Assembly & Flight Review - E-flite F-18 Blue Angels 80mm EDF (The RC Geek)

In our bonus upload this week, we get a sneak peak at the new E-flite F-18 Blue Angels 80mm EDF! The E-flite F-18 was one of my favorites from last year and I actually considered painting it into Blue Angels #7. So, you can imagine my excitement for this new release! The model itself is the same as previously offered, but has been refreshed with the new Blue Angels scheme. Also, with this model Horizon Hobby is offering an ARF+ which is completely new for them. I did a couple easy modifications take make it that much more representative of Blue Angels #7 which I show in the video and includes cutting the missiles off the body and the wing tip rails (also correctly oriented the attachments). This model has become my new go to weekend flyer and with the scheme, I can now pretend I'm on that media ride I'll never get, haha! Full article with CG, throws and Dx file is at: thercgeek.com/EFF18 #BlueAngels #F18 #TheRCGeek
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[@JeffsCustomRC]

Excellent video as always Chris, thanks for sharing 👊🏼👍🏼🔥🔥💥

[@JohnVHRC]

Love how you fixed all the mistakes.

[@Hughejazshole]

Damn I need to find one of these! Well done again!

[@rodgerhecht3623]

Great vid Chris ,love the mods you did. Really like how you flew it too.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks Rodger!

[@hechtspeed]

Excellent review!

[@Mrtcoltpilot56]

Great looking jet. I have the gray one. Wish I would have known about this one earlier. Working on the FW 90mm F-18 HP Blue Angels now. Great review and flight.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@P51Dfan]

Nice job on the finish work. That's an underappreciated art when working with the ARFs today. Also loved how you captured the sound of the aircraft in flight. The F-18 is among the best sounding EDFs on the market today IMHO.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! Agreed, this one really does sound fantastic!

[@normleonard52]

Great clip Chris. Love the BA theme.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@LoveRC]

Very nice mods and flight. You are one of the best. Love that Avanti coming in at the end. It looks like someone just threw it on the runway. LOL

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man!

[@curvebal]

A dirty roll at takeoff, nice I thought I was watching a El Centro training flight. Great job with the mods, Chris.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! :)

[@GBLynden]

Good job Chris! 👊🏻

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man!

[@f1matt]

That scale landing gear looks so good!

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah it does!

[@mikenowland2739]

Love your work Mr Geek 👍

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@IJustGotHere]

Great video! Real nice on the mods too.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@jettechdonatkins]

Fantastic video Chris really love the Blue Angels #7,when ready,my Byron A-4 will be a Blue Angel! I need one of these to go with my new e-flite F-4,which is going to be redone to resemble the JASDF 301sq.#315,just waiting on the graphics which should have his weekend from Callie! I need to get a centerburner for it soon,will be in touch about that,thanks Chris!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks Don! The eflite f4 is a nice ride and should look great in jasdf colors!

[@CarlosRodriguez-qr3yq]

I'm telling you. Blue angel rc stuff always sells out. Should make a single seater. Blue angels are going to superhornets. Hoping for that too. Eflite dosent disappoint.

[@Mr_Jonez]

Beautiful landing

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@Nubernc]

Another great review

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@PilotRyanMedia]

Love it that you cleaned it up. Number 7 in the house. Your nozzles set it off. Great video Chris. Send me a bill for two Big-29 Centerburners and one for this beaut.

[@Thercgeek]

Will do. I’m out of stock in the mig burners, but should have more in another week or so. I’ll ping you on IG when I have them.

[@scottsettleproductions]

GREAT VIDEO!!! You fly better than Pilot Ryan...I'm joking!! We love PR. Chris: Do you have the M-29 center burners in yet? Can you post which two that would be ? thanks Scott

[@Thercgeek]

Yes, I have the burners again. I’m all caught up on orders and we are actively building more now.

