Assembly & Flight Review -- E-Flite F-16 Thunderbirds 70mm EDF (Horizon Hobby)

[@techi3075]

Just built mine, thanks for such a great video (as usual). No bs, just perfect info and footage. Love and need to get that led afterburner light. It really sets it off!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! If you do decide to order a burner, my 28mm inrunner design is what fits this model. Thercgeek.com/centerburner

[@MerryBoozerRC]

Awesome video brother! Love my E-Flite F-16. Also love my Freewing 70mm F-16. What a wonderful time to be a modeler so many choices of great flying models. I agree that the F-16 would make a great first Jet as long as they have some experience. This one really blew me away with the performance. Keep up the great work!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks dude! Yup, so many choices these days, it's awesome! These newer airplanes also are powered so much more appropriately too vs a few years ago. I just wish there were more builders kit options. ;) Call me old fashioned I guess. :p

[@moises8795]

Everyone says “high alpha” for reviews expecting to know what this means

[@Thercgeek]

The Greek letter alpha is the symbol used for aircraft angle of attack (angle of aircraft relative to the oncoming airflow). So, “high alpha” means high angle of attack which is when the aircraft is fly slow and nose high.

[@MrDjh66]

I just ordered one and afterburner light can’t wait

[@Thercgeek]

Awesome, thank you! 😊

[@jeffjackson6358]

Nice job Chris! I love mine as well. I need to practice that high alpha.

[@Thercgeek]

Just hold that elevator and steer with rudder. :)

[@hobbiestgarage1209]

Would this be a good 1st jet? The closest thing I have to one of these is an E Flite F-27 EVO.

[@Thercgeek]

This is a good brute force kind of jet. I think that the ViperJet might be a little better as a first jet. It flies a little more traditionally so landings I think are a little easier (though the F-16 will land slower if you do it right). Here's my review of the ViperJet kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIjOp4hne7egbtk

[@thomasusowski2155]

I've been watching your videos for years, and I really do enjoy your videos 😀. I actually just ordered this jet thanks to your video! My favorite is still the corsair you built, painted, and flew on here!!! That grey scheme is soooooo awesome!!! I wish I had your painting skills 👍

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man! I appreciate you following along. 😊

[@HeliZero]

Sweet plane and i did not know it came with retracts. I have had the Freewing Me-262 and it was a blast and could go vertical with out problems.

[@Thercgeek]

Most of these models are standard with retracts these day which is great. I have a v2 me262 and it’s awesome! Flies so sweet. I have a review coming for that here soon.

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Nice work Chris! Looks like a keeper!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man! Yeah, for sure a keeper!

[@JeffsCustomRC]

Great video Chris, thanks for all the info on this jet, it really looks like a great one to get 👊🏼👊🏼

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! It's such a fun airplane!

[@andyaim4764]

I used to own a Byron F16 back in the day....

[@Thercgeek]

Nice! Those were the days.

[@HeliZero]

Ive seen Nightflyr and his video from back in the days flying for movie makers. Cool plane with a piston engine inside.

[@andyaim4764]

It was unusual that it had a nitro ducted fan....

[@Thercgeek]

Nitro was all there was for a long time. My dad was one of the pioneers in RC jets and so I grew up seeing and flying glow dfs. I miss those days.

[@andyaim4764]

Good times indeed!! That shrill revving of nitro and smell... Reminds me of...Victory 😂 I had a nitro F15 ducted fan too, that was one handful to fly!!

[@victorrcjets7660]

Great video, liked you low pass the best! On my freewing F-16 I always kept hitting the wooden fins on landing because the angle was just so high on Landing.

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, that sounds about right. :)

[@mikekennedy9174]

super nice plane. How much throttle would you guess you are using during High alpha? I haven't been brave enough yet to try it. flys great on a 3700

[@Thercgeek]

Throttle is probably around 1/4 or so. It doesn't take much and if you find the airplane starting to sink on you then add throttle. IT's really fun!

