Hobby Lobby Alfa A-4 Skyhawk EDF Scale ARF Review (2024)

Hobby Lobby Alfa A-4 Skyhawk EDF Scale ARF

Introduction

Hobby Lobby and Alfa have teamed up again to give us a fantastic new EDF jet model. The Alfa A-4 Skyhawk is the fourth in a remarkable line of unrivaled scale jets. These all foam models are scale outlined and they all fly exceptionally well.

This plane has the same quality and detail work found in other Alfa model offerings. The paint is immaculate, and the panel lines and details are represented well. The A-4 Skyhawk is highly prefabricated, and it is ready to fly in just a couple of hours.

Kit Contents

The review package shipped from <a href="http://www.hobby-lobby.com/index.htm/">Hobby Lobby</a> and it arrived in great shape. It is well packaged, double boxed and the contents in the box were very well protected. All parts are individually protected with bubble wrap.

• The typical Alfa colorful box
• Contents are protected by cardboard separators
• Each piece is further protected by bubble wrap
• Ready to unwrap this present?
• All the parts laid out - it was a quick build!

Kit includes:

• Painted foam fuselage and wing
• Pre-attached canopy and battery hatch
• Hardware (EZ type connectors, push rods and horns)
• Decals and markings
• Unpainted pilot figure
• Wood battery tray mount
• Large picture assembly guide and text instructions
• Alfa 3 blade Fan unit

Kit requires:

• Motor
• 3s LiPoly battery
• 2 - 7-10g Servos
• Receiver
• 3 channel minimum transmitter

Included for this review:

• LittleScreamer Jet Screamer Brushless Motor
• Jeti Spin 22 AMP Brushless ESC
• Poly-Quest 1500 3s battery pack
• 2 - Hitec HS-55 servos

• The items needed for completion.

These components are straight from the Hobby Lobby recommended list of equipment for this aircraft. Hobby Lobby does all the hard work for us making it easy to select the right equipment for success.

Assembly

The Alfa A-4 Skyhawk will be ready with just a couple of hours’ work. Steps to add a functional rudder are not included, but on this model rudder is not really essential. It would be easy to add a functioning rudder if desired.

Done by the factory:

• Surfaces hinged
• Horns installed and glued
• Push rods installed and ready to hook up
• No covering necessary , the painting is all expertly done (except for your pilot)

The builder needs to:

• Install the horizontal stab/elevator
• Glue the wing to the fuse
• Install radio system
• Install the power system
• Apply decals
• Paint and install the pilot

Fan Setup

Per the instructions, I started construction with the fan system to get the rotor plug "glued" to the motor shaft. The included green loctite works well for this purpose. It was necessary to cut the shaft to the proper length before the plug was glued. Trust me, the green permanent loctite will hold that fan plug, but be sure you clean both the shaft and plug with acetone (nail polish remover) first.

• The LittleScreamers JetScreamer is placed in a plastic bag to protect it while the shaft is being cut. The motor magnets will attract the small cut filings and the plastic bag protects the motor from ingesting those.

Mount the motor to the fan as instructed. Follow the steps, allowing the plug to sit for 30 minutes and making sure that it runs up true which is important for balance and true running of the fan unit. It will then need to cure overnight.

Fuselage

It is easier to work with the fan unit with no other work done on the fuselage, so follow Alfa's recommended construction steps.

• The motor is installed in the fan
• The mylar tail cone is added
• Use loctite on the fan screw and CA to affix the spinner.
• The fan is mounted to the factory installed lite ply former
• Here you see there is plenty of room to work on the fan
• Half of the foam air duct
• A small 2 mm x 30 mm slit is cut for ESC cooling
• Here you see both tube halves installed
• The duct seam is taped
• ESC is attached right over the cooling hole with fiber stranded tape.

This Alfa will have wheels, but they only just poke out a bit for ground roll out.

• A small hole is cut using the panel line as a guide. Use a sharp blade and Dremel tool to smooth.
• A small 1" Dubro (not included) mini lite tire is used for the nose. Epoxy small balsa holders that secure the wire axle. Even though the model will have a nose down stance it rotates well.

The battery hatch is now secured by a couple of magnets - <b>YEA!</b>. That previous models have not used magnets has <i>long</i> been a complaint of mine on previous Alfa models. These magnets secure the hatch firmly yet allow easy access.

• Here you can see the pilot, expertly painted by my buddy Doug Cohen.
• He has a Vietnam service helmet with an attractive star burst pattern. He has a flag and A-4 squadron markings hand painted on his shoulders that, sadly, the co*ckpit sides are covering! Sorry Doug!
• A small, functional plastic piece (not included) acting as an antenna looks great and aids canopy removal.

