F/A-18 HORNET (MF480)
Hi,
My favorite jet of all time is the F/A-18 Hornet and this my EDF version. Since I have done a few in different sizes this page is devoted to my single fan powered version and I call it F/A-18(MF). This model was first built from mostly foam but was later redesigned to be built from balsa with foam wings.
PROTOTYPE 1.......The foamie
PROTOTYPE 2..........Built-up fuse/ foam wing
The F/A-18(MF) above is 38 inches long with a 29 inch wings span. This particular model is finished in .75oz glass cloth and dope, so this model is a bit heavy at 40oz with 10 1000cell. The model now has a more scale 25 inch span. This increased top-end speed with manuverbility and low speed handling suffering only slightly. It has been flown with 10 1000mah cells, 9-10 800mah cells, and 9-8 500mah cells. The F/A-18(MF) has the internal space to carry 9 2000 cells but since I have no Minifan480 combo that requires this amount of power I haven't found a need to use it. But some of the speed hungry jet jockeys might!
To date the lighter setup of the jet (9 500 cells) can easily be hand launched. The heavier 9-10 800 setup requires a more experienced throw. I would not throw the 10 1000 cell version! I normally use a bungee.
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Video now up!
Here is a video of the F/A-18MF in flight, about 30sec. Weather conditions for this sortie were 67degrees winds at 10-15mph humidity at 70%, so the weather guy said.
The model was configured with 10 800 cells and the MF480/HP-200-20-6 combo. Launch was via bungee. I would have liked to have done some "on the deck" footage but the bumpy air prevented me from doing so. CLICK ON THE FLIGHT READY HORNET FOR VIDEO! Qucktime 4.1 may be required (it's free.)
TAILCONES/EXHAUST NOZZLES
As with most of my projects I use a lot of items that I find around the house or that are readily available and the F/A-18MF is no exception. This is my method and you really should try to modify it to suit your taste.
To start you first you need to find at least two lightweight plastic drinking cups. I used the JELLO snack cups for mine but any small cup will do as you will be trimming to fit. Just for reference, the top of the JELLO cups measures 2.45", the bottom is 2" in diameter and is 2" tall.
The cones are attached with paper clips and straight pins pushed into balsa blocks. These balsa blocks are glued to the end formers. They should be about 1/4" thick and placed in the position shown in the snapshot at the end. The pins are pushed through the cones at an angle to prevent the sides of the cones from moving. If you would like to use screws and hardwood that is really up to you.
You will need to remove about a quarter section of each cone/cup. If you are using JELLO cups you will also need to trim away the flat flange on the top and cut off the bottom. Next temporarily tape the cups/cones together, top and bottom, with about 1/2" gap.
Trial fit the cups/cones to the model you may need to trim and/or retape until you get the LOOK of tailcones. When finished apply some lightweight glass and CA to the inside of the cones to hold them together or simply apply more tape. This is the center joint is were the paper clips slide over it and the MF480 exhaust tube.
THANKS to all that received plans from me!
