Ultrafly F-16 Thunderbird on the way!

[Trogdor]

I've always liked the F-16, especially in the Thunderbirds paint scheme, so when I saw the Tower Hobbies web page listing Items Coming Soon with an Ultrafly F-16, I had them email when its in... its in as of a few hours ago!

Looks fast, 3S lipo capable Speed 400 motor with 3:1 gearbox (?) and probably an 8x8 APC prop like the Hawk. Should be fun, I can't wait. Should hold me until the day I feel the need for a Jepe. :)

ALSO, I used a 20 dollar off a 50 dollar purchase coupon code so its 58 bucks shipped, can't beat that with a bat!

Ad number promotion ( 011T4 - SAVE $20 )

[Ed Waldrep]

Sweet. After I finished converting the Ultrafly T-45 Hawk to EDF I swore 'never again' because of the work involved, but this one is really tempting. I suppose I could just fly it with a pusher but ducted fans are just too cool! Hopefully there will be enough room to fit in a Wattage fan as the amount of thrust a Wemotec Microfan provides on 230 watts isn't as much as I'd like.

I just gave in and ordered one...I hope the wing isn't cheated and is of the scale sweep and size, can't tell for sure from the pictures. The stretched wing like the Kyosho has really kills the looks.

[Kevin Cox]

I don't know Ed. That is a really big wing and we know how much a scale nut you are :).

[Ed Waldrep]

Yeah Kevin after I ordered I looked at the picture and noticed the sweep of the horizontal stabs and the wing leading edge looks different. Oh well I'll find out. I could always hack off the wing and put on a scale one, or turn it into an F16XL (have to cheat the wing since the fuse isn't stretched but I think it can be done without ruining the looks).

[DCobra]

The strakes at the wing LE look too wide, and the horizontal stabs should be angled slightly downward. Not a bad looking ARF though, they did get the wing to fuse transition pretty close.

Just my $.02...
Paul

[Flying Scotsman]

Ultrafly is a great company. They are using the GWS concept and taking it one step futher which i think is great

[Trogdor]

I agree Flying Scott. I've seen a few of their planes up close at the LHS and read a ton of good reviews in the forums so even though I knew nothing about the F16 and haven't actually flown any of their others I just thought I'd give it a try. Should be here by next weekend so I can get it flying.

[floater]

I think Ultrafly is a lot better than gws. It is really noticeable in the power system that comes in the kits. hardware too.

i can't wait for my f-16...

[RMason]

Just brought one home today.

What you see in the picture is probably the prototype.

The stabs are at the proper angle, there is a tinted clear plastic canopy, and a clear plastic piece that covers the intake and bottom fuselage so no more landing rash.

It has many improvements over the hawk, and I love my hawk.

The wings, stabs and strakes are very scale. I think you guys will like it.

Rob

[Kevin Cox]

I saw one at the LHS today and it does look better than the above picture.

[kriptonic]

Sammyb allready picked one of these up about a month ago and it looks like a really nice kit,,,, I'm sure it's ready to fly by now, guess i'll just have to see him at the field this weekend if it's not pouring rain...

Gene

[MTwallet]

I walked the LHS today empty handed to see what was new and exciting, and walked out with the new Uf F16. Really looks like a nice kit. Many improvements over the Hawk. If you leave some of the plastic out, it might be lighter than the Hawk. I weighed my Hawk as it sits (no motor or RX, just 2 HS 55's and linkages) then I weighed the F16 with 2 HS 55's and all the linkages and plastic that I plan to use and it was about 1/2 oz lighter. They still give you a silly FG rod for the wing spar, I will use a carbon rod instead. Here are a couple pics of it out of the box.


Mike

[RCParkflyer]

The wife is going to be so mad at me :eek:

[MTwallet]

Here are a couple more shots.
I taped it together to get an idea of what she'll look like. The fan unit is a Wattage Powerfan 400. I don't plan on using it but took pics for those who might be thinkin about it. (I might change my mind tho) Should be easier to convert to EDF than the Hawk.


Mike

[Ed Waldrep]

Hmm that looks kinda too tight to fit in the Wattage fan, at least from the pic (thanks for posting that!). I'll have to measure mine when it comes. Oh well, I've already got a Microfan in the Hawk so I'll just use that, or give in to the dark side and fly it as a pusher.

Thanks for the pics.

[MTwallet]

I was thinkin you could stick the fan on the end instead of in the fuse, but it wouldn't be very efficient that way. You would need a smaller fan than mine to fit or like you said... "give in to the dark side." That's how I fly my Hawk anyway, I used a 400T with a 7x7 prop on 3s1p TP1320's. Drew about 9A static and was clocked by dopper radar gun at over 50mph straight and level. Not bad for only 90watts.