[@arnoldgines3381]

Wow beautiful jet,I wish I could have that one someday 😊

[@greghoff7303]

I’ve been saying they should have done that scheme since they released it. Excellent mods, Chris, the scale nerd in me would do the exact same things. Interesting that you mentioned the full span flaps and tailerons as a future mod. I did that to my Freewing 90mm Blue Angel along with rudder toe-in with takeoff flaps and it flies amazing. I even went a step further and made my flaps-up position “flaps auto” like the real hornet, and you get a small reflex mix of the inboard flaps with up elevator. It really helps tighten its turns and fly a nice high-alpha. It looks like the real jet on takeoff and approach with all the control surfaces in the scale positions.

[@greghoff7303]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKO2komhrc9qiac

[@Thercgeek]

Very cool!

[@mn-outy6895]

@@Thercgeek how expensive was this and how fast does this go?

[@Thercgeek]

Here’s a link to the the model bit.ly/EflHornet speed is about 110mph I’m guessing at full throttle.

[@mn-outy6895]

@@Thercgeek Ok thank you

[@jeffhenderson934]

Well, I was feeling pretty happy with myself spray painting 5 jets with white nose cones different colors. After watching this video I’m headed to the basement and throwing all five jets in the trash. I can’t believe I bragged and shared photos of touching up a plastic nose cone.... Great upgrades and touch ups Chris

[@Thercgeek]

Haha, thanks man!

[@alwaysflying6540]

I also just did these mods. I also fixed the trailing link on the nose gear that breaks on most including mine. I drilled out the bracket to 5/32 one drill bit at a time to keep it centered and replaced with brass. Should never break again.

[@Thercgeek]

Nice!

[@JohnVHRC]

Awesome

[@NICHOLASRGLORIOSO]

Awesome Video Brother!! I was kinda “UP IN THE AIR” all Day today, Just getting to see this sweet video! I love how you customize things, and “Fix” a brand new Jet out of the box that quite frankly Should maybe be Researched a Little bit more Before mold production, Etc. IF They Researched The Real BLUE ANGELS, they would See That There AREN’T Any missiles for the AIRSHOW Performers! As far as the Drop Tanks, That would be legit if they have a Long ways to travel to their Next AIRSHOW location to help with Refueling. GREAT VIDEO, And Your an AWESOME Pilot Bro!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks dude! I assume you’re home safe and sound now? They took an existing tooled airframe and just updated the paint. So, they’re all features that were part of the original military scheme offering.

[@NICHOLASRGLORIOSO]

The RC Geek yes Sir! Long Day Dude! I understand what they Did to the Jet Bro, Was just Saying That YOU Truly Make Planes ✈️ as Realistic as they can be, and you have the ability and knowledge to do so! Going to Proudly Represent “THE RC GEEK” in Upstate Ny as soon as my long sleeve shirt gets here! Lol PS, it’s about 50 Degrees here now, 10 pm eastern standard time!! BRRRRRRRRRRR!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Thercgeek]

Ah, I understand, that's very kind of you to say! I hope you enjoy the shirt! :)

[@n3cr0sc0pe]

Great video Chris. Loved the work you put into her and I'm glad you are enjoying flying her. For me personally, after the scale gear i genuinely can not see why anyone would pick EF's F18 over FW's, especially in this colour scheme. Thanks again.

[@Thercgeek]

I’ve not flown the freewing, so I can’t directly compare. But, I absolutely love flying the eflite f18. A friend of mine who’s flown both really loves the eflite as well. He’s commented a few times that the eflite lands quite a bit nicer than the FW.

[@kevindurant1298]

Nice 🛩👍

[@halroofner4069]

Great mods!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@NICHOLASRGLORIOSO]

Chris Knows his stuff! He’s Like a walking Jet encyclopedia! I would tell you this, IF Some of these manufacturers Had Him Design Molds, Etc, Right Out of the Box, I BET They would Be as Scale as possible! Knowing what the “Real” Jet looks like is PRICELESS! You can’t Really modify Something If you have no clue what they look like!! I have to Give THE RC GEEK 2 Thumbs Up and a Double Snap For this one!! Lol

[@halroofner4069]

Flyboy Adventures In RC Planes yes I agree. His passion and ingenuity are great. Really like his videos.