[@everydaylifewithstephanie34]

F-16 🛩🛩 ✈✈ 🛬🛬 🛫🛫 👍👍

[@CockpitFlight]

Make a Link with your led afterbourner

[@Thercgeek]

There's a link in the description. :)

[@LoveRC]

Thanks for all your info. I flew my F-16 on buddy box with my club's jet expert. It was a blast! She fly's on rails. Need to get that alpha landing down. She used the entire runway to stop. A couple more flights I'll be flying her myself.

[@Thercgeek]

Awesome man, so glad to hear of the success! 😊

[@gavstreet8976]

Yeah man that f16 is awesome his vid helped me out a lot also once you get the high alpha down you’ll be able to stop it in less than like 30 feet

[@gavstreet8976]

But If you have a good sized runway you don’t have to but it’ll slow down land in less than 30 feet

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You're seriously getting 5 min flying it hard on a 4000?? Dang...I can't get more than 3 min with my Freewing A-4 on a 5000mah. I'd love to have a EDF I can fly that long...

[@Thercgeek]

This is a pretty efficient setup actually as the max current draw isn't as high as some of the larger fans. Keep in mind that when I say flying it hard, that's full throttle passes mixed with slow speed and partial throttle passes too. That mixed flying really helps extend the flight time.

[@scotmash1]

I use 5000 on mine get 6min have %30 left. This jet is versatile for sure...

[@Thercgeek]

​@@scotmash1 Nice!

[@vintageracer3734]

Just completed my 50th flight with my the e-Flite Viper, and moved into this EDF, having now 14 flights with it, as of 9 May, 2020. This my favorite by far at the moment, using what the Viper taught me, and advancing like I had hoped to. I love this jet, getting 5 minute, 30 second flights with an HRB 4000 mah 60C 6S battery. The transition has been great fun, and learned how to set up flaperons as well. I already bought a second one. Thanks Chris, have your AB light in it also, and to be honest, I am getting tired of explaining how to buy one of your lights to EVERY Club member! KIDDING, people love it, as do I. Thanks for another great, honest review of a really fun, great looking model. Having fun trying to figure out the science of high alpha flight, which I am practicing 3 mistakes high at the moment!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you for your kind feedback! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the f16, it is such a fun jet. I still love flying mine.

[@vintageracer3734]

I just flew this F-16 on the 8S set up, as in the Horizon video, I had to pull the power off in vertical before I lost sight of it, although I could still see your AB Light! It is great! And I truly believe its easier to land than the Viper!

[@jeffarab4947]

You should try taking a landing gear off in hand launching this thing amazing very fast later and you can do a better high Alpha without all that weight

[@Thercgeek]

Interesting idea. Though, hand launch and I don't really mix very well, haha

[@jeffarab4947]

The RC Geek bahahaha this one has alot of power maybe I put a video up

[@jeffarab4947]

The RC Geek so today I took it out and was doing some low high alpha and got too comfy and my idiot self touch the ground hit the kinda hard but the elevator one side is ripped a bit lmao so tape hinge time lol. But anyway this f16 rules probably get another

[@Thercgeek]

haha, nice! You tied the record like I did! ;)

[@jeffarab4947]

The RC Geek hahahahahahahahahaha

[@ChrisMedvetz-cn9kl]

Yeah that jet is awsome and the sound is unmatched anything you want to do I love that and I want the eflite fighting falcon

[@MattMerritt]

Nice looking plane and great video! Can you take off and land on grass with this one?

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! This has great power and should be able to handle grass. One thing to keep in mind is that the tires are small, so the smoother the grass the better off it will be. Thick bumpy grass will be pretty hard on the landing gear.

[@TangyLlama]

What’s easier to fly as a first 70mm edf? This, the viper, or the a10 from eflite.

[@Thercgeek]

As a first edf, I always go to the viper jet as a recommendation. Its a fantastic flyer!

[@elijahglasser1421]

Thunderbirds are big and cool

[@MrDjh66]

Do you have a video of installing the burner light?

[@Thercgeek]

I have a few videos on my website at thercgeek.com/centerburner The installation into the SU-30 is the same design as goes into this F-16 (only x2 since it's a twin).

[@pappybo49]

Really great looking in the air. This looks like a good performer too. Thanks for sharing. How many channels do you need on the transmitter?

