A-4 Skyhawk

[Flyboone]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/images/alf104.jpg (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/a4.htm?c1=ezone&source=trd&kw=a4)

ALF104 Alfa Model A-4 Skyhawk

22" wingspan, 29" long, 155 sq. in. wing area, 16 oz. flying weight. All hollow molded foam construction, completely pre-painted and ready for assembly. The surface of the foam is toughened and the areas on the bottom of the jet that contact the ground are made of tough plastic. The ducted fan unit is included (EDF 60/15 Mk. 2). The flight performance of this jet is simply amazing; it can easily ROG (rise off grass), and with our recommended JetScreamer motor the speed is blistering. Vertical performance is unlimited (OK, it is limited, but only by the pilots ability to keep the airplane in sight). The delta wing is very gentle in stall and slows well for soft landings. Slow speed performance is excellent and hand launching is easily done. With the addition of the optional wheel kit (ALF104W) take offs and landings from smooth surfaces are possible. Assembly is fairly easy; the wing is one piece and is glued to the fuselage after the aileron servo is installed. The ducting is smooth and elegant in design. The canopy is pre-done and is held in place by a magnet giving quick and easy access to the flight battery. Balance is critical on this airplane. The optimum balance point is molded into the bottom surface of the wing for easy reference. Waterslide decals for 3 versions of the A-4 are provided along with helpful instruction on their application. Total assembly time is about 6-8 hours. For 3-channels: Ailerons, Elevator and Throttle.

For more information and to watch the video click HERE (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/a4.htm?c1=ezone&source=trd&kw=a4)

Use this thread to discuss any and all things related to A-4 Skyhawk

[rcgfhf]

It really looks ridiculous with the small wheels. Also 22" wing span - why not make it even smaller? With all the LiPos and high power outrunners available today, why make tiny planes like this? You can't see it if you are over 50 anyway! And the faster it goes, the quicker it disappears. Well, the Hobby-Lobby guys will get older too and wake up. Hopefully sooner or later.

How about a Projecti with 50" or 60" wing span; or even bigger. And if one outrunner is not enough, strap two cheap ones on the thing.

(I fly a 81" Double Blitz with two $12 CD-ROM motors in push-pull config. It even got fixed aluminium gear on it and is still plenty fast! So why would I get this small stuff anyway?)

[ronin4740]

I'll agree it's small but at 42 I'm still able to see it and maintain orientation. Sure, I may be older than the current crop of young'uns with video game honed reflexes but I certainly like having a fast EDF or two in my hangar (I also have an Alfa Mig-15).

You don't have to install the wheels and if you're not going to add a rudder you're probably better off hand launching anyway.

Yes, I wished Alfa would make some larger prop and EDF driven planes but it's hard to beat the detail and flying characteristics that Alfa engineers into each of their planes I've owned.

If you want something larger then look at other manufacturers but if you want a fast EDF plane which pays attention to scale details, flies well and won't empty your bank account to get into the air the Alfa models fit into that category (for me anyway).

Chris

p.s. No, I'm not a Hobby Lobby employee...

[rcgfhf]

At Dymond Modelsports we can get an 60" wingspan twin Islander build out of fiberglass and with balsa wings for $149 - why the heck would I buy a 22" foamie for about the same price?

Just look at the new Mini Gee Bee R3 from Hobby-Lobby. They must be kidding. 19.5" span fomie for $68 bucks and locks like crap.

[vikram@golcha.]

I saw this little plane fly in a recent Model Aircraft meet in India and was amazed by the quality of the model and it flew very well too. It stood out on its own in the middle of much larger Jets ! I thought that before graduating to turbine jets , this would be an ideal plane to sharpen ones flying skills. Just received my kit from Hobby-Lobby and I really liked the quality of the kit . Can't wait to put it together ! Since I would be flying from grass fields , I think I can do without the wheels .

[flythetailoff]

I saw this little plane fly in a recent Model Aircraft meet in India and was amazed by the quality of the model and it flew very well too. It stood out on its own in the middle of much larger Jets ! I thought that before graduating to turbine jets , this would be an ideal plane to sharpen ones flying skills. Just received my kit from Hobby-Lobby and I really liked the quality of the kit . Can't wait to put it together ! Since I would be flying from grass fields , I think I can do without the wheels .