[daking]

Mike, very sharp looking jet! Cant wait to see it! Maybe i will fly this one. Hint, hint. I dont think the fan would fit. And i dont think it would be worth it to put one that does fit in there. Just prop it, it will be fine.

DK

[Ed Waldrep]

Putting in a fan will be extra work, but some of us will do it for the "cool factor". Yeah, a pusher prop is more effiecient, easier to install, and will provide more thrust, making hand launches easier, but there's just something about a ducted fan. It's too bad these models weren't designed with ducted fans in mind from the beginning, then they could give you the option of installing a pusher prop, but if you sell thousands of these I guess that's just too much trouble. I personally prefer the ducted fan so I don't have to worry about slicing my hand open with the prop. However, adding a fan will be a bit of work, it definitely was not easy on the Hawk.

The Wattage fan is probably too big, but there's always the Wemotec Microfan, it's 2" in diameter vs 2.5" for the Wattage. That long plastic piece that lines the bottom of the fuselage, that might come in handy.

Does anyone have a pill that will cure me of the edf bug, so I can just be happy with pushers? Never mind, I don't want one!

[daking]

Ed, do you have pic's of the ducted fan Hawk??

DK

[Ed Waldrep]

Ed, do you have pic's of the ducted fan Hawk??

DK

Yeah, it's been a while, here's the link. I'll add some completed pictures, I don't think I ever added a shot of the finished airplane.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272348&page=3&pp=15

[RCParkflyer]

but there's just something about a ducted fan.

Does anyone have a pill that will cure me of the edf bug, so I can just be happy with pushers? Never mind, I don't want one!

It's the look of a miniture Jet, and the sound of them that does it for me.

[floater]

Ultrafly finally has their webpage up for the F-16, still nothing on the SU-27...

www.ultraflymodel.com

[rcguy01]

Ultrafly has really good timing in releasing
their products. I feel like the SU 27 will be out
sometime in Spring. I am crazy about that SU 27 too.
:p :p

[thadius65]

Anyone know why Tower and Ultrafly F-16 info say 4ch radio and 3 servos, the box says 3 channel and 2 servos. The instructions say 3 servos under required items, but only show two servos in the installation diagrams?

Newbie is all confused... Anyone know the real answer. 2 or 3 servos? :confused:

Thanks,

Ted

[MTwallet]

Real answer...3 channel with 2 servos and 1 esc. 1 servo for ailerons and 1 for elevator, esc should be self-explanatory.

[thadius65]

Thanks MT.

I was planning on a 4 ch radio, so that was not the issue. Just if I needed to get more than was in the Hitec Laser 4 kit (Feather & 2 HS-55's). ESC understood and looking at a CC Pixie 20.

Thanks again.

Ted

[MTwallet]

Hey Ted, a little off topic here but if you don't already have a transmitter, you should get the best radio you can afford. A good one for the price is the Hitec Optic 6 or for a little more the Futaba 7cap is even better. As you grow with this hobby you'll find you really DO need all the features of the new computer TX's. Look here to see what guys are saying.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=338789

Mike

[netmechanic]

Or go a few more and get an Eclipse 7 then you can fly any channel, fly just about any kind of aircraft, have memory modes for different models, and look really cool with all the switches :cool:

[charlie2020]

Guys,

We are producing Su-27 now! The scheduled delivery date is 3/8. Arriving date should be around first week of April.
One thing I don't really understand is that My US disti only ordered 190 kit compare to its previous this number will be gone in less than one month. If you really really like it you had better get it early. When 190 are gone and an repeating order coming on late April. I need month to put it into production and one month on the sea. The next shipment arriving date is end of June!

Charlie

[rcguy01]

Guys,

We are producing Su-27 now! The scheduled delivery date is 3/8. Arriving date should be around first week of April.
One thing I don't really understand is that My US disti only ordered 190 kit compare to its previous this number will be gone in less than one month. If you really really like it you had better get it early. When 190 are gone and an repeating order coming on late April. I need month to put it into production and one month on the sea. The next shipment arriving date is end of June!

Charlie

Charlie, I am more than happy to preorder at least 1 Ultrafly SU 27 now.
Where can I do so? from towerhobby?
How can I do so? because the SU 27 is not even listed in tower web site yet.
Thanks.

[charlie2020]

Oh! I think you may have to order it once it is available in Tower!

Charlie

[FlyinForFun]

Trogdor - Thanks for the coupon code. Used it today for parts.

[Trogdor]

I've been trying to think of more 50 dollar orders as I think that code is good multiple times (?) but can't think of anything I really need now... or can I?!

