Affordable airshow performance in a fantastic color scheme.
“Showcasing the pride and precision of today’s Air Force”—that’s the motto of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the “Thunderbirds.” Based at Nellis Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada, the name is derived from local Native American legend of a mythical bird that creates thunder by clapping its wings and shoots lightning from its eyes.
The first time I saw the Thunderbirds in person, they were flying F-4 Phantom II fighters. I was just a wide-eyed kid at the time, but when the four planes of the diamond formation lit the afterburners to take off, there was no doubt that they lived up to their namesake. Even today, the sight of the Thunderbirds’ six-plane formation doing a flyover with smoke on gives me chills and makes me proud to be an American.
The aircraft of choice for the Thunderbirds since 1982 is the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and E-flite recently introduced the 70mm EDF F-16 in both Plug-N-Play (PNP) and Bind-N-Fly (BNF) Basic with AS3X versions. The F-16 is constructed out of injection-molded EPO foam, which is both light and easy to repair. The model includes retractable landing gear, a 12-blade 70mm electric ducted-fan unit with 70-amp speed control, and six 9g servos. The BNF Basic version also comes with a Spektrum AR636 AS3X stabilized receiver and requires only a 6S battery; the PNP version requires both a battery and a 5+-channel receiver.
The F-16 is easy to assemble, and while it’s easy to fly for a jet, it’s still a jet and requires intermediate airmanship skills.
UNIQUE FEATURES
This story is from the September 2019 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2019 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Legend Hobby / Seagull Models - Cessna Grand Caravan 208
The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is a legend in aviation circles. A single engine utility aircraft that punches up with capabilities that rival many twin engine aircraft in its class. Its seemingly simple configuration belies its near extreme utility.
PROPER CG LOCATION FOR AEROBATICS
If you are getting into aerobatics and are starting to perform more advanced maneuvers, it is time to discuss ways you can not only become a better pilot, but how you can also improve the flight characteristics of your airplanes.
Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1
This famous multi-mission single engine observation aircraft served from 1950-1974. From calling out target locations to providing intel/recon information, the Bird Dog was a valued asset in both the Korean War and Vietnam.
EARN YOUR WINGS
10 Tips for First-Flight Success
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.
FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy
Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.
HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS
Four easy steps to increase performance and reduce vibration
PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL
I’m a sucker for shop stuff. I buy tools I will probably never use just because they are cool, or I might need to use them someday. When Glen from RC Plane Stands reached out about a review, however, I knew as soon as I browsed their website that I would be receiving something I would use a lot, maybe even daily.
SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER
A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
The secret to a plane that flies well
