From the Field -- E-flite F-18 Hornet 80mm EDF Flight Review (The RC Geek)
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- Опубликовано: 6 янв 2020
- Here's my field review of the E-flite F-18 Hornet. I've really been enjoying this airplane greatly! I really like how the airplane flies as it has great scale presence. The model itself is well engineered, looks good and those landing gear are sick! There are some things to be aware for takeoff ground handling based on the landing gear which I talk about, but once tuned, the airplane makes beautiful scale takeoffs. Oh, and don't miss the surprise at the end of the vid, haha! My full article with CG, throws and Dx file is at: thercgeek.com/EFF18
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Развлечения
As an RC pilot with 40 years of experience with sailplanes (but none with jets) ...I truly appreciated your attention to things that matter (CG/CL relationship, flap/elevator mix, rates, battery choices). Torn between this and the Blue Angel color scheme. Agree that the sound and "realism" of afterburners are what set this apart from other ARFs.
Thanks! Of the two, I really enjoy the BA scheme. I cleaned it up and removed all of the non scale missiles for the scheme. Looks really cool that way.
Another excellent video telling us exactly how to set up these planes for the best flight performance and safety. Thank you!
Thank you!
Hey Chris, loved the flights! Very nice flying model! Centerburner looks awesome too! The video guy did a great job as well!
Thank you very much!
Great video as always Chris, really love your builds, setups and flight reviews, this jet really looks great and presents well, thanks for sharing 👍🏼👍🏼💥🔥
Thanks man! I really like flying this model a lot...good chance it’ll be getting a refinish. 😊
Always the best content from you, Chris!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your kind comments!
Pretty sweet Chris! E-flite and Freewing making some nice 80mm edfs,with the inrunner motors and gear doors finally! Price not bad either! Thanks!
Agree been buying eflite planes got my 1st freewing f35... eflite is not far behind good quality
I like that you fly like an actual F-18 would at an airshow. Very clean!
Thank you!
The SOUND is amazing.
Agreed, this one sounds great in the air!
I just built the Blue Angels one. The 12-bladed fan makes all the difference!
Is this what it sounds like out of the box???? Cuz I’m sold lol
Yes, that is the sound coming from the model.
Great flying man. Love the out takes.
Thanks man! 😊
Bro I'm pretty new to this, and thank you for the tutorial regarding the relationship between the CG and the main tires.
I’m really glad it was helpful!
I fly jets in the Air Force and watching this got me almost as excited as seeing the real thing rocket around, looks and sounds real!
Awesome!!
@@Thercgeek I’ve only done trucks so far, if I wanted to get into aircraft, even with my experience I’m guess this would be too intense for a first one?
Another great job Chris ! I really do like that thing with all the stores. That really makes it one bad looking jet. Thanks for all the information.
Thank you! It does look good fully loaded, but I'll be honest, it flies a little nicer clean. When I refinish this one, I'll probably do a hybrid kind of loadout based on what I've seen in pictures of the full size.
@@Thercgeek That would be really cool. Look forward to seeing that.
Chris that's a really cool smartphone cover, the flying was ok also :P lol j/k excellent flying vid with lots of very useful information! Thanks for posting. Greetings from Belgium!
Thanks man! I greatly appreciate you watching and following along. :)
Very helpful information, thank you. Killer flights. Hoping for a blue angel version. But until then l guess I'll get one.
Thanks man! It’s definitely one for the more experienced jet pilot. I love it!
Full flying wing, tailerons toe in on the rudder made this aircraft really come to life! With full wing flaps and rudder toe in, it becomes stall proof. It basically waddles as it gets close to stall sped, but will never fall off a wing until you reduce the throttle to idle and full up elevator. It slows the landings to a crawl, but the tailerons and rudder become your primary pitch and roll control.
Awesome! I want to play with that on mine also. How’d you deal with getting underneath the wood plate to access the additional servo wires? I played a little bit with it to see what it would take to lift it up and it is pretty over glued in there.