[@michaellarson5191]

And LE slats needed. I think I want one of these

[@mikeinspace20xx]

Hi Chris! I see in your video that your CG is set to 75mm back. When I set mine up according to the book at 85mm, I ran into problems upon deploying landing gear during flying, even though I setup my CG with my gear down. When I deployed the landing gear, the plane became very unstable, so much so that I had to turn on Safe Mode to safely land the plane (which I did). I will try setting up my CG at the 75mm mark. A friend also recommended that I try setting up my 5000 pack about an inch back from the front of the tray. Originally I had flown it to balance at 85 mm and it was much further back. Takeoff and flying went perfectly but man it changed when I put the gear out to land it, I almost lost her!

[@Thercgeek]

The 85mm should be ok. I wonder if it got too slow? The airplane gets quite draggy with the gear down, so is important to keep the power up in the pattern. Also if the model is slow, it can start to drift in yaw.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Hey Chris. Yea, the ARF is nice but...I wish they could give you options for the ESC and Reciver when ordering from Horizon. I'll like to use the smart 100amp Avian ESC and the AR637T for Telemetry. There's only a $10 price difference from the stock ESC and what...$30 for the receiver. $369 for the ARF but another $300 for EDF, ESC and 637T? Yet...for $100 more you get e everything you need. Kinda sucks man. Would be nice to give an option to spend say $50 more for an upgraded BNF or drop the price point on the ARF which is feel is way to high! If you have their ear...put this bug in it brother 😋. Nice work though as usual. And...its yellow on blue. 😁

[@gavstreet8976]

You should def try full span flaps and talerons

[@victorrcjets7660]

Like how it looks for sure, the gear is the winner but yes why the weapons package.

[@Thercgeek]

Easier to include than to not I’m guessing.

[@williamdecker3989]

Hey Victor, this one or the 90mm Freewing?? Wondering if you have both or have seen them together? Thanks!

[@victorrcjets7660]

@@williamdecker3989 I've seen a few photos of the size difference. But 90 mm is not much bigger.

[@Thercgeek]

I’ve seen them both together and they’re very close in size. The fw is only 1-2 inches longer. Wingspan is almost the same.

[@williewideback]

I agree bout the landing gears! so scale

[@arnoldchildress8053]

Man I used to live in Pensacola Florida and see them guys all the time it's hard to tell that one from a real one

[@Thercgeek]

Cool, thanks! 😊

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Hey Chris. Just ordered this sweet girl! Looking forward to Saturday. I just downloaded your setup file as well. Thank you as always for that. Outside of a few preference changes you setups are always looked in! Folks, save some time and use his setup files! 😁 So...here in the desert sun of Phoenix, the sun can really bubble up the paint. Lizard skins it as we say at the field. What product do you recommend for UV protection? I hear folks using Minwax and similar products. Which is your preferred sir? Thanks as always. You do a great job on the channel man! Keep it up! 👍

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! Unfortunately the only way I know to avoid gatoring is to keep the models in the shade when not flying. There’s no covering I know of that will keep that from happening when in direct sunlight.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@@Thercgeek cool...thanks man.

[@aerospacematt9147]

Do you have any reason to believe that the control horn might disengage from the servo arm? Ive seen that happen with the “Bats” F-18 80mm several times on KZbin, and I’ve heard its a problem. What do you suggest to prevent such a beautiful (and expensive) plane from crashing?

[@Thercgeek]

Ive heard of that, but I haven’t experienced that personally nor have I witnessed that happening anywhere. The key I think is to ensure that everything is installed nice and tight with no slop. Also, the airplane really needs to be flown as though you’re sitting in it. It’s not a model made for hard pylon turns. 😉

[@michaelbackus7107]

I have one of these in the box when I have time to get to it this summer. So do I need to do an upgrade to the elevator servo horns? I know some have done a complete overhaul but is it truly necessary as long as you locktite everything down properly?

[@Thercgeek]

I’ve personally had two of these and never once had any issues with the elevators. It’s important to make sure that everything is installed tightly. There’s a collar that gets installed to hold the stab in place, so make sure that it’s installed so there’s no lateral play in the stab.

[@Bellairvideo]

Such a great video Chris. Are the main gear wheels 'sticking out"?

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! The wheels do protrude a little bit, but you don’t really notice it in flight. There’s just not enough depth in the fuse to full house them.

