EDF/BDF F16

Splinter189 · Sep 12, 2019

Today I started work on a BDF F16. The design is based on a smaller model I had done earlier this year.

Super excited about this prototype. Looking forward to seeing how it flies and ironing out remaining design changes.

Sorry pics aren't in correct order, mobile makes it difficult.

Michael9865 · Sep 12, 2019

Looks great.

Splinter189 · Sep 13, 2019

Finished, final weight with a 2500 6s battery is 2.78lbs.

Overall I'm pretty happy with this prototype, got a half dozen things to change(and counting) for the next one)

datamichael · Sep 13, 2019

Awesome work! What laser cutter are you using?

Splinter189 · Sep 13, 2019

Quick flight of the F16, I might have wired something up wrong lol.

Splinter189 · Sep 13, 2019

datamichael said:
Awesome work! What laser cutter are you using?

Its a full spectrum48x36

Splinter189 · Sep 14, 2019

Built another F16 today...make sure you watch till the end1😎😎

Just like the previous one, I am experimenting with the Ben Harbers BDF. Tons of people are asking about these and asking "are they a replacement for EDFs?" My best answer is, BDFs are going to be a great economical alternative to EDFs on certain airframes. What makes BDFs so affordable is they are built from 2207 drone motors, off the shelf props and 3d printable housings.

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am about what this is going to mean for the @flitetest community😁😁

All the wiring and motor KV seemed OK on yesterday's F16, but it appears that the thrust tube was too restrictive and caused the motor to overheat and lock up. So now we will begin opening the thrus tube up incrementally until the BDF is matched up to the airframe. Its all kind of a guessing game, that what makes this so fun!!!

The F16 I am running today came it out 2lbs 6oz with battery, a couple oz lighter than yesterdays.
There were a few other changes that I made as well. The intake in the airframe is way too small. I was able to add slots right where the skin meets the wing to allow more airflow. A BBQ skewer spanned the two formers to keep the skins from collapsing in. Also added some reinforcement to the canopy and nose section. This will also help with ensuring the shape of the nose turns out better.

Anyway, check out the vid, it was certainly an improvement over yesterday, looks like I need to open up thrust tube a bit more.

Splinter189 · Sep 20, 2019

Worked all week on several designs. Since the BDF diameter is much larger than a standard EDF addition airflow was required. I added some cheater slots right under the wing. what a fun plane!

man-bot · Sep 20, 2019

Splinter189 said:
Built another F16 today...make sure you watch till the end1😎😎

Just like the previous one, I am experimenting with the Ben Harbers BDF. Tons of people are asking about these and asking "are they a replacement for EDFs?" My best answer is, BDFs are going to be a great economical alternative to EDFs on certain airframes. What makes BDFs so affordable is they are built from 2207 drone motors, off the shelf props and 3d printable housings.

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am about what this is going to mean for the @flitetest community😁😁

All the wiring and motor KV seemed OK on yesterday's F16, but it appears that the thrust tube was too restrictive and caused the motor to overheat and lock up. So now we will begin opening the thrus tube up incrementally until the BDF is matched up to the airframe. Its all kind of a guessing game, that what makes this so fun!!!

The F16 I am running today came it out 2lbs 6oz with battery, a couple oz lighter than yesterdays.
There were a few other changes that I made as well. The intake in the airframe is way too small. I was able to add slots right where the skin meets the wing to allow more airflow. A BBQ skewer spanned the two formers to keep the skins from collapsing in. Also added some reinforcement to the canopy and nose section. This will also help with ensuring the shape of the nose turns out better.

Anyway, check out the vid, it was certainly an improvement over yesterday, looks like I need to open up thrust tube a bit more. View attachment 142685 View attachment 142686 View attachment 142688 View attachment 142689 View attachment 142690 View attachment 142691 View attachment 142692

Hahaha hah!

That boy flys like I do. Push the throttle to the stop then just steer.

I been waiting to see a battery explode in on of these test vids.

Looking at the framecwork for the motor mount I would make the cross beams thicker and lose the part I assume wraps around the motor.

Quad motors need LOTS of air thru them unlike plane motors that can live with air moving around them.

vicentel · Sep 27, 2019

I love it. The work you do is amazing. Your designs for this F-16, F-18 and the F-14 are among my favorite. I have limited funds so I'm holding off buying anymore airplane kits until these get released so I can build them.

kam · Oct 3, 2019

great.where can download plan?

whackflyer · Oct 3, 2019

kam said:
great.where can download plan?

The plans have not been released yet. Keep watching this thread. Hopefully this plane will be a FliteTest release in the future.

kam · Oct 3, 2019

whackflyer said:
The plans have not been released yet. Keep watching this thread. Hopefully this plane will be a FliteTest release in the future.

thank you
I wish release as soon as possible.

UmitOner · Oct 31, 2019

Where is the exact position of the engine?

PoorManRC · Oct 31, 2019

That's an EXCITING addition John!!! 😎👋👋👋👋
I worked on those back in the early 90'S. The flight characteristics and Wing Loading are actually impressive, considering that it's a frontline, HIGHLY maneuverable Fighter Jet!
It was designed to be as simple as the F-15 is complicated!! 😯

I really don't understand what exactly a BDF is... But it LOOKS like it could be a viable alternative to power the FT A-10, IN THE Engine Nacelles!! 👍👍

It appears that you've got some REALLY sweet Planes in n the Shop, waiting for final approval and release. 😉
CAN'T WAIT!!!

PoorManRC · Oct 31, 2019

.... Maybe an EDF and BDF version could be available, so we can choose according to Budget.

(For me "budget" is a legitimate JOKE!, but I'm dreaming!) 😉