[rcguy01]

I've been trying to think of more 50 dollar orders as I think that code is good multiple times (?) but can't think of anything I really need now... or can I?!


many thanks trogdor.
I ordered my F 16 and parts with that code
and hope I can use it again in April with my next two ultrafly SU 27s too.
Can's wait to get my hands on my F 16 this weekend.
Thanks again

[Trogdor]

I ended up getting the F16 a day early from tower... they sent it in a massive box for some reason and my wife was nervous all day thinking about what I bought!!! hahaha

Directions are funny. Really no text, just diagrams. Reminds me of old plastic model kit directions. It's only like 20 pieces though so no big deal.

I did see in my kit an addendum about control throws and CG. The new sheet warns of using a more nose heavy CG but I'm assuming this is based on what Charlie said earlier here or the other thread about making it less touchy for the noobie pilots who are undoubtedly attracted to this model. I'll probably just max it out all the way rear first flight but I guess I'll see how I feel on the hand launch when I feel the motor thrust.

I tried a water breakin on a GWS 350 for my Pizza ( :) ) and seemed to notice a difference but I haven't flown a brushed motor in awhile. This Ultrafly 400 has grease all over the front bushing so I'm wondering if I should do it since it'll wash all that away... I do have good light oil though to replace it... Maybe I'll just go for that too.

Anyway, just picked up some glue at the LHS over lunch and they're letting us out of our cubes early today for inclement weather! woohoo!!

[RCParkflyer]

Good Lord That Jets is 159 Bux for the Brushless motor option :(

[MTwallet]

Good Lord That Jets is 159 Bux for the Brushless motor option :(
But I think that includes an ESC doesn't it? $70 for plane, $70 for motor, $20 for ESC... not a bad deal when ya think about it. If the ESC is worth a darn that is.

[rcguy01]

does the ULtrafly F16 use full horizon tail for elevator
or just part of it? thanks.

[MTwallet]

Yes, it has a full flying stab/elevator.

[Bigplumbs]

Looks like this will be easier to hand launch than the Hawk. I have ordered the brushless version so getting all excited but I live in the UK so got to wait a little longer than you guys in the US

www.densplanes.co.uk

[rcguy01]

just check the tracking with FEDEX, the F 16 package from tower
is 7.32 lbs? why it is so heavy like that.
;) ;)

[Ralph A. D'Amelio]

Just pick mine up at lhs. Very nice, parts count is 8 not counting plastic do-dads. Being a loyal GWS modeler they (GWS) should use Charlies foam production company. Very clean parts and density almost no markings. I think I'll use my Himax 4100 bl in this. Little too small for a good EDF. I hae already stsrted to measure and scale up to 30" ws.

Ralph

[floater]

Sweet Kit Charlie!! This kit is awesome. I am going to start it tonight and hope to get it completed for Saturday... They are talking about highs in the 50's!!

Ralph, you're right, the molding is awesome, with all of the marks on the bottom of the kit. This really puts gws to shame.

[RCParkflyer]

just check the tracking with FEDEX, the F 16 package from tower
is 7.32 lbs? why it is so heavy like that.
;) ;)


They load it with 4 lbs of pamphlets and sales brochures :(

[Ralph A. D'Amelio]

Took 3 hrs to put together, I need some servo arms for my htec 55 and put on the decals, some panel lines etc, and its ready to go. But its very cold and snowny here maybe sunday.

Watch the direction of the bends in the elevator torque rod relative to the vertical position of the elev control horn. Because the length of the plastic tube that the torque rod are unequal the arm can point in the wtong direction. I screw up but no big deal just turn around and cut off some of the tubing to fit. ;)

Also there is no mark on the lower fuse to spot the screw that holds it to the upper fuse. Should be easy enough to measure and drill. I might tried same great magnets to hold the two together...we will see.

The plastic nose and lower fuse plastic protector is a good idea to protect it from scuffs etc, but it bothers my sense of asethics. I will put 1/2oz fg/wbpu instead for protection.

All -n-all very very nice Charlie.

Ralph

[Ed Waldrep]

Little too small for a good EDF. Ralph

Looking at the pics, foam will have to be removed from the upper fuselage in order to make room for ducting. This time, I'll cut the fuse into sections and use cardboard templates and a hot wire to cut the ducting. On the Hawk conversion wrapped 60 grit sandpaper around a 2" diameter accelerator bottle and sanded. That was a pain.

It looks like the wattage fan wont fit without making the remaining foam too thin, but a 2" diameter Wemotec Microfan should work.

[Ralph A. D'Amelio]

A couple of pics

[AirX]

Hi Ralph,

Good to see your posts, thought the cold weather might have gotten you... :)

Eric B.

[Ralph A. D'Amelio]

Thanks Eric, yes the cold weather got to my arthritis ...this I could do on the kitchen counter.

Ralph

[flanker]

Ralph,
you are moving at lightning speed as always should I assume maiden this weekend -- weather permitting off-course.