[@manjularevanasiddappamanju2446]

😍😱

[@miahjuracek8416]

Did you add more turbine sound or is that how it sounds?

[@Thercgeek]

That is actually how the model sounds. It’s pretty cool.

[@aerospacematt9147]

Well, after crashing mine on the maiden yesterday, I can officially answer the “is it blue on yellow or vice versa” question. It’s blue on yellow. What happened? It had an inherent tendency to roll right, and max left roll just kept it level, even with full trim. Boy, it was a handful for 30 seconds before it finally departed controlled flight and dropped its nose. Smashed right into a tree. Airframe is Totally destroyed. I wish I could’ve experienced it flying awesome like yours, looked like it was a stable flyer. Also it was my dream plane, ever since I saw it was released. Oh well. Maybe I can get an ARF F-16 Falcon to put my electronics in, but boy I wanted a blue angel.

[@Thercgeek]

Oh man, I’m sorry to hear that! Have you tried contacting horizon hobby support?

[@aerospacematt9147]

@@Thercgeek Yes, I have contacted them, just waiting to hear back.

[@Thercgeek]

Well, it could have been a gyro issue, but it could also be rigging too. I assume the tails were set symmetrically left to right?

[@aerospacematt9147]

@@Thercgeek The all moving Stabilators? Yes, I had them level. I went so far as to balance a ruler on them and set a level on top to see if they were straight. They were. Just a shame, it was a beautiful jet.

[@COMNAVAIRPAC1998]

Love this jet and your mods. I fly exclusively without the ASX3/Safe stuff, I prefer it that way. Is there anything special about this jet that prevents it from being flown totally old school Spektrum? thanks in advance.

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, should do great without the gyro. Most airplanes don’t need gyros typically.

[@corradovanaken3553]

Does it come with the afterburner lights or are those sold separately?

[@Thercgeek]

The afterburner lights are a product that I sell. They’re at thercgeek.com/centerburner

[@EDF_FANatic]

Chris this is a gorgeous plane. Others have had issues with the elevator servo, seems to be a common weak point amongst a number of flyers. Did you have any issues at all and if so did you need to make some amendments to the servo to fix them?

[@Thercgeek]

I’ve had two of these hornets and have not had any issues at all with the elevator attachment on either one. It’s important to ensure that attachment is tight with no slop but also it’s an airplane you want to fly as though you’re sitting in it.

[@daleyoung87]

Great job Chris!! Am I seeing 25mm of deflection up on the elevator instead of 22?

[@Thercgeek]

Could be the camera angle. EPA is set to 100%.

[@carlo8336]

Bel video. Puoi dirmi se' il carrello è tutto in metallo, o le parti bianche sono in plastica? Grazie

[@Thercgeek]

The nose strut has some plastic detail parts, but otherwise the rest of the landing gear are metal and look awesome!

[@mikessi]

Beautifully flown as always. How much cushion is in the mains?

[@Thercgeek]

The mains work pretty well and the landing gear are pretty robust. In terms of cushioning, they provide some, but the fear are designed to bottom out when compressed as that’s what’s needed for ground handling.

[@mikessi]

@@Thercgeek Thank you.

[@frank-vq4mx]

Is the center of gravity measured with the landing gear up or down ?

[@Thercgeek]

Definitely Gear down.

[@FlightLogProductions]

Does it come with the afterburner (lights), or did you add those?

[@Thercgeek]

That is a product that I sell that I added to the model. Thercgeek.com/centerburner

[@timothygiggey1610]

Hey great videos! I wanted to let you know about a little secret I came across about batteries. The Spektrum Smart batteries 5000, 30C 6S weights 690g for $129.99 + t&s I was flying the Apprentice STS which uses the 3200, 30c 3c weights 249g $51.99 +t&s I discovered serial connecting the (3200 30c 3s)*2=498g which is 192g less that the 5000 pack plus it bump mAh up to 6400mAh. I discovered serial connecting when I got the Freewing F-22 8s High Performance. FYI, Tim Giggey I like the Spektrum Smart System because if you have the Smart ESC + smart battery + smart RXs now offered in 8 & 10 channels is great info after landing It can even give you the G forces...