Lift up from the back strap. We cut into the turtle deck behind the cockpit along the panel lines with a sharp razor at an angle. We installed it back with waterproof silicone. I set it up on my DX/IX20 radios. I have the file saved.
The extensions are glued so you may have to remake a few extensions for the rudder and elevator.
Ah, good insight! I’ve pulled the straps out, I’ll have to see about getting that rear one back in for the purposes of removing the plate. Can you send me some pics? I’d love to try out your programming too if you’re willing to send the dx/I’d file. Please shoot me an email through my contact form if you don’t mind: thercgeek.com/contact
Cool review! Eflite really stepping up with the latest edfs! Can you also demonstrate the smart battery and esc telemetry next time?
Thanks! Yes, I'm working on a vid all about the SMART tech. Will be a little bit before I have that done though as I'm still testing it all out. The 18 doesn't actually have the SMART tech packaged with it.
I so need one of these!!🛬🛫✈️
I enjoyed it, thx!
Nice montage too!
Thank you! 😊
Really good video.
Thank you!
Afterburners really are very cool !!
Thanks!
Chris. Great flights even with the inclimate weather. I’m from the South here on the East coast and we are expericing a wet winter too. Love the thorough review as always. I’m interested in the SMART tech as well. Please let us know what you think of it in future videos. Thanks for sharing. 👍😊
Thanks man! So rare for us to get rained on, but I wasn’t going to let it spoil the fun. 😉. I have been playing with the smart tech and will be putting something together about it.
The RC Geek ..... I understand-the way I look at it...If there not a downpour or lightning-keep on flying...👍. Looking forward to review on SMART tech. I like to hear reviews from users like you rather than rely on the seller. Many Thanks! 👊😊
Which is better? That f18 or the blue angels one?
Excellent review!!!! Ima need to fly one of deeezzz
Gracias! It really is a sweet model man.
Damn that thing sounds good!
It is a good sounding install for sure!
Ciao bellissimo volo, vorrei comprare l'18 ,puoi dirmi se'il carrello e' tutto in metallo? Le parti bianche del carrell sono in plastica? Grazie ciao
Did you ever do the camo scheme?
*subbed +1
so true, I recall living in Sausalito yrs ago, no rain for months!
You know, I never did. I got the blue angel instead, haha!
Hey Chris great review helped me out a lot I actually had a quick question did you have any problems with screwing in the rudder because a lot of people including me have had problems with that
I did have a little difficulty with one of them. I just drilled out the hole a little bit and that took care of it.
The RC Geek ok thank you for your time
@rcgeek thanks for the vids. I have a handful of e flight and PZ planes and one Edf. No issues when it comes to flying them.
Question; I would love to find one of these f18 but seems to be discontinued but FMS has a few. Is fms planes/Edf’s a big step up, harder to fly? Thanks
Fms and eflite are on the same level imo. I don’t have any experience with their 70mm f18, but at one time they offered this same f18 but in a different paint scheme.
Chris, which one is the afterburner from? Gooniacs? Lightburner? Great jet, have it as well.
It's the original centerburner from yours truly. ;) thercgeek.com/the-centerburner
I want to set the flight controls to act like the real plane. So flaps and ailerons work together and the elevator help with roll when flaps are down. Does anyone know how this eflite f 18 will fly with this setup?
I have had a couple guys mention they’ve done it and that it flies really well that way. I’m hoping to do that at some point too. It’ll take quite a bit of work to get all the servo connections you need to do it. The wood tray needs to be lifted up so you can access all of the connections. You’ll likely have to add your own connectors to some of the leads also as I understand.
Worked on Com/Nav gear on the FA-18!
Very cool!!
I was a power liner on the f18
I wish the video would have been done at a time w less road traffic because the edf sound is amazing.
Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the beast. I have been able to work some of that out better more recently with my mic setup. Try this one: ruclips.net/video/5G0m6i-Xzj8/видео.html
I like this Phantom very much, and as always, your scale flying is spot on. I'm curious f you enjoy this F-18 Hornet 80mm as much as your RED Freewing F-4 Phantom?
