VIP Adventurer
64mm Rafale Review - Small size, high performance 64mm EDF!
FMS ModelBY ADAM STRONG
PHOTOS BY ANDREW GRIFFITH
February 2023
ModelAirplaneNews.com
Packed with scale details uncommon in a jet this size and with a high-performance, 4S 11-blade electric-ducted-fan power system installed, this 64mm Rafale is a terrific option for intermediate pilots. It comes molded out of EPO with panel lines and with the NATO Tiger Meet scheme decals applied. As a plug-and-play model, all servos, linkages, and power system are installed along with the addition of an FMS Reflex V2 gyro, which is preloaded with the model’s settings. All the required hardware for assembly is included, so you simply use the foamsafe glue of your choice to install the vertical stab and canards.
The fixed landing gear includes scale struts with an installed steering linkage and servo, making setup a breeze while the main gear legs simply clip into place. Everywhere you look on the model you will find a full complement of scale details including ordnance, fuel probe, and a cockpit interior with pilot. The armaments, drop tanks, and landing gear are all easily removable, allowing you to choose between ground takeoffs and hand-launched flight.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The EPO construction of the 64mm Rafale is typical of all FMS models with molded center hinges, panel lines, high-quality pre-applied decals, and scale elements added everywhere you look. The pre-hinged surfaces come with linkages installed at the proper lengths and servos with all the leads already routed to the Reflex gyro in the nose. The FMS literature says it takes 10 minutes to assemble the jet, and they aren’t kidding; the only thing that makes this take any longer is waiting for glue to dry. The radio setup is equally simple, requiring no special delta programming as this is handled by the onboard Reflex gyro system. The included ordnance set is also molded EPO foam with molded plastic pieces for the fins and clips that mount to the underside of the wing. The scale details are a mix of preinstalled plastics and extra features molded directly into the airframe. The only things not preinstalled are the fuel probe, drop tanks, and ordnance, so you have very little to do out of the box. The landing gear uses plastic strut covers to add even more detail with the nose gear having a functional suspension. Due to the size of the model, it is missing a few things that would be preferred in a scale model like retracts, functional canards, and flaps. If these are a deal breaker for you, look at the larger 80mm FMS Rafale as some things just aren’t practical in a model of this size. The one thing absent that would really be beneficial are molded finger holds for hand launching. Due to the width of the intakes, it is difficult to get a grip on the underside of the airframe for a good hand-launch position. As it comes, if you want to hand-launch, you will need to modify the airframe by cutting in some finger holds.
BOTTOM LINE
Thanks to the highly finished nature of FMS plug-and-play airframes, the Rafale took about half an hour to assemble and have fully programmed in the radio. Paired with a 2800mAh 4S Lipo from MaxAmps, the 11-blade 64mm power system has plenty of power on tap for high-speed and highalpha flight, while the gyro manages the full range of speed keeping things smooth and predictable. This one will be fun for any intermediate pilot looking for a small, no-fuss, low-buck jet.
IN THE AIR
The assembled model will fit in virtually any vehicle with no need to remove the wings making it great to throw in anytime you’re heading to the field. The fixed gear will hold up well to lessthan perfect landings, though due to the small size, anything other than a very well-manicured grass field would be a problem without modifying the airframe for hand-launching. On my maiden flight, I set the center of gravity (CG) was set to the middle of the prescribed range with full ordnance installed. The model tracked well but needed a good bit of up-elevator to get airborne from our paved runway. Once in the air, a little bit of elevator trim is all that was needed to maintain hands-off level flight. I found it very easy to get comfortable with the full flight envelope after only a few times around the pattern. Even with its fixed canard, the Rafale has good elevator control and even settles into high-alpha flight easily while maintaining control authority. In a typical straightforward stall, the model gently sinks forward into a nose-down position, but from the high-alpha position, the model will roll to one side when stalled and needs power and altitude to recover. Top speed is good without the ordnance, and the 64mm fan has a great sound without the screaming hairdryer pitch you would expect in something this size. When it’s time to land, the model tracks well and settles in easily with power on in a nose high approach. In subsequent flights I found a rearward CG to alleviate the long takeoff roll and require much less elevator to rotate, and with removed ordnance it was further improved. In mostly high-alpha flight, I found I could get up to 5 minutes of flight time from the 2800mAh pack, which left the pack at around 25 percent, so my timer is conservatively set for three and a half minutes to keep the cells happy. My day ended with a crash of the model when playing with the gusty conditions later in the day. While flying high-alpha figure eights a few feet off the deck the wind abruptly dropped, and the airframe rolled over into the ground. Thanks to the durable construction, there was relatively little damage with a bent nose gear and only a few cosmetic scars remaining after a quick repair. Good performance and durability make this one for low-stress flying.
BEHIND THE TIGER STRIPES
The NATO Tiger Association is an informal group that promotes solidarity among NATO air forces, and it’s the reason that NATO combat aircraft are often painted with tiger stripes. The first NATO Tiger Meet took place on July 19, 1961, when the U.S. Air Force 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which was stationed in Europe, invited Royal Air Force No. 74 Squadron and France’s L'Escadron de Chasse 1/12 Cambresis to an air meet at RAF Woodbridge in England. Since then, membership has grown to include 24 full members, 10 honorary members, and seven disbanded members, all of which have a tiger as part of their squadron crests. Annual Tiger Meets allow members to share ideas and experiences as well as promote NATO.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE Stability
The Rafale has a stable and gentle flight character due to the delta design, and its rearward CG helps if you’re looking to work on your highalpha skills. With the help of the FMS Reflex V2 gyro, the model handles moderate winds quite well.
Tracking
The model tracks well with relatively little hunting in level flight. I found that it tracks best and generally handles better without the ordnance installed under the wing.
Aerobatics
Scale aerobatics are excellent with plenty of control throw and thrust available for any scale maneuver. With the control rates turned up there is plenty of authority for positive control in high-alpha flight.
Glide and stall performance
With a nose down attitude and power off, the model slows quickly and remains predictable in a glide. Stall in normal flight is gentle and uneventful just needing nose down and a little power to recover, but from high alpha the model will quickly roll to one side and drop needing altitude to recover.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
The FMS 64mm Rafale is a great intermediate electric ducted fan jet for anyone looking to have a fun, scale weekend warrior. With the abundance of scale details not expected in a jet this size, it has more interest than a typical sport jet, but by offering plenty of aerobatic capability and high-alpha performance, it is fun to fly. The included manual leaves nothing in question and with the pre-configured gyro the radio setup is about as easy as it gets with no special programming required.
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