[@Thercgeek]

This one needs a minimum of 5 channels. There's no flaps, so just the basic 4 functions plus retracts. Thanks for watching! :)

[@jefflarner]

Just bought this plane today. Which center burner is the one for this 70mm F-16?

[@Thercgeek]

Awesome! My 28mm inrunner miniburner fits this F-16 (thercgeek.com/shop)

[@jefflarner]

@@Thercgeek Thanks!

[@RaGeRC]

My problem with this jet is mainly cosmetics. For $300 they could have at least painted it white. The exposed foam looks like crap in my opinion. For that reason I went with the Freewing F16

[@kamp.4466]

I guess I would've liked to see full flying stabs and spring-loaded gear doors on this model, but I can't complain too much for the price. Quick question for you: I already have a couple of 5000 mah 6s batteries for my f4, do you think it's possible to fly this jet with those batteries? Thanks!

[@Thercgeek]

I hear you! Even so, such a hard model to beat for the price. The fun to cost ratio is excellent imo. 😊. I do think a 5000 would work as the battery area is pretty large. It may be difficult to get the cg though without adding weight to the tail.

[@kamp.4466]

@@Thercgeek Gotcha, thanks for the info! It's on sale on HH.com, so I'm trying to see if I should get one 😂

[@Thercgeek]

It’s a great jet!

[@WATCHMEGOBROKE]

does the f16 and the viper both use the same Dsx transmitter?

[@Thercgeek]

The bnf versions come with receivers which I believe are the same between the two. They don’t come with transmitters.

[@Imperial_Rc]

Now I definitely want one

[@davidgerlach1132]

Hey Chris, I love this F-16, but I'm curious as to whether you like the 70mm over the 80mm? If the 70mm's anything like the model in Realflight 9.5, then I'm in love!

[@Thercgeek]

The 70mm is extremely fun I will say. It flies lighter than the 80mm which also makes it more forgiving. But from a scale standpoint, the 80mm is my preference. 😊

[@Swole_Gecko]

I would love to get a center fire for my f16 but my question is what modifications are needed if any. Also how does the center fire attach to the motor?

[@Thercgeek]

No modifications are necessary. The centerburner tailcone fits simply clamps onto the back of the EDF motor using 3 small set screws which you provide. There's not tailcone on the model, so nothing is removed, the tailcone is simply added to the back.

[@JoshWeaverRC]

Great video. Learned a good bit. Along with this plane, I'm looking at the FW F35 and the Havoc. Can't wait till I get high alpha to a crawl.

[@Thercgeek]

Awesome, thanks for watching! Both the F35 and Havoc do look fun. I'm especially interested to see the Havoc in person. If it flies anything like the big turbine bird, it'll be a killer sport jet!

[@JoshWeaverRC]

@@Thercgeek Just got the F35. Sooo looking forward to flying it. Why I'm back though is I messaged an F16 pilot and he said the F18 is much better for high alpha, so have you found the F18 model to be good or better for high alpha than the F16. Maybe I'm nuts for caring about high alpha so much.

[@charlesrestivo870]

FW mig 21 another king of high alpha

[@jettechdonatkins]

Nice video Chris,really like the looks and way this F-16 flies! That battery isn't too bad of a price either,and think I'll try RoaringTops for my A-4,but a bit larger capacity.Thanks!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! The RT's are good packs!

[@jettechdonatkins]

I am glad I watched your vid on batts.The c rating thing I was unsure about and thought I needed a 50c or maybe higher one for my A-4 but it looks like somewhere around 30-40c should work fine,right?

[@Thercgeek]

Yup, 30-40c should be just fine. I use 35c packs in everything.

[@andrewmorrow3276]

Does it come with the controller and does it come with a battery

[@Thercgeek]

The model comes as a bind and fly that includes a receiver in it. It does not include a transmitter or flight battery.

[@dbirds21]

I dont know whats up with my new f16 tbirds. Firstt flight and its slow, no power at all. I dont use spektrum only graupner. You cannot calibrate the throttle range on this plane esc combo. Throttle doesnt kick in until im at 20 percent throttle. Ive haad numerous eflite jets and they all performed well with graupner. The other 2 eflite panes I got throttle kicks in at 7 percent. IVe tried everything, you cannot do anything with rhis esc. Any suggestions other than toss it in garbage and get a good esc.