Horizontal Stabilizer and Elevator

Installation of the tail feathers is simple. Use a sharp new hobby blade, and make a cut in the fin so that it can accept a small balsa joiner.

• The stabilizers and elevators are epoxied on the balsa former. Make sure this slot is horizontal.

The elevator push rods were pre-installed, but I found the tube was not secured at the tail end or within the fuselage. I used a small amount of epoxy in three locations to secure the push rod tubes: at the rear exit ends (one for each elevator half), at the former location and at the end near the servos. Securing the tubes is required for proper elevator function.

• The Hitec HS-55 is wrapped with roughened fiber tape and epoxied directly to the fuse side.
• Each elevator half has a horn and pushrod. CA the small plastic tube to the elevator push rods making sure the elevators are even.
• A small scrap block is glued to the foam duct. This is essential for proper elevator function so do not omit this!

Wing

The A-4 uses a single center aileron servo. Push rod tubes are installed but need to be glued at each end for proper function.

• The servo glues directly into the cutout.
• A small relief cut for the wires is needed.

Adding the wheels to the wing is a simple matter. I am pleased that they are not really visible in flight, and they add a great option for hard surface take off. This really saves the Alfa A-4 from <i>poor</i> hand launches and is highly recommended.

• A sharp new blade makes a wheel cutout. Follow the panel lines.
• Scrap balsa was used to make wheel attachment assemblies.
• A small length of music wire (not included) axle is used. A drop of medium CA hardens the balsa and holds the wire. You can see I used a 90 degree bend on one end with a drop of CA to hold the axle in place.
• A small amount of epoxy holds these in the trimmed holes.
• You can see only a small portion of the wheel actually shows through.

I used the recommended 30 minute epoxy to attach the wing to the fuselage. You will need the extra time to ensure the wing is positioned properly. Gluing the wing to the fuselage adds significant structural strength to the fuselage.

• The plane is inverted while gluing. I used a small throw pillow to protect the fuse and fin.
• A small hand weight is all that is needed while the glue sets.

While playing around with the wing, I did make one discovery: my plane rested on the aileron control horns when there was no battery in the nose. That had me a bit concerned as I didn’t want any chance of those getting knocked loose. I suspect the horns will not touch on takeoff rotation, but I added clear protectors to insure that when there is no battery pack, the model would rest on these protectors rather than the horns.

• Here you can see the small clear horns I added as skids to protect the aileron control horns.
• These add an extra measure of protection for the control horns.

The Spektrum AR6100e receiver fit well right on top of the fan duct. I did use some foam double sided tape that will hopefully dampen duct vibration to the receiver minimized.

• Everything fits well in the top access panel.
• The receiver with end plugs is great!

I chose to spot glue the hatch panel to the fuselage. I realize that I will have to "cut" to get access to radio equipment, but I like the structural strength the spot gluing added.

Power system

The Alfa A-4 includes the 3 blade Alfa fan. I used that along with the LittleScreamers JetScreamers motor and Jeti Spin 22 AMP ESC.

Amp draws

The motor with the 3 bladed Alfa fan (included) produced the following results:

The included Alfa 3 blade fan with the brushless motor certainly provides good sport power. Many like the additional thrust and speed that the Alfa 5 blade fan gives on 3s voltage.

This gives the A-4 186w/lb performance, allowing good sport power. The TP 1320 pack fits well also and saves a bit over an ounce. With that pack, the weight goes to 14.1oz AUW giving 205w/lb., so that makes an excellent light weight option.

ESC

<div class = "leftside">

<big>Jeti Spin 22 AMP ESC</big><font size=2>

• Size – 1.25” x .15/16” x 5/32”
• Weight – 18g
• 5.5v Switch Mode BEC (can use 4s power with the internal BEC!)
• <b> User settings via spin box: </b>
• Timing
• Cutoff voltage
• Braking
• Battery type (NiMh/NiCad or LiPoly)
• Rotation direction
• And many others!

</div>

• The Jeti Spin with a switch mode BEC that can be used on up to 4s LiPoly.

I currently own many Jeti ESCs, and I am a long time fan. The Spin line of ESCs avoids needing to use a separate BEC since they include a powerful integrated switch mode BEC. The switch mode BECs decrease the input voltage much more efficiently that linear BECs. This enables you to use the built in BEC for higher voltage 4s packs. Highly Recommended.

Battery

I used a single 3s 1500 mAh Poly-Quest pack to provide the electrons. I have many of the Poly-Quest 20c batteries and have never been disappointed with any of them.

