h1>How To Choosing a Freewing EDF Jet for a Beginner

Freewing is one of the most popular brands for Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) jets, ranging from small parkflyers to large, high-performance scale jets. Here's a practical guide to picking the right one.

First: Are You Ready for a Jet?

EDF jets are not first-RC-aircraft models. Before moving to jets, you should be comfortable with:

• A high-wing trainer (e.g., HobbyZone Apprentice)
• A low-wing sport plane (e.g., Extra 300, Mustang) with aerobatics
• Basic orientation, landing approaches, and dead-stick recovery

If you can confidently fly a sport plane in wind and land consistently, you're ready.

 

Key Factors to Consider

 

Factor	Beginner-Friendly	Advanced
EDF size	50mm–70mm	80mm–90mm+
Wing loading	Low (<30 oz/sq ft)	High
Top speed	60–90 mph	100+ mph
Stall behavior	Gentle, predictable	Sharp, fast
Durability	Foam, replaceable parts	Composite, expensive repairs
Flight time	4–6 min	3–4 min

Recommended Freewing Models for Beginners

1. Freewing 64mm Series (Best Starting Point)

• Models: F-16, F-35, Mirage 2000, L-39 Albatros
• Why: Light wing loading, docile handling, slow landing speed, affordable
• The L-39 Albatros is often cited as the best first jet — high-wing trainer layout, wide speed range, very forgiving

2. Freewing 70mm Series (Step Up)

• Models: F-16, F-4 Phantom, A-4 Skyhawk, T-45 Goshawk
• Why: More presence and speed, still manageable with a good gyro (e.g., Spektrum AS3X or Freewing's own gyro)
• The T-45 Goshawk or A-4 Skyhawk are good choices — scale trainers with gentle characteristics

3. Freewing 50mm Series (Budget / Small Field)

• Models: F-16, F-35, Gripen
• Why: Inexpensive, slow, flyable in small parks, great for learning jet orientation
• Caveat: Can be twitchy in wind due to light weight; less scale presence

What to Avoid as a First Jet

• 90mm+ high-performance jets (F-22, Su-35, J-10) — very fast, high wing loading, unforgiving
• Delta-wing-only designs without canards — fast landing, tendency to tip-stall
• Scale warbirds with high wing loading (e.g., large F-14 Tomcat) — heavy, fast, complex (swing wings)
• Any jet without a gyro — always use a flight controller/gyro for your first jet

Essential Add-Ons

1. Gyro/flight controller — Freewing models often include one; if not, add a Spektrum AS3X receiver or similar
2. Quality LiPo batteries — 4S for 64mm, 6S for 70mm; get at least 2–3 packs
3. Adequate runway — EDFs need 50–100 ft of smooth surface for takeoff/landing
4. Throttle management — learn to fly at half throttle, not full throttle constantly

My Recommendation

Start with the Freewing 64mm L-39 Albatros or F-16. It gives you the true jet experience without the speed or wing loading that gets beginners in trouble. Once you can fly it confidently in 10+ mph wind and grease every landing, move up to a 70mm model.

Would you like specific details on any of these models, or help comparing two particular Freewing jets?

yes

Compile key specs and comparisons

Here's a detailed comparison of the best beginner options, with actual specs from Freewing's current lineup.

Side-by-Side Comparison

 

Spec	64mm F-16C Lite V2	64mm Banshee 64 (Sport)	70mm Hawk T1	70mm T-45 Goshawk
Wingspan	680mm / 27"	~680mm	~960mm	~960mm
Length	1050mm / 41"	~1000mm	~1300mm	~1300mm
Takeoff weight	755g / 26.7oz	790g / 31oz	~1600g	~1700g
Top speed	178 km/h / 110 mph	155 km/h / 96 mph	~160 km/h / 100 mph	~160 km/h / 100 mph
EDF	64mm 12-blade	64mm 12-blade Mk II	70mm 12-blade	70mm 12-blade
Motor	2840-2850KV	2840-2850KV	2860-series	2860-series
Battery	4S 1300–1800mAh	4S 1300–1800mAh	6S 3300–4000mAh	6S 3300–4000mAh
ESC	40A (w/ thrust reverse)	40A (w/ thrust reverse)	80A Hobbywing	80A Hobbywing
Retracts	Optional / fixed	Fixed	Electric retracts	Electric retracts
Flaps	No	No	Yes	Yes
Wing loading	~110 g/dm²	~110 g/dm²	Lower (bigger wing)	Lower (bigger wing)
Price range	~$130–170 PNP	~$130–170 PNP	~$250–300 PNP	~$250–300 PNP

Which One Should You Pick?

Best First Jet: Freewing 64mm F-16C Lite V2

• Why: Lightest, cheapest, most widely available parts, and the 110 mph top speed means you can fly it at half throttle and still have a true jet experience. The V2 includes thrust reverse on the ESC, which helps with rollout on short runways.
• Best for: Small fields, budget-conscious beginners, pilots transitioning from sport prop planes.
• Watch out for: No flaps — landings are faster and need more runway. The lightweight airframe can get bounced around in wind over 10 mph.

Easiest to Fly: Freewing 70mm Hawk T1

• Why: Freewing explicitly markets this as "well suited for beginner to intermediate jet pilots." It has flaps, electric retracts, and a wide landing gear stance — all things that make takeoffs and landings much easier. The larger wing gives lower wing loading and more forgiving stall behavior.
• Best for: Pilots with a proper runway (pavement or very short grass), those who want a more scale, stable platform.
• Watch out for: 6S power system means bigger, more expensive batteries and charger. Heavier airframe (1.6kg) means harder impacts if you crash.

Honorable Mention: 64mm Banshee 64

• A sport (non-scale) jet with the same power system as the F-16 but a more aerodynamic, purpose-designed airframe. Slightly slower top speed (96 mph) and thrust reverse. If you don't care about scale looks and just want the easiest-flying 64mm airframe, this is worth a look.

What I Changed From My Earlier Answer

I mentioned the L-39 Albatros as a first jet, but Freewing's current L-39 is an 80mm model (3658 motor, 100A ESC, ~$349, 6-channel minimum). That's more of an intermediate jet — heavier, faster, and more expensive to repair. It's a great second jet, but not ideal as your very first.

Similarly, the A-4 Skyhawk is 80mm and Freewing themselves recommend it for "intermediate pilots and above with prior experience on other Freewing 80mm EDF jets."

My Final Recommendation

If this is your very first jet and you're on a budget → 64mm F-16C Lite V2. Buy 3–4 4S 1500mAh batteries, a 4S-capable charger, and fly it at half throttle for the first 10 flights. Add a gyro if your radio supports it.

If you have a good runway and can spend more → 70mm Hawk T1. The flaps, retracts, and wide gear make landings dramatically easier, and the bigger airframe handles wind better. It's the more forgiving airframe overall, even though it costs more upfront.

Both will teach you jet-specific skills: managing EDF throttle lag, flying on the wing (not propwash), and planning energy for landing. Master either one before stepping up to 80mm or 90mm jets.



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