The ultimate purchasing advice: F-16 Falcon 80mm EDF Jet - A masterpiece of RC model aviation

Are you looking for a highly detailed, powerful EDF jet that impresses both with its optics and its flying characteristics? The E-flite F-16 Falcon 80mm EDF Jet Smart BNF Basic with SAFE Select could be exactly what you are looking for. In this detailed guide you will learn everything you need to know about this impressive model to make a sound purchase decision.

Technical data and specifications at a glance

Before we dive into the details, here is an overview of the most important technical data of the model:

The high-quality Falcon-Jet combines true-scale details with impressive performance in a package that is suitable for both advanced pilots and ambitious beginners (with appropriate support).

The experience F-16 Falcon – What you can expect

Detailed and true to scale

The F-16 Falcon 80mm EDF already impresses with its extraordinary detail. The designers at E-flite have placed particular emphasis on the so-called "Extra Scale" details in this model. This includes:

• Embossed panel lines and hatches
• Simulated antennas, sensors and instruments
• A true scale replica of the fighter aircraft variant flew by the USA and numerous allied air forces
• Optional armoring including six rockets and three additional tanks

This detail loyalty sets new standards in the class of the 80mm EDF jets and makes the model a real eye-catcher, both on the ground and in the air.

Functional features

In addition to the purely optical details, the Falcon also offers functional extras that make the flight experience even more realistic:

• LED navigation and landing lights
• Fully movable height wheels
• Sequencing chassis flaps
• Scale-scattered retractable suspension – the most realistic yet with an F-16 EDF model

These functions contribute significantly to the authentic appearance and flight behavior and lift the model of comparable products.

Performance and flight characteristics

The built-in V2 12-sheet 80mm Impeller combined with the powerful 2100Kv brushless internal rotor motor and the 100-ampere controller delivers impressive flight performances in combination with a 6S 4000-7000mAh LiPo battery:

• Excellent vertical performance
• Wide speed spectrum
• Almost delay-free response to gas sinks
• Efficient drive for longer flight times

What distinguishes this drive system is the fantastic sound it generates – almost like a real turbine. The efficiency of the system even exceeds the performance of many 90mm models while improving flight time.

Customer experiences and reviews

What pilots appreciate

Experienced RC pilots praise at the F-16 Falcon of E-flite especially:

1. Excellent flying properties: The combination of the powerful drive and the aerodynamically optimized cell ensures stable and yet agile flight behavior. In particular, the vertical power is repeatedly emphasized positively.

2. Detailed: Many customers are thrilled with the numerous scale details that the model offers. The milled panel lines, the realistic antennas and the optional arming create an authentic appearance.

3. SAFE Select Technology: This feature is particularly appreciated by pilots who dare to move to jets. It provides additional stabilization and support when needed.

4. Quality and processing: The robust EPO design and the high-quality pre-installed components are consistently rated positively.

Critical votes

Of course, there are also some points that have been critically noted by users:

1. Price level: Some pilots feel the purchase price is relatively high, especially when additional components such as batteries and chargers have to be purchased.

2. Weight: With just under 3.7 kg, the Falcon is not an easy weight. This requires a corresponding runway and solid flight experience.

3. Complexity: Despite the high degree of pre-production, the model requires sound RC knowledge for optimal setting and safe operation.

The flight behaviour in the test

Increased power and speed

In practical tests, the E-flite F-16 Falcon shows impressive performance data. With a fully charged 6S 5000mAh LiPo battery, the model reaches:

• Vertical pitch rate of several meters per second
• Speeds that can be significantly above 150 km/h depending on the setting and battery
• Impressive acceleration from the stand and in curves

The power reserves also allow challenging manoeuvres such as rollers, loopings and knife flights, which underlines the versatility of the model.

Flight times

Flight times vary depending on the battery used and flight style:

• With a 6S 4000mAh battery: about 4-5 minutes in sporty flying style
• With a 6S 5000-6000mAh battery: approx. 5-7 minutes
• With a 6S 7000mAh battery: up to 8 minutes at moderate flight style

These values are above the comparable 90mm EDF models, which confirms the efficiency of the drive system. Thanks to intelligent energy management and extensive gas use, flight times can be further optimized.