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, that’s really handy, especially when you start getting up there in cell count. I do the same thing with my 8s and 12s setups. Do be aware though that a series connection only increases the voltage, it does not increase the capacity. A parallel connection increases the capacity. So, to get 6s 6400, you would actually need 4 total 3s 3200 mah packs. 2 sets of 2 batteries connected in series and then those 2 then connected in parallel.

[@JohnVHRC]

What's different from that last color scheme of this?

[@Thercgeek]

Only difference is the color scheme. Same electronics, etc.

[@shermanbellmyer5066]

Question…. Why did you choose to use a 75mm CG instead of the book recommended 85 +- 5mm ? I’m trying to decide between a 90mm CG point or your recommended 75mm CG.

[@Thercgeek]

I’d recommend starting at 80-85mm. They actually moved the recommended cg location back between the gray and the blue angels that I didn’t realize and I had been flying the gray version at the 75mm mark. Since then though, I’ve moved the battery back more moving the Cg further aft.

[@mapetas_0213]

This aircraft just came in today, but I haven’t flown it yet due to windy days in the forecast. I’m wondering, do you know off the top of your head, what % you used for elevator to flap mixing? I have mine set according to the manual right now but since you’ve already flown it, I’m wondering if you have it set that way too, or recommend something a bit different

[@Thercgeek]

I don't recall the % mix (and am not able to check my Tx right now), but I'd recommend doing a quick check with a ruler. I'm really happy with the mix 1mm and 3mm up elevator mix I have set.

[@Thercgeek]

I don't recall the % mix (and am not able to check my Tx right now), but I'd recommend doing a quick check with a ruler. I'm really happy with the mix 1mm and 3mm up elevator mix I have set.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Hey man... yea, Madien yesterday. She flies a bit heavier than the Eflite F16 but...that's on me. Just need more time with her. The nose gear. Was way out of alignment outta the box. Bit different to adjust than the F16 with that rear strut. Doesn't want to twist when using the steering rod adjustment by the servo. Did you have any issues with that? If so, do you use a different method? I was thinking about using the radio to trim it and then adjust control rods on rudders but...doesn't seem like the best way to go...LOL. I did move my control rods on ailerons. Seems like roll was super sluggish with full flaps and gear down in the pattern. Really had to stretch base and final turns switch made final alignment a little sketchy. 😋 The gear is crazy cool guys. Very forgiving and sounds like even beefier servos than say the F16. Not worried about bending the nose gear strut/pin...like everyone does causing them to alwas be on back order. I just started straightening it myself. Another great bird that looks so real in the air!

[@Thercgeek]

If it’s just a little, You can adjust the steering in the sub trim and realign the rudders. If it’s a lot, then there’s a set screw that can be loosened that will allow you to mechanically adjust the nose wheel center.

[@cnnlt200]

Hi. Do you have a link of the speckel you used for the foam?

[@Thercgeek]

I used the shrink free spackle from sherwinn williams. www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/products/shrink-free-spackling

[@pedromonteiro2941]

Have you tried the F18 Blue Angels from Freewing ? How do they compare ? Cheers !

[@Thercgeek]

Unfortunately, I’ve not flown the freewing f18, so can’t give a comparison.

[@albshore8]

I like it I havent flew in 7 yrs .getting me inspired to get back in the air.. Did you use a sound module in the plane or is that just sound effects for the engine.?

[@Thercgeek]

That is how the airplane sounds naturally based on the fan installation, etc. It sounds fantastic!

[@albshore8]

@@Thercgeek I guest it's like the mustang's whistle if it is made right. Thanks..

[@petegeralis7076]

What is expo with the rudder/ ailerons movement

[@Thercgeek]

It’s provided in the video. Or are you asking about the expo function and what it does? I also have everything written out here: thercgeek.com/2020/09/e-flite-f-18-blue-angels-80mm-edf-assembly-flight-review/

[@erinphillips7164]

If you had a choice between the eflite a10 and f18 what would you choose.

[@Thercgeek]

Honestly, they provide very different flying experiences. The f18 gives a much more scale flight experience while the a10 flies almost like a pattern airplane plus gets much longer flight times.

[@EDF_FANatic]

It slows down real nice. Seems like it can slow down as much as the 70mm f16 on approach. Is that how it feels Chris ?