[Ralph A. D'Amelio]

Flanker of course , hopefully sunday I will call you. You will like it...it basically only has 8 pieces!

[rcguy01]

This Ultrafy F16 is the best of both
worlds, GWS (price, durability?) + Alfa (quality + scale look).
If It could fly as well as It looks, I think It will, then It is a great winner.
Man, Thinking about the coming SU 27 really makes me crazy :p :p

BTW, any real F16 photos out there? I want mine look
different than the very nice provided decals

[RICH S]

I bought this kit and was not very impressed. The airframe looks fragile for a plane of this class. I was'nt particularly happy with having to assemble the gearbox with that little retaining clip (it was'nt hard, but I am used to the boxes assembled). I'm surprised they did'nt mold the rear outlet in black, they probably formed it from the same sheet as the belly protector and you'll have to paint it. The gearbox really resinates noise through the airframe which sounds cheezy. The decals are great, but the material they printed them on is very difficult to get applied good around the nose. It's not as robust as the Projeti was, and the depron elevators look like they will flutter easily. Maybe it'll fly good, but it's surely not as solid as Multiplex jets of the catagory.

[rcguy01]

I agreed about how primitive the Manual is.
About the gear box, I just go straight to Brushless direct drive, but
it is just me though. I just can't understand why use gearbox on a
pusher jet???

Ultrafly should label the F 16 kit as for intermediate to advance Flyers though.
I have been Flying most of the GWS warbirds, even the new GWS C130,
and this F-16 kit is the best I have ever own before. Just can't wait to
get my hands on the SU 27

[MTwallet]

I bought this kit and was not very impressed. The airframe looks fragile for a plane of this class. I was'nt particularly happy with having to assemble the gearbox with that little retaining clip (it was'nt hard, but I am used to the boxes assembled). I'm surprised they did'nt mold the rear outlet in black, they probably formed it from the same sheet as the belly protector and you'll have to paint it. The gearbox really resinates noise through the airframe which sounds cheezy. The decals are great, but the material they printed them on is very difficult to get applied good around the nose. It's not as robust as the Projeti was, and the depron elevators look like they will flutter easily. Maybe it'll fly good, but it's surely not as solid as Multiplex jets of the catagory.
Rich, it is a model right? So ya gotta put the GB together, so what. It goes together in 2 minutes. Last time I checked Multiplex didn't have a scale model of an F-16 or anything else, so they don't even have jets in this catagory. And if they did, they would be made of Elapor foam (like EPP) which is stronger than this white foam (EPS), and is also heavier and more expensive than EPS. So whattya say, build it, fly it, then make your judgments. Keep an open mind until then. It might suck for all I know but it might be cool as he11 for all you know.


Mike

[RICH S]

It's almost ready, I'm just going to use a 3 cell lipo like they recommend and fly it stock.

[rscott2888]

I had it in my hands at WRAMS, its small and will need a strong hand launch.

[RICH S]

Did you get a screw for the bottom fuse hold down? I did, but it's about 1/2 in. too short. These are nice, a GWS type hold down, but they give you no recess to locate the plate in.

[thadius65]

Well, I am a newbie, but I have put many "models" together. I work on very complex computer/networking equipment at work, so I am, dare I say, at least semi-intelligent. With that, I must say the manual is terrible and some parts just wrong (wrong parts indicated, such as the 390mm push rod defined to be used on page 4 and page 9, which page 4 should be the black 320mm). Also, the orientation of the tail assembly on page 4 and 6 (procedure 2 and procedure 3 correct) is okay, but on the full size reference on page 5 I think it is wrong. There are some other more minor things, like plastic parts that simply are not defined or used (3,6,9,11,12 marked on black plastic) as well as saying white part #2 being used on procedure 3 on page 10. Hey, I am new to ARF planes, so I could just be going through growing pains, but it just doesn't seem right.

So, currently, Mr. Doesn't Quite Get It (me) is currently on page 6, after having figured out to use the 320mm push rod and not the 390mm. I installed, bent the 90degrees on the end, did the 7degree upwards and did a dry fit. Shouldn't this move in both and upwards and downwards motion. It appears to only go one direction due to the "pro-adapter" stopping it.

Any help with the current page 6 tail assembly and any other clues from the more advanced customer crew (or Charlie), would be greatly appreciated.

Also - Charlie, any updated manual or assistance would also possibly help. I was on the phone with Mike at Hobbico, or Ultrafly Model Product Support (same?) and he was very attentive. We probably spent about 45 minutes trying to figure out all I have described. He also was perplexed. He also called me back 2 times after with some additional followup.

I am a bit concerned also with the very fragile rear part of the fuse. It looks like it will snap at a drop of a pin.

Don't get me wrong, the F-16 looks great and if it flies as good as it looks, it will be terrific.

Thanks to all.

