BEFORE YOU FLY THE FMS F-16 FIGHTING FALCON 64mm

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the most recognizable and iconic multirole fighter aircraft in the world. Developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) and first flown in 1974, it’s renowned for its agility, versatility, and high thrust-to-weight ratio. This aircraft has not only made history in the skies but also become a favorite in the RC community. FMS recently released their version of the F-16, and if you’re considering getting your hands on one, here’s everything you need to know before you fly the FMS 64mm F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Specs and Information

The FMS 64mm F-16 comes in two versions: a military livery and a Thunderbirds livery. While the Thunderbirds version you see here is beautifully decked out in its iconic red, white, and blue, the military version comes with an additional ordinance package, adding a touch more realism.

With a wingspan of 28 inches and a length of 42.9 inches, this lightweight model weighs approximately 1070g for the Thunderbird version and 1350g for the military version, fully loaded. Powering the plane is a 12-blade 64mm fan driven by a 2840 3150KV brushless motor and paired with a 40-amp ESC. It’s a Plug and Play model, so all electronics come pre-installed, requiring only a 6-channel receiver and a 4S 2200mAh LiPo battery.

The model features six 9-gram digital servos with high-quality ball link connectors, providing control over ailerons, elevators, rudder, and a steerable nose wheel. While the landing gear is fixed, it mimics the real F-16's design and includes shock absorption on the nose gear, ensuring smoother landings. The bright navigation lights make this jet even more appealing, especially during twilight flights.

For around $200, this model offers great value. But how does it perform in the air? After numerous flights, I’ve compiled the highlights, the downsides, and some tips before you take it out for your maiden flight.

The Good

FMS has done a stellar job replicating the F-16’s scale details. The Thunderbirds livery looks stunning, and the aircraft has more than just basic molded foam features. From the detailed landing gear to the easily removable cockpit (thanks to a convenient button rather than tape), attention to detail is apparent. The LED navigation lights are bright and add a lot of character to this jet when flying later in the day.

Assembly is quick, though the 10-minute claim on the FMS website may be a bit optimistic. In reality, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes for a full build, plus time for glue to set in some areas. Even still, it’s a straightforward process, and you’ll have a solid model ready for action in no time.

One of the most pleasant surprises with this jet was its ability to take off from our grass runway. This is unusual for 64mm EDF jets, which typically require smooth surfaces due to their fixed landing gear. While it’s not ideal, the FMS F-16 can handle grass, making it a versatile option for various flying conditions.

The Not So Good

While the FMS F-16 is an overall great model, a few aspects fall short. First, the elevators are cut into the stabilizer rather than featuring a full-flying stabilizer like on many real F-16s and other RC jets. This setup is functional but could have been improved, especially considering other jets in the same class, offer a full-flying stabilizer for better control.

Another downside is that the vertical stabilizer is glued in place, with the servo wire running through it. While this is not an uncommon practice, it could make maintenance more challenging if the servo fails down the road. I would have preferred a screw-mounted stabilizer for easier access and replacement.

What to Expect When Flying

Flying the FMS 64mm F-16 is a blast! However, there are a few quirks to be aware of, especially if you’re new to EDF jets or F-16 models. The real F-16 has a notoriously narrow wheelbase, which makes it prone to tipping over during turns at low speeds. The RC version shares this trait, so caution is needed when taxiing. On grass, it’s better to walk the plane out to the runway instead of trying to taxi it, as sharp turns can cause it to tip over.

Once airborne, the F-16 is a treat to fly. It handles scale aerobatics beautifully, but it’s important to manage your airspeed during maneuvers since the jet’s power, while decent, isn’t overwhelming. High alpha maneuvers are possible but would benefit from full-flying stabilizers for better control at low speeds. Expect flight times of around 3.5 to 4 minutes, depending on your throttle management and flying style.

Lastly, pay close attention to the center of gravity (CG), especially if you’re flying the military version with extra ordinance. Even small adjustments to the battery position can significantly impact the plane’s performance. Make sure to check your CG with the plane upside down and mark the correct battery placement to ensure consistent performance.

Conclusion

As my first FMS plane, the 64mm F-16 has left a great impression. It offers excellent value at its price point and delivers both in terms of scale details and flying experience. While there are a few areas where it could be improved, it’s still a solid choice for anyone looking to add an EDF jet to their collection. I’ve had a lot of fun flying this model, and I hope this review helps you decide if it’s the right fit for you.