Material quality and processing

Robust design for durable use

The F-16 Jet is made of fully shaped EPO foam, a material that is characterized by its robustness and low weight. The processing of the model is at a very high level:

• Precise fit of all components
• High-quality surface with realistic painting
• Stable connections between the individual components
• Robust hinges and hinges

The pre-installed nine digital servos with metal gear and ball head linkages provide precise control movements and long durability. The retractable suspension is also solid and well designed for normal landings on fixed slopes.

Long-term experiences

Long-term users report a good durability of the model for proper treatment. The spare part supply is particularly positively evaluated by e-flite, which is still ensured even after a long time.

Transport and storage

The Falcon-Jet has quite considerable dimensions with a span of one meter and a length of about 1.45 meters. For transport, please note:

• A suitable transport vehicle with sufficient space (combi or SUV)
• A special transport box or at least protective covers for sensitive parts
• Protection against slipping during transport

For storage, a dry, temperature-stable space is recommended, ideally with a special suspension or positioning surface, in order to avoid deformations.

Spare parts supply and support

Availability of spare parts

The spare part supply for the E-flite F-16 Falcon is very good. All relevant parts are available both through trade and online:

• Structures such as hull, wings and guides
• Electronic components such as motor, controllers and servos
• Small parts such as hinges, screws and fastening elements

The manufacturer Horizon Hobby, which belongs to the brand E-flite, is known for its good support and usually keeps spare parts available for several years.

Community support

An active community has developed around the e-flite products, offering valuable tips and support in various forums and social media:

• Special Facebook Groups for E-flite-Jets
• RC forums with own areas for EDF-Jets
• YouTube channels with maintenance and setup leads

These community resources are particularly valuable for beginners who want to benefit from the experience of other pilots.

Who is the Falcon-Jet suitable for?

Target group

The E-flite F-16 Falcon 80mm EDF Jet Smart BNF Basic is aimed primarily at:

• Advanced RC pilots with experience in the field of fast electric flight models
• Scale enthusiasts who value detailed replications
• Jet pilots who want to climb from smaller models
• Ambitioned beginners in the Jet class (with corresponding support by experienced pilots)

With activated SAFE Select function, the model offers additional stabilization, which can also make less experienced pilots easier to enter. However, basic experiences with fast surface models should be present.

Requirements

To exploit the full potential of the model, the following conditions should be met:

• Suitable airfield with sufficient space and attached runway
• Experience in handling fast surface models
• Basic knowledge in electronics and adjustment of RC models
• Budget for additional components such as batteries, charger and possibly spare parts

Construction and commissioning

Assembly and preparation

A great advantage of the E-flite F-16 Falcon is its high degree of pre-production. The assembly is carried out without adhesive and comprises mainly the connection of the main components:

1. Mounting of the supporting surfaces on the fuselage
2. Attaching the height control unit
3. Installation of the receiver (preinstalled in the BNF version)
4. Use of the flight battery
5. Programming of remote control and binding

The illustrated guide leads step by step through the process and is also easily understandable for beginners. The entire assembly takes about 1-2 hours depending on the experience.

Settings and fine tuning

After the basic assembly, careful fine tuning is recommended:

• CG review according to instructions
• Control and, where appropriate, adaptation of the rudder rudder rudders
• Checking the function of all electronic components
• Test run of the drive with secured model

Comparison with alternatives

Overview of competitive products

On the market there are various alternatives to the E-flite F-16 Falcon. Here is a comparison with some relevant competitors:

Strengths and weaknesses compared

Advantages of E-flite F-16 Falcon:

• Excellent detail and performance ratio
• Excellent processing and premium components
• SAFE Select Technology for Additional Security
• Efficient drive with longer flight times than many 90mm models

Potential disadvantages:

• slightly higher price than some alternatives
• Less tuning options than some competitors
• Needs spectrum remote control for full functionality

Value for money

The E-flite F-16 Falcon 80mm EDF Jet is positioned in the middle to upper price segment for EDF guys of this size class. However, given the performance, equipment and quality offered, it offers a balanced price-performance ratio:

• High-quality pre-installed components such as brushless motor, 100A controller and digital servos
• Premium features such as SAFE Select and AS3X technology
• High pre-production, saving time and potential errors during assembly
• Extensive scale details and functional features at no cost

Considering the longevity and resale value of e-flite products, the Falcon is an economic choice despite the higher initial investment.