Thadius65

[charlie2020]

I sincerely apology for all the trouble we made on this model!

I am sorry for the mistakes on the manual and screw length! Your advise is important to us! I will look into these problems and correct it. I will have some phone conversation with Hobbico tonight! I hope we can come out a simple solutin ASAP!

[RMason]

A few problems with the F-16 manual... and some solutions.

1. Assembling the elevator torque rod. The control horn slips and allows the tail to move after everything is all connected. Real pain after everything is glued together.

Fix - file/grind a small flat on the torque rod to insure the wheel collar inside the horn stays put.


2. Putting the ail/ele servos in the wing. The illustration on pg.6 shows the ail servo positioned towards the front while on pg.10 is shows it positioned at the rear. Also it is not apparent that you have to align the elevator servo 1/4" lower than the ail servo to let all the control rods clear each other.

Fix - the ail servo horn needs to be positioned to the rear as on pg. 10 for alignment with the ail torque rods. Also the ele servo needs to be 1/4" lower. Again a pain to move them after they are in.

3. The screw to hold the belly pan/intake onto the bottom of the plane. One, it is too short. Two, it will never hold up while belly landing the plane, ripping the intake and all associated stuff off and leaving a trail of foam in it's wake.

Fix - and this is the only thing I could come up with after scratching my head for about an hour and looking at the box pictures etc...

You will have to glue the belly pan on. Incasing the servos linkages and esc inside the plane where you can't get at them later without cutting the pan off. See problem #1. Real pain. Not a real big deal to glue it on, just make sure everything is right. I have a few other planes that you can't get to the electronics.

4. The instructions show nothing about gluing the plastic nose cone on.

Fix - of course, glue it on. Makes the plane look real nice with the proper pointy nosed F-16 shape.


I found the decals to be EXCELLENT. The vinyl material made it real easy to stretch them around the nose without wrinkles. I do have a sequence that will allow you to get everything lined up on the bottom. In order, decals # 14,17,18, (with 17 and 18 folded at the dotted lines to line up at the fuse/belly line) 19,20, 12 (lined up with 19&20) then finally 13. With 13 I put windex on the bottom and got everything lined up. Then hit it with a hairdryer to get rid of the windex and make everything stick. Came out without any wrinkles and all lined up.

Conclusion:

Plane design and parts fit - A
Decals - A- just lots of them
Instructions - F

Great kit, great design, lousy manual. One of the worst I've seen.

Charlie - you really need to have someone go through the instructions and find any problems such as these. I didn't have any such problems when building the Hawk, PC-9 or Cessna. Don't rush stuff through just to get it to market. Get it right first and everybody will be happier. (and less frustrated) ;)

Rob

[charlie2020]

I sincerely apology on these mistakes!

I will look into these problem and come back to you as soon as possible!

Charlie

[thadius65]

Charlie,

Thanks for the quick response and hopefully any problems will be corrected with new plans, parts, etc, soon... and especially for those of us that bought already (I have two F-16's).

RMason -- Looks like you got farther than I and are experienced. Thanks for the info, but I am not real happy that I have even more hurdles as I progress.

Man I want to fly. Between the challenge of building, it is snowing with 12" expected. Man I want spring to get here real bad.

Thadius65

[RMason]

Charlie - Thanks. The customer support you give on the various threads about your products is great.

I always grab the first of the new planes to come into the store and build them. That way I can find out any tips or improvements that will help my customers. Plus, it lets me fly everything new. :D

I have always found your products to be a cut above the rest of the foamies. I also like the fact that you compete with GWS without duplicating their planes. Can't wait for the Sukhoi. Also, please do an F-18 in Blue Angels colors.

Rob

[rcguy01]

Folks, How do you set up the elevator and ailerons
for proper launching? just straight or some up? down?
Did not see this in the manual, only the maximum of up and
down movement on the elevator and ailerons stated
in manual. Thanks

[thadius65]

I must be missing something, cause I can't get my elevator(s) to move in more than one direction. Horn moves okay towards the servos/nose, but not back towards the back of the jet. The set screw (proadapter) stops it from moving and it is almost all the way in. Do I just slightly modify the foam and dig out a bit for clearance, or did I do something wrong in interpreting the instructions? (page 7 procedure 1).

Also, I just realized today that my Superbrain 969 won't do anything over 8 cells for charging. If I stay with the 8 cell 9.6v VS the 10 cell 12v, what will that do? Simply slower flight, or actually alter some other flight characteristics? Big time investment to get another charger and Lipo is not an answer either due to the poor lipo charging (dangerous) of the 969.

Thanks,

Thadius65

[gijoe]

Folks, How do you set up the elevator and ailerons
for proper launching? just straight or some up? down?
Did not see this in the manual, only the maximum of up and
down movement on the elevator and ailerons stated
in manual. Thanks

I would want to launch the plane with a little up elevator, I give the elevator a couple of clicks up and when in the air I trim them back to neutral. the ailerons should be level.