[@Thercgeek]

That sounds like a potential esc issue. Have you contacted horizon support? Which esc is it? One of the newer avian esc’s?

[@shuttlecommander]

Really cool jet! Out of curiousity, did you do a video on a F-14 Tomcat?

[@Thercgeek]

Yes, I did a couple videos on the Freewing F-14: Flight Review ►kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5bQd4yvhtZpgbs Flight Video ►kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooLTh36cq9dsitk Assembly Review ►kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6STqJuwn6ebqK8

[@MrDjh66]

Ok thank you

[@rcf4phantomflyer]

Hey rc geek I showed the comment we talk about to the gf she loved it. Love the f16 build. I'm fixing to also repaint one and looking for trainers for her

[@Thercgeek]

Sweet! My recommendation would be the aeroscout. It is a great trainer!

[@waynelee6307]

So Chris, in your opinion, which jet would be the best "beginner jet" for someone who wanted to fly jets ? Viper or F-16 ?

[@Thercgeek]

Both are really good options. What kind of jet experience are you looking for? The F-16 excels at different things to the Viper. It's much more forgiving at slow speed and flies like the scale jet that it is. It's not quite as fast as the Viper, but still has excellent power for all sorts of maneuvering. The viper flies more like a purpose designed sport jet, so feels more like a traditional kind of airplane.

[@balsumfractus]

The F-16 is pretty quick and gets small really quickly as well. It can get away from you if you don't stay ahead of it.

[@pittsburge88]

Is that Cosair Nut aka Mr Hecht, also working on the Bench?

[@Thercgeek]

Good eye! That is indeed him 😊

[@a.caffey7250]

Great job. I still would like to know where I could get one of those after burners for a 70 mm jet.😂 Please...

[@Thercgeek]

It’s a product I manufacture. It’s my 28mm inrunner MiniBurnwr design available here: thercgeek.com/centerburner 😊

[@pillsareyummy]

I fly this on RF 9.5. How accurate is the sim version of this plane, assuming you use RF of course.

[@Thercgeek]

You know, the sim is pretty decent for this one.

[@paulbergen436]

I am confused you said plane can not fly hi alpha with safe. can you switch safe on and off with a switch so you can fly hi alpha but also switch to safe via a switch if you lose orientation

[@Thercgeek]

yes, SAFE can be prgrammed to a switch so it can be turned off and on. I talk more about that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6imfZKoZd14jq8

[@Fatpumpumlovah2]

Overpriced pis, typical eflight

[@landonxc]

I’ve got a couple spare 20c 3200 batteries laying around. Will they work with this model?

[@Thercgeek]

That C rating is pretty low, but I think they'll work ok. Just don't expect huge punch from them.

[@RCFlyer007]

Does it come with reverse thrust?

[@Thercgeek]

The newer ones come with the Spektrum smart receivers now it looks like, so yes, reverse thrust would be an option.

[@mikekennedy9174]

where did you get the tool to measure the throws?

[@Thercgeek]

It was made by great planes but unfortunately isn't made anymore following the Tower/Horizon merger.

[@jordansrc4245]

When is the video of war birds and classics going up?

[@Thercgeek]

I haven't had a chance to start going through the footage yet. My coverage will most likely start posting in another week or two.

[@Tschmitz13]

Hi there! I havs a question. Do i need to trim it in AS3X and also trim it is SAFE ? Ore just one. And if so witch one? Now when its on the ground de ELE is setup as in the manual. When i switch SAFE on the ELE will come up a bit (nose up)

[@Thercgeek]

I'm actually not 100% certain. The airplane does need to be trimmed, yes, but whether that has to happen for each mode, I don't recall. I don't think that's the case. The one thing to keep in mind when switching safe on and off on the ground is that SAFE actually commands a certain pitch depending on the throttle. So, lower 1/3 of throttle it commands a slight descent, middle 1/3 it commands straight and level and the top 1/3 it commands a slight climb. So, that's likely why you're seeing a pitch command change flipping through the different mods. Plus, if the airplane isn't level, it will initiate a command also when in SAFE.

