E-Flite Habu SS (Super Sport) 50mm EDF Jet BNF Basic with SAFE Select and AS3X - Model AV8R Review

[@WarbirdPiLOT]

Impressed by the power in that little thing, great little grab n fly to throw in the car for a quick flight.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

My thoughts as well...it surprised me!

[@gmorphan]

It's nice to know the Baby Habu is a good 3S option. I just picked up the Habu SS 70mm as my 1st EDF and absolutely love it. The Habu platform is just rock solid.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

They really are...

[@IansRCExploits]

Great review Adam, very nice and capable small EDF Jet!! Goes very well on the 3s recommended lipo's!! As always, great filming and editing from Heidi, top job both 😀👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Ian! You'd love this little thing.

[@winder6]

Great review thanks for sharing 👍. Really like your guys style of flight vids and reviews.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Much appreciated!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

A good and fun review, chap! Heidi certainly had a workout tracking that beastie and keeping it in frame, for sure! I really do like the look of this model and when my little edf trainer journey is done, this would make a fab next step.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Gina! Heidi rocked that camera with this one! You'd love it Gina...so easy and so capable at the same time!

[@jakeclauson9863]

Haha the backwards launch that was great 🤣 great job keeping up with that little thing camera girl!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol...though you might like that Jake! Yeah man...Heidi did great!

[@jakeclauson9863]

@ModelAV8RChannel when I was just getting into flying and would watch Brian Phillips (before he became a sell out) he would say his wife is "best in the business" at tracking planes but I think Heidi is coming for that title. Didn't lose track of that thing even when you were throwing the sticks around. Great work you two! And piper for putting it all together 😁

[@danflom1271]

Great review Adam. I think a lot of other channels are overlooking this little EDF. I have only used 1300mah battery's so far. This plane packs so much into a 3:30 flight that I'm ready to land.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Dan! It is a hoot!

[@JustwingitRC]

Simply fantastic video Adam! You have a great way of showing these models to their fullest potential, and I'll tell you, Heidi is on it, doggone it! She didn't loose that thing at all (besides the crazy backwards lauch!), and you were hucking it around like nobody's business! Toss it and boss it my friend!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks brother John! Yes sir Heidi is amazing! This little jet surprised me. It is awesome!

[@Thejasond1979]

I have the 50mm Habu flys exactly as described

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great little plane.

[@JeffsCustomRC]

Great flying and video as always Adam!!! Flyin it like ya stole it 👊🏼👊🏼

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@jonoedwards4195]

Great review Champ.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jono!

[@ironmover5800]

Good job , it is a fun little jet

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! It is!

[@andretaskmaster4101]

When I get this plane I will use your link, excellent review, very informative

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! Glad it is helpful.

[@jcb6713]

great review and thoughts...I might have missed it; did you do any hand launches in SAFE ?.. have a good one...

[@jonoedwards4195]

Ahoy jcb, Hope you are kicking this Shithole life to Hell,,, Aahhahha!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Lol...yep. All of the launches were in SAFE.

[@llv058]

skyler got his EDF solo wings today.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

That's awesome Jim! Tell him I'm proud of him!

[@Tallguysrc]

Love mine, the reverse thrust is kinda pointless. Makes a weird noise, but it doesn't really slow it down.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yeah we didn't even try it on a jet this small. Great little jet though!

[@leerenslear1064]

Again, a great review !

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much!

[@SunriseRCAviator]

Good timing and great video Adam. Too bad HH price reductions don't go for Europe. And I have to say I really like the calm way you talk! I looks fun so might try one.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! You'd love this lil bugger.

[@epoweredrc]

Very nice, I didn't get to do much with the one at our field i maiden. But it seems to do everything the larger one will do. I still enjoy flying my 70mm one..

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! Yeah man the Habu's are great jets.

[@A.M.-RC]

Great review, probably one of the best I saw. Can't wait to get one if these. I do have the 64mm F-15 and the lack of rudders has caused some issues lining up on landings. I prefer smaller planes so this will be perfect.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you! It is a great little jet!

[@johnberrios4255]

I'm sorry I keep adding to this just a little FYI. If you have gear off and this is from experience. Bring with you some canned air (keyboard cleaner) you will get grass and a little debris inside the inlets so of course you can blow out the inside. I take the the canopy off and just blow air through the fan to clean it out. Again I just can't get the hang of hand launching so I have club members assist me.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great suggestion! You can hand launch it man, practice your form for a few minutes and give it a toss in SAFE. Just try not to psych yourself out. If you've convinced yourself you can't, you won't.

