RC jets - fast fun!

RC jets, whether gas or electric powered, are the ultimate radio control flying experience if you're looking to fill that need for speed!
Larger scale turbine jets, however, are definitely not recommended for the beginner because of their speed, cost and the reaction times that you must have only come with lots of practice from flying normal rc airplanes.

But if you do like the idea of flying a model jet, then there are options available - these are basic 'entry level' models.
Such jets are still fast because of their inherent design, but they've been designed to fly slower and be more stable than other models might be.

Electric Ducted Fan jets

Probably the best introduction to flying rc jets are the electric ducted fan (EDF) Ready To Fly models. A ducted fan is a small but powerful unit that houses a multi-bladed propeller, called an impeller, that spins at very high RPM (revs/minute). Because the impeller spins so fast, and all the thrust produced is funneled through the unit, ducted fans produce a lot of power for their size, hence the faster flying speed of the model.

One example of an entry-level EDF jet trainer is the new Diablo EDF Jet Trainer from Hobbico, pictured below...

The Diablo is intended as an rc jet for the novice, and is a sensible option for a first-time jet.

Of course, if you already have some experience flying fast rc airplanes, such as the Parkzone F27C Stryker, for example, then you'll already have gained good reaction times and flying a jet such as the Diablo won't be a worry!

Gas turbine RC jets

These represent the pinnacle of model flying, but an rc jet that is powered by a true model gas turbine, such as the F14 Tomcat in the following video (reproduced, author unknown) is definitely best left alone until you have:

1. lots of confidence
2. endless hours of rc flying experience and
3. more importantly, lots of money...!!

Here's the video (as before, you might need to repeatedly hit play)...

Even a small size model jet turbine unit can cost a couple of thousand dollars, and that's before you've purchased the model jet itself! So a twin engine model, like the Tomcat in the video, is going to cost you a good few month's salary!

RC gas turbine jets are, however, the ultimate in radio control flying. Large scale jets, like the Tomcat, look and sound amazingly realistic in the air.
If you ever get a chance to see some of these on display, then do! RC club events that features these jets are becoming more and more common, and it's worth trying to locate one if you can.

RC jets on an rc simulator

There is, of course, a cheaper option if you want to try your hand at flying a proper gas turbine powered rc jet...
The amazingly realistic RealFlight G4 rc flight simulator, from Great Planes, offers a couple of turbine jets for your flying pleasure!

The options, that come with the standard G4 package, are a turbine powered Sabre and an L39. The realism of the G4 is quite stunning, and on a modern, fast computer the experience of flying these jets is quite exhilerating!
A couple of screenshots of the L39 are shown below...

One advantage rc jets have - whether virutal or real - is that they are not adversely affected by wind like many rc airplanes are, due to the higher speed and smoother aerodynamics. This is a big plus when you're flying, although obviously every model has its own limitations.
A downside is that rc jets, because of the speed, need extra airspace; a faster flying model requires much more space for turns and aerobatic maneuvers than a slower flying propeller airplane, and you need to remember this when flying one!

But flying any type of rc jet is always an adrenalin-filled experience, and with radio control and electronic technology forever improving and reducing in cost, more and more model jets will become available for the lesser-experienced amongst us!

The Diablo rc jet featured on this page is available from Red Rocket Hobby Shop.

Reading about rc jets

As with all aspects of radio control flying, subscribing to a magazine is one of the best ways of staying up to date.
Radio Control Jet International is the only magazine dedicated to rc jets, packed with lots of useful info, tips, reviews etc.

Related pages

Model jet engines - the ultimate rc model power units

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