[@artsmodelstation9396]

Q: NX6 radio sufficient to be able use retracts and safe ?

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem. The model only uses 5 functions which means the 6th channel can be assigned to safe.

[@octane2099]

Hey do you still have this F-16 if you do you should do a 8s setup

[@Thercgeek]

Hmmmmm 😉

[@Truthstillmatters2]

Which jet is better between this F16 and Eflite’s A10?

[@rmvb4flt133]

Do you think this could be a first EDF jumping back into RC? I have about 2yrs experience in 100+mph props then took a break from hobby for about a year. Looking to get back into it and would like to get some insight.

[@Thercgeek]

Based on your experience, I think you’d do fine with this one. It’s a super fun jet!

[@rmvb4flt133]

@@Thercgeek I purchased the EF 80mm F16 instead. Might as well! LOVE that plane. I picked up the Habu 70mm also to knock off some of the rust before I put the F16 up in the sky.

[@javikarras]

Hi Chris, is enough a 25C battery? Do u get a big punch?

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, the 25c works great! Spektrum rc has a 50c 4000 now (not available at the time) which would work great too.

[@javikarras]

@@Thercgeek thanks friend!!

[@EDF_FANatic]

Rc geek were you able to high alpha with the 4000 mah pack and did you have to add weight at the back to do that ?

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, wasn’t an issue and no weight added to the tail at all.

[@EDF_FANatic]

@@Thercgeek lucky, I've seen a couple other videos (Brian Philipps comes to mind ) where the 4000 made it too nose heavy even with the battery all the way back. I got a 4000 and a 3300 to be safe, I'm just waiting on the glue to assemble mine.

[@Thercgeek]

Part of that is the control throw too. You can hold full up elevator on the thing and steer it with rudder all day long. It’s pretty fun.

[@EDF_FANatic]

@@Thercgeek sounds great can't wait to fly it. I don't have the tool to measure the throws like you did, do you reckon a normal ruler would be good enough?

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, a ruler works just fine.

[@josipvrandecic2472]

Dear Chris, very good, you explained everything I need, as always. Thanks and cheers.

[@y.a7794]

Will this work withe the dx6e transmitter and whats the diffrence between bnf and pnp

[@Thercgeek]

Yes, 6 channel is no problem. The model only requires 5 channels. The BnF includes a spektrum AS3X receiver that allows the option of flying with SAFE auto stabilization. The PnP requires installation of your own receiver.

[@y.a7794]

@@Thercgeek oh ok thanks

[@dougkoprowski7493]

Thank you Chris as always for the very informative videos. I’m going to seriously consider the F-16. Also I just have to ask, I noticed you were wearing a University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves sweatshirt. What’s the connection to UAA and Anchorage - if you could share? Stay well. Thank you. Doug K Anchorage Alaska.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! I got the Seawolves sweatshirt on a trip up there. My dad spent his high school years in anchorage and so we took a trip there a few years ago so he could revisit.

[@octane2099]

How do you like those LiPo batteries I just got some not sure if is the best choice I’ve ran HRB and power hobby

[@Thercgeek]

I love the roaring top packs, they’re fantastic! I have a grip of the 35c variety. I’ve also really been liking the spektrum smart packs too as they’re good quality packs as well. I don’t have any experience with HRB or power hobby packs, so can’t really say how they compare. Generally, you get what you pay for with that stuff.

[@aerospacematt9147]

Nice Video! It is really helpful since I plan to get one of these. When I do get one, I plan to cut the missile off as well. What kind of tool did you use to cut the missile off? Was it hot wired or did you use a hobby knife?

[@Thercgeek]

We just used an xacto knife. The foam cuts extremely easily.

[@leftblank6036]

Can anyone recommend me a beginner jet? I bought a £40 plane like a 747 but it had a missing part so it would not elevate , so it put me off getting that one again. I started looking at more expensive ones , like this model but worried I will crash it

[@Thercgeek]

The habu sts is a great first jet. It’s designed as a trainer, so is super forgiving and will get your proficiency up in the process bit.ly/EflHabuSTS

[@airbus737guitarcovers3]

Cool dog and cool me 26 building in the background

[@sonyjhos8934]

Order

[@skunkworks9635]

Does it have reverse thrust ? Thanks

[@Thercgeek]

With the stock esc that comes with it, reverse thrust isn’t an option. With an avian smart esc in there it would be.