[@FlankerTanker]

I do like the large front wheel - it makes it so much better for Grass Ops....199.99 not 99.99 or 9999.. but 199.99 - Love it, ..... "I would buy it for a Doller".. that's a quote from movie but just don't recall which movie... regarding the 12 blade EDF unit - a lot of my 50mm EDF aircraft have 12 blade fan units or 11 blade fan units - (1 blade does note much of a difference make) lol - Xfly, Eachine (12 Blade) or Arrows Hobby 50mm (11 blade)..on checking the motors for these they range from between 4500kv to 4600kv - just about 300kv lower than the Habu motor...which is 4900kv... would I buy it for a dollar - no.... but only because I am not keen on the design/shape of it - well its got to have that certain look for me the Habu just falls short - I am very shallow like that ...... very Interesting video... very informative and enjoyable - cheers Adam...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Martyn! yeah we compared it to two Arrows planes and one from HK. It is a good bit faster than the Arrows on 3s, and as fast as them all if the others are using 4s. That impressed me! Apparently...one blade and 400kv makes quite a difference...lol.

[@henryolson7061]

word of advice for new flyers: this plane might not handle windy conditions too well, i don’t know if it’s just mine but it gets really sketchy in higher winds

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Henry it might be the "new flyer" part causing that problem. It is a great first EDF, but it won't make you a better windy day pilot. Mine flies fine in the wind, but that isn't because of the plane.

[@henryolson7061]

@@ModelAV8RChannel yeah that’s true

[@johnberrios4255]

Oh also forgot to mention the habu 50mm will glide forever. I land it no throttle and just glide it in. A very forgiving EDF plane.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is! We love it!

[@jonmeyers523]

How easy is this plane to hand launch. I can only afford the bnf version and am on the fence between the habu and arrows 50 mm Avanti.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

12:34 in the video. It's worth watching the whole review, lots of details that will help you make a more informed purchase decision.

[@jonmeyers523]

Enjoyed the video but I am guessing you launched in safe mode ? Keep up the great reviews 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

We did, you said you're getting the BNF...it will have SAFE. If you meant the PNP, then it is still fine, just go with the overhand throw at full throttle and it will fly right out of your hand. Make sure you fly it with the wheels first to get it trimmed though before you try a hand launch.

[@djr01974]

I’ve been flying a while mostly warbirds, 1.2-1.5m planes and never flown a EDF. I was looking at this or the Viper not sure which direction to go any suggestions

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

The Habu is easier to fly, and a near perfect first EDF for most. That said, depending on how you do with the warbirds the Viper could be a great first EDF. If you're confident and consistent with the warbirds the Viper is in your wheelhouse. I would use the lighter 3200 packs at first though.

[@djr01974]

@@ModelAV8RChannel thanks for the feed back. I fly every weekend and fly 1.2 Cripes a mighty and the Corsair. Also have the 1.2 t28 and a 1.5m p38. I feel like the viper should be a pretty good flier for my skill. I like the idea of flap and retracts. I just wasn’t sure if the viper would be a handful. Thanks for your help.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad to help! It shouldn't be an issue for you. It's responsive, but pretty smooth.

[@stevejohnston8543]

Any reason it uses different channels (switches for dual rates)? Do some people fly with mixed rates?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Steve you can assign rates to any switch. You can put them all on one or give each axis its own switch. It's up to the pilot and how they program their TX.

[@stevejohnston8543]

@@ModelAV8RChannelThank you for the quick response. I really appreciate it. It hasn’t yet had its maiden flight. Looking forward to it. Having said that, is there any reason why the manual instructs us to use different switches for different channels? Would that not make it fly kind of erratic? So if I assign them to F no problem? Just trying to figure out why and what advantage there would be as I’ve never seen that before. The only reason I can see is that perhaps some people like to fly with a mix of low and high rates.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Steve people do it different ways for different reasons. I don't typically use rates, I dial the plane in where I want it with throw and expo and leave it alone. It never made sense to me to fly the plane one way for the whole flight, and then flip a switch and change the way it flies for landing. That said a lot of folks use them. Some use different switches so they have different expo settings for each position on each control surface. In other words they settle on a throw amount and that is the same for all three positions, but the expo setting is different for all three. It helps them get that dialed in faster as one of those three will either be "it", or close to it. Then sometimes they use different switches so they can focus and adjust one surface at a time. Your guess is correct, what you settle on may be high for elevator, mid for rudder, and low for ailerons (or any other combination). I'm with you though...ultimately once you know the numbers you like for each surface, reprogramming them on one switch makes sense. Using multiple switches at first simply may help you figure out what those numbers are faster. There are a ton of combinations/ways to do it. Always remember the manual is just a suggested starting point. You adjust the set up to suit you. For me, sometimes the manual set up is fine, and sometimes I deviate from it. Often actually...lol.