[MTwallet]

I must be missing something, cause I can't get my elevator(s) to move in more than one direction. Horn moves okay towards the servos/nose, but not back towards the back of the jet. The set screw (proadapter) stops it from moving and it is almost all the way in. Do I just slightly modify the foam and dig out a bit for clearance, or did I do something wrong in interpreting the instructions? (page 7 procedure 1).

Also, I just realized today that my Superbrain 969 won't do anything over 8 cells for charging. If I stay with the 8 cell 9.6v VS the 10 cell 12v, what will that do? Simply slower flight, or actually alter some other flight characteristics? Big time investment to get another charger and Lipo is not an answer either due to the poor lipo charging (dangerous) of the 969.

Thanks,

Thadius65

All ya gotta do is loosen the screw, rotate the control horn towards the nose a little and retighten the screw. Then you can hook up the linkage and it will move freely in both directions.

You could charge your pack as two individual 5 cell packs, or get a different charger that can handle 10 cells, or switch out the motor for a 7.2 sp400 and run it on 8 cells, or better yet, get a brushless motor.

[RMason]

For the elevator control horn, I just carved out a little foam where the screw goes. This avoids any geometry problems in the linkage. (ie. more up than down)

For the elevator position - I have mine just slightly (approx 2mm) up. It looks like a whole lot more with the elevators turned down. The trick is to hold a ruler (at least 12") to the underside of the elevator and compare it to the underside of the wing. Be careful, if you set it to where it looks level, it could have quite a bit of down and that will spoil your day. I also recommend someone else launch it for the first flight so you can have your hands on the sticks.

Flight setup -
HiMaxx 2025-4200 brushless
2.8 : 1 gear and APC 7X5 E prop
TP 2100 3s lipo

Flight Report: First flight was interesting. I left the reciever antenna coiled up inside the fuselage. OOPS :rolleyes: Also it was tail heavy with the 90-95 mm balance point. I know the addendum says to balance it at 70 - 75, but i had to try it. :rolleyes: I can happily report that the Hitec Electron 6 has at least 300 feet of range with the antenna coiled upon itself though. With power on the aft CG wasn't a problem, but it pitched up significantly when I chopped power, had to go around twice on the first landings. That increased the pucker factor knowing i had no antenna. :D

Second flight: After taping the antenna outside the plane :rolleyes: , and adding 1 oz of lead to the flat area just in front of the battery (carved out a little). It flew GREAT. The launch required just a little push with 1/2 power in the wind. (10 mph) It's not as fast as the hawk, but very comfortable. CG is now at 80mm. Very axial rolls and very fast with my aileron settings. (about double & 2 - 2 1/2 rolls per second) Unlimited vertical and hands off inverted flight. I have 10mm elevator throw (inside hole on the servo, outside hole on the elevator) and stall are a non event. Just a mush, not even a wing rock. With my power there is a little tendancy to roll with sudden power application (about 20 degrees from no power/ slow speed to full) but it is easily managable. It slows to a crawl for landing. About half - 3/4 the speed of the Hawk with the same setup.

The plastic belly cover works very well. On the last landing I hit some turbulence (wind 10 gusting to 15 now) from a couple of trees and the wing dropped. I added power and it hit a huge rut (motorcycles have distroyed or field) at about 1/4 power and it sheared off the prop shaft. The plane bounced HARD and popped up to 3 feet with almost no forward speed (see wind) but settled almost straight down gently with me holding full back stick. No damage where the Hawk would have been in several pieces.

I will be tweaking the plane for my personal preferences, but it it set up well for an intermediate pilot where it is.

CG 80 mm behind wing fuse joint.
10mm high rate 8mm low rate elevator throw
20mm aileron throw

It is very comfortable at these settings, with the ailerons a little touchy. I will probably be moving the CG back to around 85mm and put some expo in the ailerons or decrease the throw to 17mm for better point rolls. I'll also be adding a little elevator to see where the limit is. :D

I do feel that the 70-75mm CG is a little conservative and it would increase the landing speed and cause the elevator to feel mushy due to lack of responce at the recommended throw. But, this is just my opinion, go with what you feel comfortable with. I didn't get a chance to really wring it out because of the wind.

The F-16 is a much less intimidating plane than the Hawk and can be flown by a less experienced pilot. I even think it will fly well with the stock setup with a 3s lipo where the Hawk had trouble.

