Before you fly the Freewing mirage 2000c 80mm

Dassault mirage 2000c

The Mirage 2000C, a French multirole, single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter developed by Dassault Aviation in the early 1980s, is celebrated for its versatility and advanced technology. But how well does this iconic aircraft translate into the world of RC planes? I'm Alex from Hangar14, and here’s everything you need to know before you take to the skies with the Freewing 80mm Mirage 2000C.

Freewing Mirage 2000C 80mm High Performance EDF - Hangar14RC

Specifications and Details

The Freewing Mirage 2000C has been around for a few years, currently in its V2 variant. This Delta wing jet fighter measures 49.2 inches in length with a 31.1-inch wingspan. It's equipped with a powerful 12-bladed 80mm ducted fan, driven by a 2150kv brushless motor and a 100A speed controller, ideally paired with a 6S 4000mAh LiPo pack. Offered as a plug-and-play model, it requires only a receiver and a compatible battery to get airborne. For this review, I used my reliable DX6 radio and Spektrum AR630 receiver.

Assembly is straightforward, involving tasks such as gluing the exhaust nozzle, installing the vertical stabilizer, attaching the main landing gear, and adding some final touches like the drop tank rails and plastic details. This simple assembly process takes a few hours, resulting in a stunning model jet with detailed decals, panel lines, and a meticulously designed cockpit. The Mirage features electronic retracts and a gear door for the front gear, robust enough to withstand rough landings. The included “Tiger Meat” livery offers enhanced visibility, though I opted for the original color scheme.

This plane utilizes four servos: one for each elevon, one for the rudder, and one for nose gear steering. All servos are Freewing Digital Hybrid metal gear servos, pre-installed and ready to go. Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s delve into my experiences and observations with this jet, highlighting the good, the not-so-good, and some crucial tips before your first flight.

Freewing Mirage 2000C 80mm High Performance EDF - Hangar14RC

The Good

First, the Freewing Mirage 2000C is impressively set up right out of the box. The upgraded 12-bladed ducted fan delivers incredible sound and performance. This jet is the fastest in my collection, yet it also excels at low speeds, maintaining stability and ease of control for smooth landings. The delta wing design ensures manageable stalls, typically only causing the nose to drop.

Grass runway performance can be a concern for EDF jets, but the Mirage’s landing gear has proven resilient with multiple landings and takeoffs from our local grass strip. The powerful motor allows for quick takeoffs, and the plane’s ability to slow down for landings helps keep landings soft and protect the undercarriage.

Transporting the Mirage is convenient due to its compact wingspan and detachable magnetic nose cone, fitting easily into my car trunk or on my storage rack.

The Not-So-Good

While the Mirage 2000C has many strengths, it’s not without a few drawbacks. Wiring management inside the plane is challenging due to the tight space, demanding patience and some ingenuity with tools like a hooked wire to help feed the servo wires up through the fuselage.

The nose gear door system, relying on a spring mechanism, can be problematic. Accidental bumps may cause the door to flip up, potentially jamming the gear retraction. Although it’s a minor issue, it’s something to be mindful of. So make sure to check that it is in the down position before takeoff.

Additionally, the drop tanks have magnets that can come unglued. A bit of extra glue can easily fix this, but id recommend double-checking them beforehand if you are planning to use them.

Freewing Mirage 2000C 80mm High Performance EDF - Hangar14RC

What to Expect When Flying

Here are some insights from my flying experience with the Freewing Mirage 2000C:

1. Roll Rate: The Mirage has an exceptionally fast roll rate. Dual rates and expo settings are crucial for taming this feature. I recommend setting low rates to 50% and adding 20-25% expo for smoother control.

2. AS3X or SAFE Integration: While possible with a six-channel receiver, setting up AS3X or SAFE requires creative solutions. I found manually mixing the elevator and aileron channels left an open channel for flight modes and AS3X. However, the gyro isn’t essential for this plane, and high gains can cause aggressive gyro wobbles. Keep the gain low and assign AS3X to a switch for easy control.

3. Visibility: The gray camouflage and high speed can make orientation challenging. Consider using the “Tiger Meat” decals if you find it hard to see in the sky.

4. Battery Life: A second battery pack is a worthy investment. The flight time is decent at 3.5 to 4 minutes, but you’ll likely want more. Battery packs are pricey but worth it for extended flying sessions.

5. Skill Level: The Mirage requires a moderate skill level due to its speed and agility. It’s best suited for pilots with prior EDF jet experience or significant flight time.

Freewing Mirage 2000C 80mm High Performance EDF - Hangar14RC

Conclusion

The Freewing 80mm Mirage 2000 V2 is a fantastic model, blending stunning looks with impressive performance. It’s a head-turner at any flying field, capable of both high-speed passes and slow, controlled flights. For an added touch, consider installing an afterburner—it’s an inexpensive upgrade that looks incredible.