I think overall, my preference would be to the F-4.
I have a question, as program/mixing isnt my strong point.
I was wondering is it possible to have a mix/2 flight modes
1. Flight mode, would be standard flying ailerons and elevators doing their own job.
2. Would be a take off/landing mode where the ailerons and flaps would become a full length flap and the elevators would become elevons
I have a 14sg if that's any help, but wondering if this type of setup would be feasible, also I'm looking into mixing the rudders so that I can have them both pivot in on a switch like the real thing does on a carrier TO
This is possible, yes. However you’ll have to pull up the wood plate in there and do a bit of reconfiguring of the connectors and servo wires to do it. The way this comes out of the box, the elevator and aileron servos are tied together to each other and in order to do a mix like that, they all need to be separate.
@@Thercgeek hahah, yeah I saw the comment below just after I commented. I imagined that the ailerons and elevators are probably y harnessed for simplicity, and would need to be rewired.
I've watched your video on your Freewing F14 where you have 2 flight mode and switch back and forth with the sweep of the wing
Thanks for the vid'. I will do maiden for this bird soon. What is your final CG point and configuration when you set the CG. thank you.
I’d recommend setting the cg per the vid (75-80mm) with the gear down.
@@Thercgeek Thank you very much!
What is your mix for elevator on the flap
I’d have to look, but that’s shown in both vids in detail. The BA and this gray 18 are the same, only difference is the paint scheme.
Wonderful jet !
Magnificent sound !!!
I suppose it's a single EDF engine with 2 "outlets " ..... Right ?
Which one do you like more : E-Flite F18 Hornet..... or ...... E-Flite SU-30 ?
Cheers !
Of the 2, I prefer the F-18. I really like how scale it feels flying it.
Hi Chris, I noticed in your notes what seems to me as an external BEC. Is this right? I am stepping into edfs, guess with the E-Viper, therefore, will be great to know the positives of having an external BEC and how do you set it up. Perhaps an educational video on that? Thanks for the review.
Sure, I’ll think about something like that. For factory assembled foam aircraft, I just use what’s provided which is always a bec of some sort whether external or internal in the esc. For aircraft I build, I’ll always use a separate receiver battery. That’s the best solution since it’s isolated from the esc and main battery. But that doesn’t usually make sense for smaller models. So in those cases an external bec is better than one that’s in the esc.
@@Thercgeek Thanks. Looking forward 👍
what is loudest best sounding eflite edf
The eflite F-16 is probably one of the best sounding box stock edf jets. The F-18 comes close too.
I want to ask, what is the width of the plane and the length of the plane? I am from indonesia🙏🇮🇩
The wingspan is 980mm and the length is 1350mm.
Would you prefer this or EF f16 80mm?
At this point, probably the F-16. It’s just generally more maneuverable and forgiving as well compared to the F-18.
We’re the heck can I get one, I hate how they discontinued all of the authentic jets like the F4 phantom and the F 18
Yeah, that is a bummer because these were pretty awesome! I’d recommend putting a want ad out on RC groups for one. I’m sure someone has one they’d part with.
@@Thercgeek Fr like I’ve always been obsessed with these fighters but they Stopped making the F4 Phantom the blue Angels the Ec1500 f18 super hornet, I tried asking The guys I know at this hobby shop and they said they can’t even find them lol And they have everything else LMAO
Интересно! спасибо огромное!
I just built the Eflite Blue Angel version. I’m torn- Buy a couple afterburners from you, or take the motor, esc and the receiver out and just look at it. I could just take it to the field and pretend to look cool.
Oh! I got it! My Freewing a-10 80mm has sat in the basement for 18 months, never been flown. I bet it could use some company.