Rob

[Bigplumbs]

You guys are lucky to get yours. In the UK they havn't arrived yet. I have built over 22 planes and the best advice I can give regarding instructions is to use your own brain. If things don't look correct you should all know what things should be doing and if you have reasonable experience modify a little. I do however agree that Charlie should send a few kits to the US and UK along with his draft instructions and get an english speaking person to alter/adapt the instructions as they build the plane. I for one would be very happy to do this for free in return for the free kit. What do you think Charlie...... Don't let your excellent models be spoiled by poor instructions as a lot of new flyers in the UK and US will buy your kits because of their excellent looks and above all price.

www.densplanes.co.uk

[rcguy01]

Hi RMason,

Whay is the AUW of your F16?
Thanks.

[RMason]

I have no idea, let me go check.............

16oz without battery, 22 with the 3s 2100 lipo. Pretty close to the 21 the manual mentions. :D

Rob

[MTwallet]

Rob, very informative. Thanks for the flight report. I usually set my planes up for hands off inverted so I will start with 80mm CG.
By the way, since it is a full flying elevator with no hinge line, it should not mess up any geometry should you rotate the control horn on the shaft, but digging out the foam a little is also a good option.


Mike

[RMason]

Mike - but it might put some differential in due to the control horn not being 90 degrees. ;)

You will like this plane. I plan on finding the limits of the elevator throw. Do you thing 45 degrees throw would get it to do a wall? Imagine....a 3D F-16. On the other hand, it just might rip the wings off.

Rob

[MTwallet]

Mike - but it might put some differential in due to the control horn not being 90 degrees. ;)

You will like this plane. I plan on finding the limits of the elevator throw. Do you thing 45 degrees throw would get it to do a wall? Imagine....a 3D F-16. On the other hand, it just might rip the wings off.

Rob

It might, but it is an elevator with 1 servo not like 2 servos for a flaperons setup. Any differential is easily programmed out with ATV. Most guys aren't gonna use full elevator servo travel anyway on this thing. But it sounds like you might.hehe.
Speaking of 3D'ing something you might not think to 3D, take a look at this... http://www.rc-forums.com/videos/planes/
It's the second video from the top.


Mike

[RMason]

:D Love it.

I have most of my planes set up like that. It's fun to see planes that have absolutely no right doing 3D.

That's why I want to do it with the 16.

Rob

[MTwallet]

Sweet! Get some video then. That would be fun to watch!


Mike

[charlie2020]

Vector Thrust Power System.

We are going to lunch a Vector Thrust Power system in about 9-12 weeks if everything is fine! It is designed for Su-27. I hope I can bring it over to Toledo show but not 100% confidence on the schedule. With that power system you can hover and do 3D with F-16 or Su-27 or other back pushed jet model. It can also be mounted on the nose of a 3D model!

It is a dream 9 months ago and we failed on the first 2 proto type and wasted some money but this proto type seemed to be working fine. I hope this one will work out!

[RMason]

Charlie - can't wait. :D

Rob

[Ralph Brekan]

You need a vectored thrust F22! ;)

[MTwallet]

You need a vectored thrust F22! ;)
Yeah, and make it big enough to put a decent size fan unit in it too, so guys can do that if they don't want a pusher prop setup.

[rcguy01]

How can they do the Cobra, koolbit maneuvers with the SU 27/SU30?
with vector thrust? or with Canard or combination?
It is interesting to look at the control surfaces of the real SU 27/SU 30.
LE flaps, Flaperons, Canard, Elevator, Air brake, vector thrust...
So complicated, How to use them effectively???

The F16 has the same kinds of things, less the
canard and Vector thrust though.

[thadius65]

Charlie,

Any update on the discussion with Hobbico on the manual and other items described? I am stumbling through this and trying to apply some common sense, but not sure how this is going to turn out. My being new and the directions not being very helpful.

Also, my brother and I may be heading out to the Toledo show. Coming from Pennsylvania. Is it a worthwhile show? My brother and I sure have the hobby/plane bug. Multiple trips to the local hobby shop and online way to much.

Thanks,

Thadius65

[dusmmdb34]

I just received my F16 from Tower Hobbies. I am thinking of putting a Warp 4 2 turn with a P35 or 25. Will this be to much power for this airframe?

This is a really nice kit

[Loefflerh]

Would it be possible to power the UF F16 with the Himax 2015-4100 or 2015-5400 or is that underpowered?
What about the standard motor in the kit - what Kind of thrust / amps can you expect with that one - could I run that motor with the new generation Thunderpower 1320 Lipoly's?
hans

[charlie2020]

Thadius,

You are correct! Please use the 2mmx320mm black steel rod in procedure 2 on page 4 and page 5.
I also notice several mistake on spelling and others. We will re work the entire manual and put PDF format electric document in the website for download. This would take a week to 10 day to happened.

Thank you for your reminding

Toledo show is worth to come! I will be there too!

