E-flite UMX F-16

This baby is a true 4-channel jet that’s as cute as a button, with amazing performance for such a small, lightweight model. The way E-flite achieves this is worthy of mention: The airframe is completely molded out of thin injection-mold foam with some plastic parts used for shape, a cockpit hatch for battery access, and mount points. You’ll appreciate the assembly manual. The 60-page, multilanguage document is laid out and presented so that it is easily understood, logically sequenced, and amply illustrated. Because there is virtually nothing to build (you can add a pair of AIM-9 missile rails and ventral fins for appearance), the instructions mostly detail specifications, setup, and the AS3X test.

A welcome feature is the removable landing gear, which expands your flying-site options. The nose gear, when installed, is steerable, making ground handling on a smooth surface more intentional than accidental. The model, as you would expect, does appear to be faster when flown with the landing gear removed—visually important on jet models. With the F-16, the AS3X system is active full-time. The model is extremely stable, as I found out during the initial test flights. The AS3X system, as used in the F-16, does exactly what it is designed to do—stabilize the model in flight—and it does it well. In spite of the stability imparted by the AS3X system, I don’t think this is a model for a beginner. Its speed and size make things happen quickly, including becoming small as it flies away from you. I would also suggest getting an extra battery to reduce downtime between flights.

A remarkable little jet with great performance once you recognize its limitations, the E-flite UMX F-16 is enjoyable and one that you are likely to keep for some time. It delivers a lot for a 3-ounce jet, and its size and speed puts it well beyond the park-flier category.—Rich Uravitch