[@ahmethassan9487]

Shouldn’t an edf jet have a high c rated pack to give it that boost ? Makes me itch that it’s only flying on a 35c 😰

[@Thercgeek]

There are some misconceptions out there about that. It’s all about capacity and max current draw. If you’re running larger capacity pack on a 100 amp system, you can run lower c rated packs no problems. Otherwise, you end up carrying additional weight with little performance benefits. There’s obviously a balance. I put together a discussion about that a while back here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2m4hYJjqpmfaNE

[@davidpuissegur1263]

Anybody: At the 5:38 mark he is using a great little magnetic THROW Gage. Anyone know where these can be found?

[@Thercgeek]

That is a Great Planes Accuthrow Deflection meter. Looks like it has been discontinued since Horizon Hobby acquired Tower Hobbies. :( Something like this should work: amzn.to/2RCBG80

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Sup Chris. Had a interesting one the other day. Took out the new Eflite F16 to maiden her. Took this Tbird too because I just love flying this plane. Seconds after takeoff with the Tbird...the throttle went full max (I dont take off full throttle...don't need to with tbird) and stuck there! Full throttle! Throttle cut didn't work. Trimming throttle down made no difference. Ended up flying a racetrack patten....really fast😋... until the battery died! Made a pretty sweet dead stick landing. I have probably 250+ flights on the Tbird so... I know it well. She's so light and that glide rate...maybe 3° nose down and she'll go forever. Anyway...ever see anything like that? I fired it back up when I got home and no issues. Receiver cables are seated. ESC motor connections look good. No cable melting found anywhere. I've just never seen or ever heard of something like this in an EDF. My guess is the ESC but... spektrum AR636a and DX8 Gen 2...anything is possible lol. You ever see this? Suspect you have a ton more hours than me! Thanks man!

[@Thercgeek]

Oh wow, I’ve never seen that before! You had full control otherwise? Seems like maybe an esc issue potentially, but hard to know for sure. That’s really odd.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

@@Thercgeek Full control! Yea... hard one to troubleshoot. A different plane like the AL37 jetliner and it may not have had a happy ending....phew!

[@pilotbrettandpilotanthony326]

I love your channel and have a quick question, I bought the eflite viper a week ago and I just think it’s to easy of an aircraft for me, what jet do you think I should go too next?

[@Thercgeek]

Well, what kind of performance/challenge are you looking for? This f16 is a really fun brute force kind of jet, but there are lots of choices out there. 😊

[@EDF_FANatic]

I'm worried about the glued in pieces as it would be a pain to pack this plane up into a box if at all possible if you were moving.

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, the glued parts are permanent, but the wings are removable so it can break down pretty small still if need be.

[@evanwestlake240]

Looks like a great introduction to the EDF world. What are your thoughts on running this from a well manicured grass runway (almost as short as a putting green)?

[@Thercgeek]

Flying this off of that kind of grass shouldn't be an issue at all.

[@siscoflyer4338]

Hey I have this flies good love it. My question too you is mine oscillates a little left to right. Is there way to adjust As3x settings? I have a Bluetooth adapter could not get it to work. Also what’s your gains on? I found out on forward programming a rate gain read out just couldn’t adjust it and not sure if I need more or less gain.? Just thought I would ask see if you may know

[@Thercgeek]

If the airplane is oscillating, that would usually indicate that the gain is too high. I’m really surprised that it’s doing that actually. Is it oscillating in yaw? Unfortunately with the bnf models I’m not aware of a way to modify the gains as the receivers are locked. I’ve heard possibly through a computer, but I’m not certain.

[@siscoflyer4338]

@@Thercgeek thanks for your response appreciate that.

[@mr.d7776]

Chris, which plane is easier to see in most sky conditions the Viper of the F-16?

[@Thercgeek]

Probably the F-16 as it has a great contrast in colors from the thunderbirds scheme. The viper grays and blues can tend to disappear.