[@Thercgeek]

Maybe not that slow, but it does slow down really well. The model will start to drift in yaw when it’s too slow, so that’s your indicator to speed up or bad things happen. 😉

[@KB_RC]

Hey Chris, I just maidened mine yesterday and I have a SMART 5000 mAh 6S 50C and I couldn’t get it to balance. What is the CG for that battery? Luckily, another guy gave me his Lectron Pro 4000 mAh 6S and it worked GREAT! Thanks for any help.

[@Thercgeek]

Well, cg is cg and so the battery should be placed as required to attain that. So, where was the cg placement with the 4000 pack? I used 6250 packs in mine and the cg was at about the 80mm mark from the root Le aft which I was happy with. There was room to push the pack further back too, so I would expect a 5000 should work without any issues.

[@KB_RC]

@@Thercgeek I don’t have any way to measure the CG. We put the 4000 pack about 1 centimeter after the back Velcro strap. 1cm after the Velcro strap closest to the back of the canopy. You know what I mean? Just still not sure where and how I would get the CG for my 5000.

[@Thercgeek]

Well, to check cg, all you have to do is take a quick measurement at the wing root (what’s shown in the instructions), make a small mark there and then simply pick the airplane up with your fingertips. Nothing fancy is required and that’s all I do. So, if you were happy with the 4000 placement, then put it in the airplane, determine where the model balances with your fingertips and then put the 5000 in and place it to where it balances in the same place. It’ll need to go further aft obviously since it’s heavier. I can’t stress enough the importance of proper cg location, so I’d recommend doing a quick measurement and a quick check with your fingertips on new models. As they say, a nose heavy airplane flies poorly, a tail heavy airplane flies once.

[@KB_RC]

@@Thercgeek Yep. Ok I will do that now, I’ll comment when I’m done!

[@KB_RC]

Well I got the CG to about where it was but I don’t think I like how heavy the SMART 5000 is. What do you think? Too heavy? I may just get a 4000. The one I used yesterday for the maiden.

[@jjlanda1171]

Hi Chris, what color scheme do you like more this one or the grey one.

[@Thercgeek]

I actually prefer the blue angels scheme personally. 😁

[@jjlanda1171]

@@Thercgeek thanks, yes looks pretty cool

[@funfreq9282]

Nice vid man! What field are you at? It looks like your in SD somewhere close to Mira Mar.

[@Thercgeek]

Yes, this was at the Miramar rc field.

[@funfreq9282]

@@Thercgeek Nice! I'll have to visit one day my mom lives over in PQ!

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Hey Chris...the Grex Airbrush...which model is that? The titanium or genesis or...???? I'm doing some looking on Amazon. They aren't cheap so...gonna take your word on it?😋 Got a couple summer projects to do like getting missiles off the F18. Been wanting to learn to do some custom paint work. You're videos are super helpful. Really dog the weathering! The A10 Just doesn't look right clean...lol.

[@Thercgeek]

This is the setup that I have and I love it! If you decide to order and you use this link, it’ll help out the channel a little bit. amzn.to/3AM6dGx

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@@Thercgeek Nice! I'm all about helping the channel. I have a 1hp compressor and was thinking of using it but...after getting fittings and figuring out a pressure regulator...be easier just getting their kit. Imagine it would work best by this design. Thanks man!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man, I appreciate it!

[@reckemroysrc3764]

White with black stripes. 🤭👍✌

[@kimnguyen1970]

Does the center burner affect the thrust or speed?

[@Thercgeek]

Nope, there’s no impact to performance at all. I also just released a new multiburner for this n system that looks incredible in this model. Much more convincing than what’s shown in this vid.

[@burlingtonfilms]

Which is easier to fly the Eflite F18 80mm or the F16 80mm?

[@Thercgeek]

They both fly really well, but the F-16 is more forgiving at slow speed than the f18.

[@matthewchapman3507]

Can this jet handle grass that is 1'' or less? I have a long RC grass strip at my place.

[@Thercgeek]

I think it should do fine with short grass.

[@airbus737guitarcovers3]

Will you review the twin otter

[@Thercgeek]

I don’t have the twin otter at the moment and not sure if I’ll get one.