Himax motor?
The stock falcon 400 motor will deliver 9000+ RPM. If you can not boost it up to more than 10000 RPM why using a brushless! You need 125 watt input at least. I am not sure if this Himax motor may receive 125 watt of power and make the 7x5e boost up to 10000.

Anyone can help here?



Charlie

[dusmmdb34]

Charlie

I was a little confused on the dates for the SU 27. Will Tower H have them in March or April? I really need one.


I'm not kidding, I really need one

Mike

[Bigplumbs]

I would like a SU27 as well but I am in the UK any idea when they will arrive over here in the UK

www.densplanes.co.uk

[charlie2020]

Su-27 shipping and arriving!
The US shipment has been arranged to ship out next week. Arriving schedule is the last week of March. But Hobbico would require few days to clear it out of custom and ship it to LHS. I think it should be available around 4/10. Regarding UK, We are producing their forecast number. I guest it would ship out one week later. I am still waiting for their detailed instruction on the shipping arrangement. If everything is fine, it will hit UK maket around 4/25.

[charlie2020]

A new way to put on the belly part of F-16

Using double side tape to put on the belly part would be better! If there is any repair required, the belly part may be removed by a little force. It should not heart the structure of the airplane and can be repeated many times!

Su-27 has changed by using double side tape!

[rcguy01]

SU 27? Great news.
I tried to look at the SU 27 from towerhobby but
it is not in the website yet? Last time, They posted
the F16 one month before it is available. :p :p

Can't wait to get the SU 27 with vector thrust :cool: :cool:

I, and many others, was a big GWS fan but now it seems Ultrafly is
the way to go... for quality, pricing, deliver on time as promised.
GWS watches out, you have a new great competitor. They are
at least a notch better, in every aspect, than you are.


:D :D

[rcguy01]

how to launch the F16?

As always, pushers, like the F16, have torque roll effect when
you launch it. Does the Ultrafly F16 has this effect at all?
how to correct it? Thanks

[RMason]

Gooneybird -

The 16 has a little torque roll with the brushless setup, but it is easily handled by launching at 1/2 power.

Rob

[Bigplumbs]

Any one got any pics or better videos of their F16 yet. I am in the UK and still waiting on mine

www.densplanes.co.uk

[dusmmdb34]

I built my F16 in about 3 to 4 hours, actually a very easy build, like a GWS.
This is my first pusher.......... I used a cobri gear box with a 2 turn warp4 direct. With a 3s 2220 tanic, and the 7x5 prop it went to 60 + AMPS!!!, So I swithced to a smaller 6x5, still 50+ at full power, went to a 5.5 by 3 pusher prop, still way high on the amp pull. Am I doing something wrong?

Help please!! The warp 4 is rated at 32amps with 20 sec burst to 65amps, but my battery is a 26amp 3s...........
any thoughts??

[Loefflerh]

Another try for the old pilots: could the UF f16 be powered with a Himax 2015-4100 or 2015-5400? And if so what gear / prop would you suggest?
Hans

[RMason]

Hans - it probably would fly pretty well with that motor. With 3s 1320's you would have a nice light setup. Probably be able to keep it around 16-18 oz.

Rob

[thadius65]

Just about complete with my F-16.

I think my tail (elevators) 7degree is a bit off. One side looks a bit more than the other. Hopefully I can carefully "bend" without hurting the foam.

Charlie -- When you indicated using double sided tape for the belly, did you mean the foam part to the fuse, or the plastic protector to the belly? I need this info due to the screw being to short.

Also, anyone know if the Toledo show on April 1-3rd is a sell show (vendors sell their goods). If so, are prices typically good compared to normal street/internet price?

Thanks,

Ted

[RICH S]

Just about complete with my F-16.

I think my tail (elevators) 7degree is a bit off. One side looks a bit more than the other. Hopefully I can carefully "bend" without hurting the foam.

Charlie -- When you indicated using double sided tape for the belly, did you mean the foam part to the fuse, or the plastic protector to the belly? I need this info due to the screw being to short.

Also, anyone know if the Toledo show on April 1-3rd is a sell show (vendors sell their goods). If so, are prices typically good compared to normal street/internet price?

Thanks,

Ted



Are you going to fly yours stock? I tried mine today and cannot seem to get enough weight in the nose, even with a 2100 lipo. The thing pitches up and stalls. I glued the belly on and cut in an acess hatch to get to the servos and just put a clear tape hinge on. It's a nice looking plane, I whish it would fly. I'm tjinking their CG specs are way off, I've never had this much problem with a delta, and I've had a lot of them. I'm going to check the elevator operation closely as well.

[thadius65]

Stock with 8 or 10 cell is what I am going to use. I am going to start with a HECELL 9.6v 2/3a 8cell (1100mah). This mainly due to my Superbrain 969 only charging up to 8.

I will be lucky to have the first attempted flight by mid-April.