[@patrickflorianspeidel753]

Awewome video! Could you kindly tell me what model that orange F-4 in the background is? Best regards from Germany

[@Thercgeek]

That’s my refinished Freewing F-4. Here’s the most recent video I have of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaDUYYxooMt0i8k it was also featured in my review of the airplane too.

[@nunukula]

@@Thercgeek thanks brother, beautiful build!

[@kostaskaronis5046]

cheater holes for the EDF means that there is NO good design of the power system

[@Thercgeek]

This is true. Most of these foam jets have cheater grates unfortunately. Inlet design seems to be secondary (or non existent) in most of them out there. That being said, it does work and still flies great!

[@chrislefty9354]

Hello Chris! I am about to pull the trigger on this plane. You mentioned you do not have to go too heavy on the C rating for the battery...I am just a bit nervous using a 25C rated LiPo battery for a 70mm jet. But you explained that should be okay?

[@chrislefty9354]

And the only reason I ask is because other reviews I have watched they are using higher C rated batteries.

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, 25c should be just fine. You can always run Spektrums new 50c 4000 packs if you desire (bit.ly/Sm6s4000). I've been playing with their packs quite a bit lately and they're really good. The 4000 pack is about the same size as the RT pack I was running. That being said, you don't always need a big C rating. I typically only run 35C packs in my airplanes. It gets to a point where the extra C rating is just extra weight. I put a discussion together about it a while back which is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2m4hYJjqpmfaNE

[@ShockeWulf190]

this is Awesome !

[@genes6703]

Hi. where did you get the control surface measuring tool. thanks

[@Thercgeek]

It's called an Accu-throw meter and was available through Tower Hobbies. Unfortunately, they're not made anymore. :(

[@43rocket]

can you fit a 4500 -5000 lipo in there?

[@Thercgeek]

With some modifications, potentially but it’ll push the cg pretty far forward requiring tail weight to get the cg back where it needs to be.

[@43rocket]

@@Thercgeek what would run time be at 3.4 volt cut off for this ?

[@kentofficerdph8477]

Is there a video on where to buy or how to add the afterburner light ring?

[@Thercgeek]

Burners are available through my site at thercgeek.com/centerburner. There are a number of video resources listed there and I’m always happy to answer questions as well. 😊

[@chrisclark3150]

Hey man..thanks for the videos. If you could only have the viper or this f 16, which you pick and why? Appreciate your time. Chris

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man! For me personally, I would choose the f16. I just love the looks and the performance of it. It flies like a brute force fighter. The viper flies wonderfully, but more like a clean pattern/sport model.

[@chrisclark3150]

Ok...thanks! I've been flying the efx racer by Hobby King lots, and feel like it's time to step up to a jet. Thanks for your time man.

[@fogcityrc4874]

wonderful vid. Thank you!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! :)

[@richr909]

I really don't like how the elevators/tail are glued on. Then should have a carbon rod that runs through them with 2 bolts each to attach. I can't stand when they use glue especially in jets over bolts. It doesn't make sense.

[@richr909]

And the front landing gear should fold down from the rear instead of the front. It would be a lot less stressful on the servo for hard landing. I can see that front landing gear folding back eventually on hard landings

[@Thercgeek]

I understand regarding the glue but as hard as hard as I've flown this airplane, it has not been an issue at all. It works and it works well. Obviously, if you're wanting to be able to remove the tails, then yeah, that doesn't work. Also, on the landing gear, the nose gear retracting rearwards is scale to the airplane which is why it was done that way. Also, it helps with the ground handling. Moving the wheel back so that the gear retracts forward will make it less stable on the ground. As it is, the airplane can be a little tippy on the ground if you turn while taxiing at too high a speed.

[@lw216316]

No flaps ? Can flaperons be set up ? Will they be useful or would they make a high alpha landing even more difficult ?

[@Thercgeek]

The airplane doesn't need flaps at all. It slows down great without them. With some reprogramming, it could be done easily enough though and might be fun to try.

[@lw216316]

@@Thercgeek Thank you, when I get one I'll try flaperrons.

[@knobguy321]

Hey where can I buy one of those surface throw measurement things ?