[@joelanteri414]

what charger do you suggest for the roaring tops battery?

[@Thercgeek]

Most any lipo charger should work. I’m partial to the icharger or powerlab chargers personally.

[@joelanteri414]

@@Thercgeek thank you! And sorry one more question. I just received my blue angel EDF and I am digging your multi-burner for this plane a lot. However I am just wondering to make it possible for me to acquire one exactly what should I buy on your website to make it happen. Thank you!

[@Thercgeek]

My 32mm inrunner multiburner is the correct option for this jet.

[@joelanteri414]

@@Thercgeek thank you very much!

[@BinderDundat]

Hey everyone, Hard to find one right now but managed to get my hands on an ARF, anyone got any recommendations on motor and speed control upgrades or just go with the Eflight equipment?

[@Thercgeek]

The eflite setup does fly this really well. Though, if you really want to go for it, you might consider an 80mm jetfan setup. 😎

[@BinderDundat]

@@Thercgeek Thank you.

[@pilotbrettandpilotanthony326]

Have you had any issues with your elevator at all?

[@Thercgeek]

Nope, no issues at all with the elevator setup.

[@matthewmorrissey2568]

Do you know how to turn on landing light? Mine doesn’t turn on

[@Thercgeek]

I don’t recall the eflite having a landing light, you must be thinking of the freewing? If you have the freewing and the LED is not turning on, it’s likely a connection issue. I recommend double checking the connection where it’s powered. I believe the freewing f18 has a preinstalled electronics board that everything plugs into. If the light isn’t plugged into the right spot or the polarity is wrong, it won’t turn on.

[@jamesl8722]

Looking for advice, I got this model and it flies very tail heavy. My last flight CG was 65, way forward from book and your recommendation, and it was still flying tail heavy. It's very sluggish as well. Any tips on what to look for. Horizon has been less than helpful. I'm using Spektrum 5000 30/50C. CG at 65 is about 1' from foam, can't go anymore after that.

[@Thercgeek]

To help troubleshoot, I have a couple questions. What are you seeing that indicates that the model is tail heavy? What is it doing? Also, what do you mean by sluggish? Is that related to the performance or to the controls? The model does need decent speed for cruising around, so do keep that in mind. If it’s too slow, the tail will drop and it will be prone to stalling in the turns.

[@jamesl8722]

@@Thercgeek It flies somewhat high alpha, but very hard to control, I had to flip to safe because it was all I could do to keep it upright. Retracting the gear made it worse. Sluggish, I have to fly above 3/4 throttle. It flies terrible so I have only flown 5 times. I tried 3 times yesterday, each time moving the battery forward. At 65mm CG it's better, but still awful. Flight time is about 2:30, battery is warmer than any of my other planes. I have the freewing Mig and I feel like I can fly with the best of them, but this plane is just terrible. I'm at a loss.

[@Thercgeek]

Hmmm, I wonder if there’s an issue with the gyro. Do you have a different receiver you can try? Or, consider turning the gyro off and trying that.

[@jamesl8722]

@@Thercgeek Tried that, the gyro would explain the control side, but not the sluggishness. Like I said, I have to keep a lot of throttle just to stay up. I'll keep bugging HH about it until they do something.

[@Thercgeek]

Definitely keep on HH support. Have you tried replacing the receiver all together? Something seems out of rig. Mine cruised nicely with about 60% throttle.

[@airbus737guitarcovers3]

You should come to the woodley park airfield sometime it’s a great flying field also is this a good second jet?

[@Thercgeek]

Where is woodley park airfield located? In terms of the f18, if you are a proficient flyer with other edfs, then you should do ok with the f18. It is a great flyer, but you do want to have some decent proficiency with high performance jets before jumping in. Which jet are you currently flying?

[@airbus737guitarcovers3]

@@Thercgeek it’s in Sherman oaks CA also I’m flying the viper, I’m comfortable for fast low passes and aerobatics

[@Thercgeek]

I think you’d probably do fine with the f18 then.

[@blakemcreynolds1456]

@@Thercgeek I fly the f16 70mm. Would the f18 be good. Sorry kinda late

[@philbrennan59]

Where did you get your incidence meter?

