Aerosmith R/C Hobby

It is our pleasure to feature Mr. Ernest Kwek for Pilot and plane for the month of January. Due to the busy year end schedules and holiday commitments, we were unable to meet for a face to face interview, nonetheless through the marvels of new IT technology, after some emails and phone calls we were able to get the info required for our column.

Ernest has spent about 10 years in RC and has a special interest in EDF (Electric Ducted Fan) Jets. Currently he is single and enjoys working on cars, motor cross, jet skis and wake boarding…(sounds like he is really enjoying himself). As far as RC is concerned, Scale model jets capture his imagination the most.

Being asked what he would like to see more in Singapore, Ernest answered, simply, more RC EDF and turbines jet flyers or perhaps clubs for jet lovers to gather and to share info and interest. As far as pricing of RC product, he thinks it is reasonable.

Friends from overseas and forums are where Ernest hunts for info for his projects. F-15 Eagle is Ernest’s favourite plane. As to why he flies rc, well, like most of us, he dreamt of becoming a Jet pilot during his younger days. Ernest has a special message for new comers, he insists that we should NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE DUCT SIDE!

Though we did not get to meet, Ernest comes across as somebody who is very meticulous with machines. He seems to be the sort who can make complicated things work and always strive to build or fly the first and the newest. In many respect, a lot of us are like that, but to have the commitment of time, effort and money to pursue new frontiers on a consistent basis is really commendable.

With this we, at Aerosmith, would like to grant Mr. Ernest Kwek, AEROMASTER of the month of January. We particularly feel he deserves this title in view of his persistent effort and interest over the years even with all the distractions of today’s modern living. Congratulations! With this honour, he would enjoy additional 10% discount* on all his purchases made during the applicable month.

How I got involved into Ducted Fan (DF)

I have been flying for quite a while and always on the lookout for new ventures and projects that will stretch my knowledge.

I used to fly propeller and pusher powered jets, till one day I came across a hobby shop displaying their new Gas DF F-16 (by kyosho).

The first thing, which came into my mind was that “ Hey! Where is the propeller?” Well, coz back then Internet is not so popular and we normally got our information on RC stuff through magazines. I guess they are the first hobby shop, which was selling GDF jet in Singapore at that time.

Anyway, I got myself that F-16 after a couple of months saving and crashed it during the maiden.

By the way, during that time not many flyers are into GDF, therefore was not an easy task to get information or advice on it so after some trial and error I finally managed to get it in the air.

My First Electric Ducted Fan (EDF)

The first thing that seem very obvious when I look at the Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) jet scene a few years back is that the models are very slow and small plus not many local hobby shops are selling them.

To get some experience in this field and the technology, I got myself a small electric ducted fan B2 from GWS. It was powered by 2X 55mm fan with stock brush motors.

I still can remember someone from the flying site came up to me after seeing my first EDF B2 and told me not to waste my time on EDF coz it will never perform well.

I have been increasingly interested in electric ducted fan and brushless technology

Which at one point seem exotic, but now is pretty much like “Plug & Fly”. Prices are rapidly reducing with increasing diversity and expanding to meet the demands of the market.

I have not seen any EDF models in action until recently, which I think is a really good sign as this means that more and more flyers are into EDF. We must all thank the modern technology, especially those highly discharged lipos coming into the market nowadays.

Into Large Electric Duct Fan (EDF)

With success on my side in adapting an existing 55mm to a 69mm sized EDF jet, my thoughts turned to the possibility of converting a larger model design with retracts into EDF power.

Recently, I have successfully converted a 45” wingspan , 63” length F-18 Hornet into electric with air retracts. Due to its size, if I don’t switch on the power, you might think that it’s a turbine powered jet.

By the way, don’t ever underestimate the power of the duct side ‘coz this baby is powered by a 90mm sized fan, producing about 1200watts.

What next?

My aim is to build or convert a Jet into electric with twin 120mm sized fan in it.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Mr. Ernest Kwek for participating in this column.

Brushless motor	Mega 22/30/2
Battery lipo	Evo 4S1P3700mah
Fan	AP9000
ESC	CC 60A or CC 80A

The special plane this month is none other than Ernest’s F-18 hornet. The kit is manufactured by Electric Jet Factory (www.ejf.com). The original kit is made of EPS foam and balsa bits. What is most extraordinary about this kit is the size. Its 45” wing span and a staggering 63” length. This is just about the biggest EDF in the market that is readily available. In spite of the integrity of the kit, Ernest has chosen to glass fiber the entire airframe. Closer examination would reveal the smooth surfaces and excellent paint job. This plane is still available and we would recommend it for intermediate to advanced modeler who wish to build a plane that would ‘turn heads’

In the air, it flies like a jet. It is not only agile but also highly maneuverable. The crown jewel is that it is also rock stable, Ernest actually recommends it as an ideal entry level 90mm scale jet.

In conclusion, this is truly a ground breaking earth shattering project. With working retracts and a cool paint job, it is a perfect example of a miniature wonder working in perfect harmony defying gravity. Well done.

*Aerosmith-hobby does not carry this plane in our stock however we do carry applicable accessories**