Let me know when you're finished building it, and how well it went together. Also, let me know how it performs. The only thing I worry about, with a very fast setup, is if it might flex. Did the kit come with any carbon reinforcements? (for the wing and fuse)

[harrymc]

Don't worry about flex, it doesn't! I've had one flying for a couple of months now and couldn't be happier! Mine uses 5 blades instead of 3, and a 1800mAh 4 cell pack and let me tell you. . . it REALLY hauls the mail! I'm 50 years old and I'm used to flying small pylon racers so it's small size is no problem for me, in fact, its size allows me to carry it with me when I travel the roads working during the week. It looks great too, you'd swear it's the real thing zooming by. Recently, at a fly-in at our club field, we had a guest that brought a large turbine powered F-22. It was one of the most impressive model aircraft I've ever seen! The crowd loved it! I flew my Alpha A-4 not long after and to my surprise the crowd moved over to my little jet and were amazed at it's performance! Even the F-22 owner came over and told me "that was the most amazing performance I've seen in a non-turbine jet, where can I get one?"
I really hate to see such negative comments such as some posts above this one. There are aircraft out there for everyone large and small, cheap and notsocheap. If you don't like it, don't buy it, but why bash it on a thread like this? I notice the basher has only 4 posts and they are all Hobby Lobby bashes so you go figure what this goofball is up to! It's a shame there are so many cowards online isn't it?
This is a quality aircraft unlike any you've seen unless you've bought an Alpha aircraft before. It flies wonderful, really tracks well and if balanced correctly is quite stable in the air! Switch the high rates on and hang on!!! This thing rolls so fast on high rates that it is just a blur! I make a high speed pass and right in front of me I pull up about 45 degrees and then hit full aileron and you should see it roll! :eek: :D (I pull up 45 degrees because I never know at what position it'll be in when I stop the roll! :p )
Yes I do love this little aircraft, I highly recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a smaller, fast, scale aircraft. There is one hitch though. . . you must be prepared to answer a lot of questions everytime you fly in front of a crowd, it's one of those kinda aircraft! :cool:

Harry

[PlaneNuttz]

I just got the jet myself and the quality and detail is outstanding! I also have the jetscreamer motor and alpha 5 blade option for the fan unit. a hxt 36 amp esc and a 11.1volt 1800 mah pack. im still considering what servos to use and any input would be greatly appreciated. as well as any building tips. looking foward to getting this one in the air. It may be small but it looks to be a performer. And thats what make a jet fun in my opinion.

[smbc]

Question,
How well does the suggested power setup by HL fly this plane? Also could I use a Thunder Power 2100 3S to fly it?

[smbc]

It really looks ridiculous with the small wheels. Also 22" wing span - why not make it even smaller? With all the LiPos and high power outrunners available today, why make tiny planes like this? You can't see it if you are over 50 anyway! And the faster it goes, the quicker it disappears. Well, the Hobby-Lobby guys will get older too and wake up. Hopefully sooner or later.

How about a Projecti with 50" or 60" wing span; or even bigger. And if one outrunner is not enough, strap two cheap ones on the thing.

(I fly a 81" Double Blitz with two $12 CD-ROM motors in push-pull config. It even got fixed aluminium gear on it and is still plenty fast! So why would I get this small stuff anyway?)
:rolleyes: :censored: :rolleyes:

[Winchweight]

Hi guys. I've just bought one of these second hand, but the motors blown. How can I get the motor out without cutting into the fuselage?

[Flyboone]

You'll have to cut the top hatch off. It is supposed to be glued on with UHU contact cement so you can get into your electronics if necessary. You should be able to cut the hatch off cleanly so you can re-glue it back on when done changing out the motor.

Jason Cole
Hobby-Lobby

[fowcat38]

Hi, I have recently purchase the Alfa !-4, I'm terrible with building as a matter of fact I really have only built one ARF. I know the directions are simple but there are no pictures. I was wondering if anyone has kept a series of picture of their build of the A-4. If there is anyone out there I would sure appreciate any help. It sure would be nice to know the "tricks of the Trade" before I mess the model up.

thanks

Fowcat

[GeekGod]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=731698 has helped me out a LOT while building my A-4.

Good luck! :)

[harrymc]

Hey fowcat!
I've built three...
Run by the house, I'll help ya with it! :p

Harry

[fowcat38]

Geek,

this is perfect, I'm just waiting for the material that I ordered to come in. harry I wish that you were closer...LOL

Thanks Again

Felix

[fowcat38]

thanks again for everyones input,

Does anyone have suggestions on suitable replacements for the motor and esc?

thanks

Fowcat