Tips, tricks and optimizations

Performance optimization

The following measures are recommended for maximum performance and optimal flight behaviour:

1. Battery optimisation: Use high quality 6S-LiPos with at least 30C continuous discharge rate. Brands such as Tattu, Spectrum or CNHL have proven themselves.

2. Priority optimization: Experiment with the exact position of the battery to find the optimal focus for your personal flight style.

3. Expo settings: Use Expo settings for your remote control for softer control reactions around the neutral position.

4. Flight modes: Set up different flight modes with different rudder deflections:

   • Normal: Moderate failures for safe flying
   • Sport: Higher outputs for dynamic maneuver
   • 3D: Maximum outputs for extreme art flight maneuvers

Maintenance tips

Regular maintenance work is essential for a long service life of your jet:

1. After each flight:

   • Check for visible damage or loose parts
   • cleaning of dust and dirt, especially at the Impeller
   • Removal of the battery and proper storage

2. Regular maintenance (all 5-10 flights):

   • Control of screw connections
   • Verification of rowing and hinges
   • Test all electronic functions
   • Impeller control for unbalance or damage

3. Seasonal maintenance:

   • Full review of all components
   • Updating firmware (if available)
   • Checking batteries for power loss

Frequent questions and problems

Setting up problems

Question: My F-16 Jet does not respond to remote control. What can I do?

Solution: First check whether the binding process has been done correctly. The spectrum AR637TA receiver must be bound with your DSMX-compatible remote control. Follow the instructions. Also make sure that all servo cables are correctly connected to the receiver and the power supply is sufficient.

Question: The rows move in the wrong direction. How do I correct that?

Solution: In your remote control, you can individually reverse the direction of the servo for each channel. Consult the instructions of your remote control. For spectrum transmitters, you can typically find this setting in the menu "Servo Preference" or "Reverse".

Air performance issues

Question: My jet does not have the expected performance. What could that be?

Solution: Check the following points:

• Battery condition: Use only fully charged batteries with sufficient C rate
• Impeller: Check for damages or foreign bodies
• Weight: Remove additional components not necessary
• Engine/Regler: Pay attention to correct function and cooling

Question: The jet tends to oversteer. How can I make the flight behaviour more gentle?

Solution: Use the Expo settings of your remote control to reduce the control sensitivity to the middle position. Typical values are between 30% and 50% Expo on cross, height and side wheels. In addition, you can activate the SAFE Select function, which ensures additional stability.

Technical problems

Question: The engine runs unround or pulsated. What can I do?

Solution: This can have several causes:

1. Check the Impeller for unbalance or damage
2. Control all motor connections on fixed seat
3. Test the controller with another battery
4. Check if the timing settings in the ESC are correct

Question: The retractable suspension does not work reliably. How do I fix the problem?

Solution: First, you should check the mechanical components for ease of use. A slight lubrication of the moving parts often helps. Also check the electrical connections to the suspension servo and make sure that the channel is correctly assigned. In case of persistent problems, the servo could be defective and must be replaced.

Conclusion and recommendation for purchase

The E-flite F-16 Falcon 80mm EDF Jet Smart BNF Basic with SAFE Select is an impressive model that convinces with its combination of true-scale details, high-quality processing and excellent flight characteristics. It is primarily aimed at advanced pilots who are looking for an authentic jet experience, but thanks to SAFE technology, ambitious beginners can also access the world of EDF jets.

Particular emphasis should be given to:

• The high level of detail and the true scale implementation
• The excellent performance of the 12-sheet amplifier with brushless motor
• The robust, pre-installed components
• The innovative SAFE Select technology for additional safety

Although the purchase price is in the upper segment, the quality, performance and pre-production required justify the investment for dedicated RC pilots. With the right setup and careful maintenance, this jet will be happy for many years and will enable impressive flying experiences.

If you are looking for a detailed, powerful and at the same time good to fly EDF jet, you will definitely make a good purchase with the Falcon of E-flite.