR, there's nothing magical about the F-22, but it doesn't have the same reputation as the F-35.

The F-35A isn't a rate machine like the F-16. If it gets in a WVR engagement with an F-16, the pilot made a mistake, but it's also probably dead if the F-16 has a competent pilot, without a high off boresight Fox-2 shot with an AIM-9X. There's a lot of growth left in the air frame though. Come a decade from now it'll grow into its own like the F-16 did.

Very true, I did mix up the F-22 and the F-35, as the F-16 initially was much better in close in dogfights than the F-35 but did not have the advantage of stealth or advanced avionics (but Lockheed has been working on that so today, much closer in dogfighting capabilities). However, a large number of ex-fighter pilots still believe the F-16 was/is the best in a dogfight (stealth not withstanding) as it was more maneuverable and had a better thrust to weight ratio without all the weight of the upgraded electronics in the nose. And compared to the F-18, it could quickly outclimb it, nose over and have the F-18 in it's HUD display before breakfast. That maneuverability along with the relative cheap cost compared to the F22/35 is one reason it is still in production today, but Lockheed M exports them to our allies. But wait, just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, LM upgraded the F-16 in 2020 to their new "Block 70" version, with modern day avionics. Bahrain is getting these and they are the most advanced F-16's ever made, would love to have one parked in my driveway!

[Aros]

Here's the damage. I started on the repairs. I am using this fantastic stuff called Wonderfill. Looks and has the same consistency as spackle but MUCH better. Sands great and the finish is far superior to spackle. I use Gorilla Tape to help keep the seams I glued together. I will fill the areas in, sand and repeat until paint. I'm needing the cockpit but it's out of stock. Anyone have a spare you wouldn't mind selling?

[Hugh Wiedman]

Here's his video that brought me back to this bird...Funny how a livery change can re-excite the juices...

This video and your photos and videos just make me want to get a 2nd and do the Artic Aggressor!! But don't you love that 12 blade inrunner! You have to get one of the Hobbystar 8000's and try it with that. Imagine flying an agile and quick 90 mm foam EDF fighter jet around for over 5 minutes, yanking/banking/& cranking. Is this a possible glimpse into the future of foam EDF's and technical advances? Let's hope so. Hate to keep beating the F-16/12 blade inrunner/Hobbystar 8000 drum, but this thing just keeps me up late at night wishing I was out flying it.

[DCORSAIR]

Great guys, showing all these F-16 pictures and videos, now I want another one, sold all my EDF jets to get back into scale helicopters, would love to have another F-16, I had the F-4, F-5, F-18, F-15, F-16, A-4, T-45, F-22, F-35, L-39, Yak 130, F-104, Eurofighter, and the A-10, my favorite to fly was the F-16, just a fun EDF jet all around for me, flies very scale and tracks like its on rails..

[chemac]

Quick question is the FMS super scorpion power system good enough for the fw f16 90mm

[Aros]

lol, yep you guys have to feel my pain how just showing some photos or video can make the itch grow!

Well I patched her up best I could. Not perfect, but good enough. Just need the complete cockpit now...

[Hugh Wiedman]

lol, yep you guys have to feel my pain how just showing some photos or video can make the itch grow!

Well I patched her up best I could. Not perfect, but good enough. Just need the complete cockpit now...

Back in the saddle, great work, she looks good as new! Got to get some of that "Wonderfill" you used at Amazon, hopefully I can also find some "WonderFly"!

[Aros]

Back in the saddle, great work, she looks good as new! Got to get some of that "Wonderfill" you used at Amazon, hopefully I can also find some "WonderFly"!

Thank you fine sir! Get that Wonderfill in your laboratory pronto!

[dsmithwc04]

Can anybody help me with a quick question on the FW 90mm F16. I need to get a new fuselage from Motion but not sure if it comes with a few things. Does it come with the servo mix board, landing light, gear doors, and afterburner ring?

[gooniac33]

Got mine back in the air this weekend!! The thing is a monster with the FMS 8s fan in there!! It sounds and looks a lot like a turbine! As soon as I get my Runcam back up there will be some more video...

[Aros]

Can anybody help me with a quick question on the FW 90mm F16. I need to get a new fuselage from Motion but not sure if it comes with a few things. Does it come with the servo mix board, landing light, gear doors, and afterburner ring?

From the product page:

All fuselage lights and landing gear lights are included. Includes gear doors. You will need to purchase FJ30611097 to complete the gear door install.

[dsmithwc04]

I saw that too but when I asked Motion they said it did not have doors or landing lights included. Apparently it has everything but the mix board.

[Aros]

I'm sorry but whomever you spoke to was mistaken. I just had someone go check in the warehouse and he confirmed it came with lights and doors so the product page info is correct in this case.

[DCORSAIR]

I'm sorry but whomever you spoke to was mistaken. I just had someone go check in the warehouse and he confirmed it came with lights and doors so the product page info is correct in this case.

When I ordered one last year, it came with lights, wiring installed, and retract doors but no mixing board.

[dsmithwc04]

Another question, if installing a castle 10A BEC do I still need to remove the red wire from the throttle channel on the ESC? Since the F16 comes with an external 8A BEC I assume there is no need to change the way the external BEC is connected correct? I was just going to desolder the factory BEC and solder the Castle BEC and be done. My understanding is that the retracts don't like much voltage than stock so I was just going to keep the Castle setting of 5.1V unless it wouldn't be a problem to push it to 5.5v? And is there any reason to transfer the ferrite ring over to the Castle BEC from the Freewing BEC?