Taft Hobbies 90MM Viperjet

[The Huff]

I would shout praises to Motion RC in Valhalla if you guys would carry this model .... especially
the "Snake" paint scheme ..... <smiley image="anim_drunk.gif"/>

The eight cell version is a rocket !

[wayne hall]

Re: Taft Hobbies 90MM Viperjet

nice plane would also like motion to carry the taft dornier do 27

[Rocketeer]

Re: Taft Hobbies 90MM Viperjet

Greetings,

Indeed!!

I am a big fan of Taft's Aircraft. A good friend flies the 90mm Viper and it's hard believing from the looks and sound of it that it's a foamie/EDF!!!

Clear Skies

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Loneflier]

Re: Taft Hobbies 90MM Viperjet

I have the Taft Dornier Do27. I haven't built or flown it yet, but a detailed examination of the plane as received showed very nice workmanship and attention to detail. I think Taft may have taken over some of the older Starmax kits too. I have what used to be a Starmax Fly Baby, but it came with Taft boxing and Taft instructions. I hate to admit I ordered both of these from another vendor, but MRC didn't carry them and the price was right. Both appear to be really nice kits and I am anxious to get them built and flying.

[wayne hall]

Re: Taft Hobbies 90MM Viperjet

loneflier please keep us posted

[Baron]

Taft Dornier 27 gear flaw

I have had that Taft Doriner 27 for a while. The one flaw that really needs to be corrected is the housing that the gear rods are mounted into under the fuse. They are not going to stand up. REINFORCE those mounting brackets. If you have less than good landing the large metal gear rods will rip out that mount tearing the side of the fuse and the gear pants as well. The wheel pants are easily cracked so reinforce those as well with some "gorilla" type tape. I did not put the gear pants back on. Aside from the gear flaw the plane flies well and can withstand breezy conditions.

[wayne hall]

Re: Taft Dornier 27 gear flaw

thanks Baron don't they all have flaws

[Tom]

Re: Taft Dornier 27 gear flaw

I did not realize the Dornier Do27 was Taft. Interesting.

[Baron]

Re: Taft Dornier 27 gear flaw

The exact same Doriner 27 plane is soon to be soon offered as a Cloud 9 brand sold by another FMS distributor. It is also offered in a "zebra" color pattern as well as the camo version.

[Rocketeer]

Re: Taft Dornier 27 gear flaw

Greetings Gang,

I was recently introduced, by another forum member, to the Freewing Stinger 90mm EDF.

Once my EDF flying legs are stronger and having compared and researched the two, the Stinger looks to meet and exceed the Viper in most respects. I will continue to evaluate the two.

Clear Skies

Bill L.
in Okla.

[CT]

Re: Stinger 90 vs Taft Viper

Hey Bill,
Thought I would critique these two for those looking. As far as appearance, I would say the Viper with its wider wingspan and winglets offer more for asthetic reasons, not to say the Stinger does not turn some heads also. Viper has wingtip Nav lights, Stinger has super bright double landing light connected to the nose gear.

Build - Both require 12 screws to join the wing vertical and horizontal stabilizer. Design and Engineering wing design on both are perfect.

Batt compartment - Stinger has adequate area, no problem using 5000 6s. Viper is huge, enough for 10s with space left over. Thinking of installing a smoke generator on mine.

Retracts/Gear - It seems every Viper I have has has some issues or problems with one of the retracts, and the plastic clevis will last about 5 flights until it breaks, replace with metal. Dont know why, but after arming the ESC, I always cycle the gear at least twice, as 1 or 2 retracts will not operate the first cycle.
Stingers gear/retracts are bulletproof, have never had a problem after 6 months.

Flying characteristics - Viper slower ground acceleration, especially on short grass. Rotation and climb out fair, should use half flaps. 3-axis control movement very good at wot. Landing/approach with full flaps excellent, but do need to mix elevator w/ flaps. I experienced a catastrophic fan failure, and by the time I realized this and started to set up for engine out glide it had already entered the slow speed tip stall

Stinger has great acceleration even on grass, short ground roll to rotation. Once airborne, can go unlimited vertical flight. Very fast at wot. 3-axis controls excellent. Landing/approach w/ full flaps excellent and very smooth. I experienced a motor failure at cruise, and immediately set up for best speed glide. I had time to drop the gear and enter a controlled approach with a greaser landing. Slow speed characteristics are superior to Viper's.

In summary, I would say the Viper offers better asthetics in my opinion, but the Stinger rules with respect to flying characteristics and speed. Both units have the same kv motors and fans, and would say due to the larger size and wingspan of the viper creates more drag. The retract issues with the viper are irritating, but just be sure you have some spares. I just received the 8s motor/fan system to install on one of my Vipers, which should make a difference.

Being a spoiled pilot, I was able to secure both birds for flying, but if I had to choose between the 2 I would go with the Stinger hands down, The extra power along with a very stable platform will get you out of trouble easily. I have never met a Freewing EDF I did not like, in addition to the support and backing of MRC makes this a clear winner.

[Rocketeer]

Re: Stinger 90 vs Taft Viper

Greetings CT,

A very well done summation. It's nice to hear (see) a review from someone who has personal experience with BOTH aircraft being considered and can speak to the pros and cons of both as well.

Personally, I'm a long way from a 90mm EDF but, knowledge at any stage of the game is priceless.

Clear Skies

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Sky Wolf]

RE: Taft Hobbies 90MM Viperjet

Rocketeer, Happy New Year! How are you coming along with the 90mm jet training? Have you graduated to it yet? I have the 80mm F-86, which I think you eventually purchased as well. But did you ever get a Viper or a Stinger?

I don't have the Stinger, but do have 3 Vipers. It is one of the sweetest jets I've ever owned. Absolutely smooth and well balanced. The stability is out of sight! The previous reviewer is right about one thing. The gear has to be cycled, usually once, either on the ground, or in the air, in order for it to sync correctly. But I've never had any of the retracts to fail. He must've received a faulty set. 

There is one guy at our field that has the Stinger. One thing is for sure, it is very fast. I bought my Vipers before MRC carried the Stinger. However, I liked the Viper so much that I did purchase a yellow Viper from that other "awful" carrier out of Cali, when they had it on sale for a price I've never seen since. They literally gave it away. I couldn't pass it up!
The Freewing F-16 90mm is going to be incredible in the market!

Anyway, any 90mm's in your hangar yet?

[Builda]

Anyone know where I can find a copy of the manual online for this plane???