[@Thercgeek]

Unfortunately, they’re not made anymore. 😕. It’s called an accuthrow meter and was made by great planes.

[@MrDjh66]

Does the afterburner light plug into battery and receiver

[@Thercgeek]

The simplest way is to use a small 2s 200-300mah lipo to power the burner lights. Super simple and easy and lasts multiple outings between charges.

[@elioavila8456]

Awesome video. Do you have any videos on how to install the afterburner?

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! I do have a video showing the installation along with additional info at thercgeek.com/the-centerburner it shows installing with the outrunner design. This one is an inrunner and install is the same, except that the tailcone clamps onto the motor itself with some grub screws that you supply. I’m hear to help if you have any questions at all.

[@MrDjh66]

Ok thanks I’ll watch

[@keithmoore408]

where can I get the ceter burner and does it affect the performance?

[@Thercgeek]

It’s available from my website, thercgeek.com/centerburner

[@Thercgeek]

The correct design for this model is the 28mm inrunner under the 70mm fan options. 😊

[@gavstreet8976]

Just to let people know I’ve had this airplane forever and I’ve tried high alpha with safe and it does it really good but it does require some skill

[@mizz9841]

Can you please say more about doing the high Alpha in safe mode. Thanks

[@gavstreet8976]

@@mizz9841 in safe it just helps you keeps the wings level just hold full up

[@mizz9841]

@@gavstreet8976 Thank you so much for this education. Salute

[@stevejamelskyj5761]

Can u hand launch this plane

[@Thercgeek]

That’s a good question. I’ve never tried it, but I’d imagine it would take a pretty solid and hard toss to get it going. it does have good power which helps.

[@stevejamelskyj5761]

@@Thercgeek if it's got good virtical power prob woodnt need much power to throw my runway is crap tuffs of grass everywhere only place I can fly too hence I bought the marlin

[@octane2099]

Can I glue the parts with epoxy instead of ca glue?

[@Thercgeek]

I would recommend CA, but epoxy should work.

[@octane2099]

The RC Geek thank you and great video I got some 3300mah batteries for it

[@jonoedwards4195]

Just sick stuff!

[@johndeere6433]

Is it foam

[@Thercgeek]

Yes, this particular model is foam.

[@rondeldebbio9219]

Great video! I have just one question. Is it difficult to swap out the 70mm and replace with a 80mm inrunner 12 blade? Thanks!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! It would be a pretty major mod to get an 80mm fan in there. It could be done, but the airplane flies so well on the 70, doesn’t really need an 80.

[@rondeldebbio9219]

@@Thercgeek Just to get more speed and the sound of the in runner?

[@gavstreet8976]

Ron Del Debbio honestly it would probably be best to either leave it or get a different motor for example you can take the motor out of the freewing f16 70mm since it has a higher kv motor but you will have to upgrade the esc to at least a 80 amp esc

[@gavstreet8976]

Ron Del Debbio the freewing artic camp 70mm f16

[@hechtspeed]

Great video :)

[@Thercgeek]

Gracias!

[@aaronvandoorn8397]

Am new to this hobby I can't wait to my in the air

[@Thercgeek]

nice! Good luck on the maiden! Hopefully you have someone available to help you?

[@mrt1035]

Yep, the missiles were the first to go on mine too

[@Thercgeek]

Yes!

[@Lukas-zj7ds]

How Many channels does it have

[@Thercgeek]

The airplane only uses 5channels. The bind and fly comes with a 6 channel receiver installed.

[@michaelbrinkley9323]

Very nice video great aircraft. Very informative. Does the plane come in any other paint Scheme besides the Thunderbirds ?

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! This e-flite F-16 only comes in the Thunderbirds scheme.

[@michaelbrinkley9323]

Thank you very much. The reason I ask is that an Air National Guard unit did a commemorative F-16 in the livery of the Tuskegee Airmen. I don't remember which unit. Again great video Chris looking forward to others

[@Thercgeek]

I'm familiar with that paint scheme. This airplane would be a pretty easy refinish should you want to repaint it into that scheme.

[@michaelbrinkley9323]

Thank you very much Chris. That is precisely what I had in mind.🙂