Hahaha, whatever works! 😁
@@Thercgeek being of average skill coupled with a short, bumpy runway is a recipe for disaster. Good thing I like building and repairing as much as flying. (I get Get Well cards from Horizon Hobby, MotionRC and Hobby Zone if they haven’t gotten an order for replacement parts in a month)
How does this jet compare to the freewing 90mm f18? Which one is better?
Unfortunately, I’ve not flown the freewing. I’ve heard good things about it, but they also had a major recall on the elevator servos I think. Interestingly, the eflite and freewing are almost identical in size.
I hear the eflite is a sluggish in the speed department compared to the freewing. I may go eflite just based on price though
It’s not the fastest eflite jet but it has really good power. Looks great in the air.
Dear Chris, I'm on the fence of buying this jet but I have seen too many people crashed theirs due to the "elevator failure" which for now is preventing me from getting it. What are your thoughts on this, Chris? Should I still get it? Thank you!
Well, I’m not too familiar with the issue truthfully and can only talk to my own experiences with it. It’s a unique setup, but it’s been solid for me as I’ve not experienced any elevator issues at all on mine. My friend has one and it’s been the same for him as well.
@@Thercgeek Thank you for the response. I really want to get this jet. I have the 90 MM F 22 and the 90MM F4 Phantom and I can fly those two confidently so do you think I can fly this F 18?
Does this have gyro stabilization
Yes, the bins and fly version does.
Hello again, Chris! Regarding takeoffs, on some forums I have read that in order for easier takeoffs without having to really pull back on the elevator or use up all of the runway, that some pilots are setting their elevators for a neutral position with 4-5mm deflection down (up is down, down is up - right?). I think they are doing this mechanically with their servo's. Anyways, if I were to do that, would that mean the F-18 would constantly want to pitch up during flight due to setting the elevators with a bit of down at it's neutral position? You did not mention anything in that regards in this video. You even said not to worry about elevator flap mix until you get comfortable with the airplane - which I agree wholeheartedly. I definitely want to add this plane eventually but I am trying to do all of my homework on it. I just wanted to hear your take on it. I appreciate all the help! And again, really appreciate the time you take to explain these things. Helps my engineering mind to know a little more what all of these things mean.
Welp, just heard you say at the end you had to add more elevator up trim. I am assuming you mean for takeoffs?
So, the airplane requires an up elevator mix with the flaps. If you don’t have that set right, the airplane will fight you. So, my comment was in relation to getting that mix set to your liking first in the air and for landings before using it for takeoff. Using flaps on takeoff does help quite a bit with the takeoffs. The mechanical vid your describing is simply putting in up elevator which will end up getting trimmed out in the air. So, that’s not the approach you want to take. Get the airplane trimmed, get the flap/elevator mix sorted and you should be good. My settings should get you started on the right foot in that sense.
@@Thercgeek thanks, Chris! I know I’ve been asking a lot of dumb questions lately but I really appreciate all of your help. Great work again! 😎🤙🏼
Hi Chris. Is it possible to have too much "differential" on the primary control surfaces ? All of my setups are as you recommended. Except differential. My -F-18's.Yes.Plural, keep crashing. Everything is fine up until I initiate a turn. The plane responds just like having loss of signal. What if I just did not have enough control authority to correct the turns ? It is the only common denominator in "ALL" of my F-18's.
Do you have aileron differential programmed in? Any particular reason why that is?
The differential will definitely change the roll response. Typically you’d use that on a high lift wing design, but for jets I find the equal up/down throw seems to work best based on my experience. The other thing is airspeed. If it’s dropping off in the roll, I wonder if the model could be too slow in the turn?
@@Thercgeek My mistake. It's "EXPO" not differential. I use expo on all of my other jets with no issues. What am I missing ?
When you initiate the turn, what does the airplane do? You provide a roll input, how does it respond specifically? Also, is this just with one model or has it been with more than one of the same model and we’re they with the same receiver? I’m wondering about the gyro.
@@Thercgeek Hi Chris. Two different receivers. One with gyro the other without. The plane feels heavy on the ailerons in both configurations. The elevator feels fine .If nose heavy the elevator feels heavy. With your setup, the elevator feels lighter. Have just completed the repairs. Will try again with another receiver plus use a Spektrum 4000 mah battery.