[@stevejohnston8543]

@@ModelAV8RChannel OK wish me luck. I’m taking her up tomorrow. I think if I can fly helicopters, I should be able to fly it without crashing it I hope 🤞😉. I flown pretty nimble prop planes Timber, Ultrix for example though I’m sure a jet isn’t the same animal but I can fly the heck out of that one. I’m just curious to see how fast it’s going to be although from the videos I’ve seen it looks like it can be flown rather slow too. I would hate a fly away. What a terrible helpless feeling . Unfortunately, I’ve had a couple of those. Actually man you name it I’ve had it happen and I’m sure with your wealth of experience, you must’ve seen and experienced more than you can remember. Thanks for the great advice 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You are welcome and good luck!

[@deanfernihough942]

Sounds like a hoover...not impressed really...bad fan sound...shame...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Which model Hoover exactly? Some of them sound damn good.

[@snoriverrc3842]

Its almost a shame they put the Habu name on it, because it flies far better than its big brothers. I fly it off grass, with the gear on no problem, and its really fun to land and doesnt have any of the difficulties the 70 SS does slowing down. Reverse thrust is more of a brake than an overpowering reverse, and can even be used in flight. Best of all it being 3S makes it extremely cheap to fly.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Its a great little jet for sure. I have the Habu 32X...great flyer as well. It flies like a composite EDF, but it flies great. We'll be reviewing the 70mm ss as well at some point.

[@MyRCJourney]

Hey Adam, Great review as usual! It is good to know there is a great-performing EDF running on 3s! I'm surprised by this. I want to congratulate you on the great success you're having on your channel. Myself and a few buddies at our airfield look forward to your videos every Monday. i personally always get something out of every video you do. Your videos on improving flying skills have really helped. Thanks for all you do for the hobby, Dude! 🙂👍

[@MyRCJourney]

I also wanted to add that I bought the Durafly Spitfire and the Arrows Husky Ultimate base solely on your reviews and these have become huge favorites! Again, thanks!! 😀

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Matt thank you so much for the kind words and support! We appreciate you and all of your friends. So glad our content is helpful!

[@SteffenRC]

Adam, Really enjoyed watching you throw this little bird around. Seems like a very capable EDF... Will even do TnGs without a gear.. so funny. I'm really impressed with Heidi, she really had her work cut out for her. Trying to follow that mini edf was a tough job.. Loved the video, great job my friend. (Horizon made a VERY wise decision when they asked you to team with them...)

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Will! Thanks so much man for the kind words. Heidi is awesome!

[@kevinjulievan]

Thanks for posting this video . Very informative !

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks, glad it helped!

[@jayaustin3096]

This might sound stupid. But I've never seen anyone put floats on a edf jet, I've seen you put landing gear on top of the umx pitts????. Can it be done. We will see. Thanks for another awesome review.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jay! Lol...yeah it can be done. Look up Cleetus Mcfarland on YT. He put floats on a B-2!!

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Nice review Adam, this is a Mad Zoomer of a Jet, good times, Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff! It is!

[@jimmeyer3374]

Hey Adam I bought the Arrows F86 64mm and having a hard time landing it. Would the Habu be easier to learn on.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Jim! I might be. I haven't flown the F-86 so I can't say for sure. The Habu may have the edge based on the AS3X and SAFE potential. Again though that is an educated guess. I'd bet you'd have fun with both. Can't have to many cool airplanes! (don't tell Heidi I said that) Lol.

[@Bellairvideo]

You are such a great pilot mate! i had the larger Habu but not to my liking after flying the Vipers & Avanti. You certainly put her thru it’s Paces. Wonderful flights Adam.🦘🇦🇺🥇

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Noel! Great little bird!

[@tughillrc6327]

Very well done good video 👊👊👍👍✔

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you bro!

[@trevorfurlotte]

Best review of this plane to date. I'm intrigued. If I go EDF this year, this is where I'll start.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Trevor! It would be a perfect first EDF.