[@Thercgeek]

It’s can an accuthrow meter. Unfortunately it’s not made anymore. 😕

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

What scale is this jet, I just got one a really low price

[@Thercgeek]

Based on the wingspan, it’s roughly 1/12 it appears.

[@jamessala10]

What is the big differences bt this plane vs the 90mm version from freewing? Besides size lol

[@Thercgeek]

Actually, the size of the FW and the eflite are very close. The big difference is the landing gear, the eflite gear are sick! In terms of flight, I’ve not flown the Fw, but my friend has and he prefers how the eflite flies, especially during landing as he says it lands slower.

[@jamessala10]

I bought the FW but really trust eflite and was wondering your take. Love your vids! Thanks

[@blakemcreynolds1456]

Would you recommend this jet for second jet after f16 70mm

[@Thercgeek]

I think it is a decent choice keeping in mind the suggestions in the vid. It’s a really nice flying jet, but there are some things to be aware of for best success with it.

[@blakemcreynolds1456]

@@Thercgeek ok. Thank you so much I love the jet I currently have and a F18 has been a want since I started flying. Question: what is your favorite Eflite plane you own. I’ve been looking into the su30. Is it good for second jet

[@blakemcreynolds1456]

@@Thercgeek I also have a small channel that has some shorts of the planes I have. Rc aviation

[@chippy3350]

Is the realistic sound coming from the aircraft ?

[@Thercgeek]

Yup! I‘ve not done anything to alter the sound of the vid at all. That’s as it was recorded.

[@chippy3350]

Hi again, sounds like rc jet engine in flight, I would have expected the typical electric motor scream, will you explain ?

[@Thercgeek]

The sound is dictated by the fan design and the installation in the airplane. The installation in this airplane is a little dirty and so that creates additional noise. Also, the fan has a fairly high number of blades which lowers the sound frequency coming from it which adds to the noise created from the installation.

[@chippy3350]

The RC Geek thanks for the extra info 👍

[@reallifeacecombat6131]

Center burner looks weird for a jet with 2 exhaust nozzles

[@Thercgeek]

At certain angles, it the single light does look a little off. I will be testing a multiburner in it which is already installed. My concern is a performance loss due to the size, so we’ll see this weekend! 😊

[@gavstreet8976]

They should’ve made the blue angel a c model single seat of a hornet instead of the original d model two seater

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, but with the two seat, I can pretend I’m on that media ride I’ll never get! 🤣

[@gavstreet8976]

The RC Geek lol you know what, they should include two different canopys so one canopy will be the two seater and the other one will be a single seater canopy so they can choose a number that’s accurate for the airplane

[@joshl1984]

seems like its lacking power! Not much vertical climb

[@Thercgeek]

Actually, the airplane performance is pretty darn good. It’s quite representative of the real one.

[@alwaysflying6540]

It does lack power upgrade the motor to 2100 kv

[@michaellarson5191]

So they go through all the trouble getting the decals, but can’t make numbers the correct scale? 🤦🏻‍♂️ Need to be a bit bigger. That drives me crazy

[@Thercgeek]

Haha, I’m totally with you there. The nice thing that it doesn’t come on the model, so with Callie graphics, she can get you the right sized number.

[@michaellarson5191]

@@Thercgeek I keep going back and forth between Eflite and Freewing BA. I love the gear assembly on Eflite, but don’t like the wheels exposed slightly and no doors on the mains, where Freewing, I like the doors and wheels hidden, but don’t like the gear assembly. I like the scale look of the wingtip rocket rails on Freewing, but not on Eflite. And I like that Eflite has the two-seater #7. Both nice looking airplanes, but, details. Haha

[@frank-vq4mx]

Disappointed. Instead of a new offering E-Flite just changed the color scheme. Too bad.

[@ponyboy5.0coyotewild63]

Why the junk plastic gear. Grass will tear them up as usual !!!!!!

[@Thercgeek]

Given the tire sizes and such on this one, I’m not sure how suited it really is for grass unless it’s nice manicured stuff. The gear have been quite robust on both of the eflite bugs I’ve had. Handles hard landings like a champ.