I just put together this plane going to fly it tomorrow man very nice quality very very nice plane
Awesome! Good luck on the maiden!
The RC Geek thanks
The RC Geek 6 flights today o man what a plane she flys nice I set the mix by the books half flaps she’s is dialed in thanks for the video you uploaded of it very helpful
@@octane2099 Awesome man, congrats!!
Did you dubbed in the realistic jet sound ? It sounds like a real turbine engine.
No dubbing at all. That’s all from the airframe. The edf in this jet has a great sound to it!
@@Thercgeek nice as ice.. cream.
Is this like a real jet Motor in it or is it electric?
This has an electric ducted fan in it.
Its a blowdryer motor I think...
Hi. Cool🙂
Das ist leider so schwer zugänglich. Greetings.
I start with the easyglider.😏
Thank you so much for the great review! I'm looking to replace my FMS F-35 as a mainstay EDF plane and I think this may have just sold me!
That said, I typically fly from a grass surface (hand launch and belly land) would you say that this plane is up for a grass landing?
This is a great flying jet, but best to have some decent experience before jumping into it. Mostly just from the takeoff and what’s required there. In the air, it’s awesome!
I forgot to address your grass question. I'd say it could probably handle a grass landing, but takeoff would be difficult based on the small size of the tires. It's definitely not a hand launch airplane though.
@@Thercgeek Thanks! I've only been flying for a little while (since '07) so I might have a slight clue what I'm doing, although my videos may suggest otherwise :) That said, my buddy Chris and I are looking for a new place to fly and knowing that pavement may be a requirement is important. Thanks again!
Could you estimate a top speed on this model?
I would guess the max top speed to be around 100-110mph max. It’s not the fastest edf, but it’s a great scale flyer.
@@Thercgeek thanks!
It is for sale?
Yup! Available here bit.ly/EflHornet
Get too dah chappah! Nooww 😂😂
Too bad was a cloudy day I bet it looks great blue sky
It does indeed!
I wish e-flight released them in all grey without the decals.
I agree with you. That’s how the 80mm F-16 comes which is nice. Easier for customizing.
Good info, but every video I see of this aircraft it takes forever to rotate. They need to lengthen the nose gear and get the incidence up.
Lengthening the nose gear helps along with flaps, but I'll be honest, I do like how scale the takeoff looks. :)
Hello sir I'm intermediate pilot
Can I fly this
I’d so most likely. Do you have high performance aircraft experience or have you flown any edfs before?
Could you explain "exfo" to a "newbie"
It’s an exponential input in the radio which is another knob you can turn to tune the feel of the airplane. It basically tunes the center dead band in the radio. Most airplanes don’t need it, but sometimes it helps.
Just 3.5 min flight time?
It’s really a function of how hard you fly it. For my flying style, 3.5minutes on the timer seems about best which is my point to start my landing setup.
@@Thercgeek gotcha! Thanks! And great flying btw! I’m nowhere near good enough to fly one!
I prefer to make-my-own. A A-10, F-106, B-52, B-1(crash & burn), S-3, and Boeing 767(FedEx paychecks afford the pricey hobby).
I hope that's a FRIA you're flying at and you're flying within your 400' bubble!
;)
Why did i buy this jet...? Lol
Way cool jus kinna slow
It’s definitely not the fastest edf out there, but I love how it flies personally. 😊
@@Thercgeek what do you think compared to the viper 70mm, is the viper faster?
Honestly, they’re probably pretty close in speed. The viper is a little smaller and so will appear faster.
Why does this have front and back seats? F/A-18 is a single seat fighter.
*Ah! Super hornet can be a multi-crew aircraft. Answered my own question. Thanks me! You're welcome! No prob and huge peen! Oh I know, thanks for noticing!
Legacy B and D and Super F models are two seaters. The model is a D model.