[@dutchloveRC]

GR8 review as always guys!! have a Blessed week!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Joel! You too!

[@SlowFlyer85]

good review been wanting to try a jet looks like a great start I just placed my order thru your link thanks😀

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Outstanding man! You will enjoy this one. Thanks so much for using our link, we appreciate you!

[@airhammer6203]

Any question? What 4s 50mil is in the other room? Great video Adam, you did a great job putting it through the ringer. It's great that this little Habu has a rudder, it totally changes the flight experience. I think I'm going to add rudder control to my 50mm A-10. $20 bucks off is ok I guess, but I seem to recall prices getting jacked up $50 or more because of shipping problems. Am I mistaken or haven't most of those issues been resolved?? Long memory, just my two cents. Good stuff AV8R n Heidi.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! The Habu is awesome! The other one is the HK F-18. Compare the vids on them...it's really close! Shipping is getting better, and they are passing that on to the customers, but it still isn't back where it was pre- pandemic. There are still labor issues and fuel costs are ridiculous.

[@sirlaps]

im having a hard time with the nose heavy on a 2200 g2. did you do any other adjustment ?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Nah, just put it all the way back in the battery tray. It may not be on the official CG in the manual when you measure it, but it flies great.

[@sirlaps]

@@ModelAV8RChannel awesome, now. For some reason when measuring the elevator and rudder, is not giving me 9mm and 19mm . It gives me half that. So how do I get those values? Cause, not even getting the ones on the manual. Im new, sorrry :)

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@sirlaps Hey buddy no sweat. You have to mechanically adjust them. Put the clevis in the innermost hole (closest to the surface) on the elevators and rudder. This will get you more throw. If you are new to EDF's or rather responsive airplanes you don't need as much throw as I was flying with.

[@sirlaps]

@@ModelAV8RChannel thing is, that the airplane is flying well on ailerons and rudder, but the pitch is not responding as it should. I’ve trimmed nose up all the way, and still getting a nose down at 50-60% throttle. Dont know. First edf, is easy to fly but no so much as Im having to compesate way too much for that nose down.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Make sure you mechanically adjust the elevators to neutral. Take all the trim out, and center them by adjusting the clevis. Sometimes the trim you need is compensating for the fact that they were not centered to start with. You shouldn't be anywhere near running out of trim even with the 2200's.

[@Retset]

I can't believe how easy that looked to hand toss. So different from my annoying Stinger 64 (I gave up after a couple of close shaves and put the optional gear on - which I hate but does the job). As usual, E-Flite have made another excellent plane! Wondering whether to pick up a SAFE rx to put in the Stinger ...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Dude it is so easy. I'd say if anyone needs a confidence builder with hand launches...this thing is the ticket. If you have a Spektrum TX with forward programming capability, then for sure you could make the Stinger better. That said if I remember right there isn't much room in a Stinger for the RX with the 2200 4s? The RX would have to be oriented in a certain way.

[@Retset]

@@ModelAV8RChannel you have a better memory than me … yes, there is cock all room in the Stinger. I have an Orange RX618 squeezed in there … no room for AS3X unless I do major surgery! I’m not sure what forward programming is TBH. I changed out my beloved DX9 a few years ago for a Radiomaster TX16S which I use for a variety of Crossfire, Frsky and Spektrum receivers. As it happens I don’t own an AS3X/SAFE RX at the moment

[@odwatchguy]

Thanks Adam, I really enjoyed the review of this plane. I haven't had am edf on my radar for the size of field that I fly on and size and expense that goes with most of them. I may have to consider this as a real possibility. Heidi is so great on the camera, makes all the footage great.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Tony! Yes sir Heidi works magic with that camera! The Habu is great for a small field, flies slow as well as it does fast.

[@rogerwells6229]

You sold me on my second plane. Great footage and flying.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Enjoy it, great little jet

[@gazzabyerun8152]

Nice review Adam, nice little ripper! Semper Fi

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@JLNYardBird]

I just don't like the looks of this plane.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Drink more, it'll get prettier... It flies really good sober though...

[@SlowFlyer85]

Hi Adam do you have a email address had some question on the habu 50 mm thanks

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

We do, it won't let me put a link here though?? Anyway it can be found in the "about" section on our channel homepage.

[@DadsRCHangar]

Great review Adam, love the Bonus footage flying. This colour scheme seems to be the in thing lately. So like it. 🫡

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! Fun little jet!