• Poly-Quest 20c 1500 mAh 3s pack.
• The Thunder Power is also available at Hobby Lobby for a great lightweight choice. It saves about 1.3oz and handles the 15 amp draw.

Finish

Decals

Alfa has expertly painted the foam in an authentic light gray and white scheme. Although authentic, it really limits visibility until the colorful markings are applied. The paint finish on this plane is typical Alfa - impeccable. Not one single flaw was noted. The decal sheets are included and include options for three separate aircraft. Well done Alfa!

Alfa decals are very accurate, but they are made from thin material. I took time to carefully install the decals. After the decals dried overnight, I used a decal solvent to aid adhesion. The decal solvent actually <i>melts</i> the decals right to the model, allowing them to curve better which is important since this model has a few complex curved areas. After the decal solvent is set, I highly recommend spraying a clear coat to seal and protect the decals.

If you wish to step out and use your own finish, there are many military schemes for the A-4 so you can certainly go wild! Mine may get an Israel camouflage scheme or maybe the Blue Angels.

CG

CG on this Delta wing is critical, so do not omit this step. Although Alfa includes balance marks on the bottom of the wing, many people balance this model inverted. I simply transferred the measurement to the wing top for reference. With the Jeti Spin ESC in the midsection of the fan duct, and with the 3s 1500 pack the plane was slightly nose heavy with the battery in the rear most part of the tray. If you use a heaver pack, you will need to relocate the ESC and perhaps the elevator servo to the rear of the aircraft.

Rates and transmitter setup

I used my trusted Spektrum DX7 transmitter for this plane. Rates were set as recommended in the Alfa manual with ailerons and elevator at 12 mm and 15 mm respectively. No high rates were mentioned, so I set those rates to give 20% additional throw. No exponential rates were mentioned so I used 25% for elevator and 55% for ailerons. <b>Do not</b> use more aileron throw for initial flights. It rolls like a dart, and too much throw will be challenging on first flights.

I set the flight timer to count down from 6 minutes as that tends to be long enough! This gives an audible warning to land well before the 1500mAh battery is depleted.

Flying

I really do not get too apprehensive before test flying models, but I can assure you the adrenaline was flowing before the A-4 flight. I flew before the markings were added - a big mistake. It was simply too hard to see. Thankfully it flies very well, and I managed to keep the tire side down!

Takeoff and Landing

With the installed wheels on a hard surface, I rotated the A-4 after about 50 feet or so. Even with the negative incidence it rotates very well. The LittleScreamers motor lived up to its reputation and provided the necessary power. With the 3s and the 3 bladed fan mine will not lift off from the thick grass at my club field. Hand launching works fine, but you do need a nice level throw, and I do not recommend doing that yourself. The model does have a center plastic skid that works well for a hand launch grip.

Landings are easy as the Alfa A-4 with its delta wing slows <b>dramatically</b> in landings. The A-4 flares well and the elevator control rates were adequate. True of all most EDF models with no direct airflow over the elevator you will need to maintain speed and you will need all the available elevator throw on landings.

Special Flight Characteristics

This A-4 is small and fast - it gets tiny <b>very</b> quickly. Keep it close, and turn often! As you can imagine, the A-4 rolls quickly. That may be an understatement - it rolls like a dart! It is also a top heavy model so it really likes inverted flight. It does great large loops and quick split S turns. It does need a fair bit of elevator in the turns, so do not be afraid of keeping on the sticks.

The plane stalls very predictably for a model with a light wing loading. When pushed to a full stall, you get a nose drop and roll. It slowed very significantly before stall, and it remained fully controllable right down to the last second. Stall recovery was quick with smooth throttle application. The horizontal stabilizer is fairly small, and the A-4 will depart controlled flight fairly abruptly. Common to delta wings, the A-4 rolls fast.

Overall flight is impressive, and speed with the 3 bladed fan is good. If you are looking for all out performance, the 5 bladed fan on 4s voltage or 3s voltage will give a nice boost.

Thanks to Dawnron1 for these excellent flying shots, no small task with this small fast jet:

Recommended power system

Power from the brushless motor is excellent, but the 3 blade fan and 3s is certainly sport power. The 5 blade fan gives a nice boost in performance, but make sure your battery is up to the increased current draw. Many report excellent high speed flight with 4s setups as well. If you want speed you can certainly attain it with the Jeti Spin controller 4s.

Is this plane for a beginner?

The Alfa A-4 is for advanced pilots only. It flies fast, is designed to be hard to see so orientation is difficult, and it is a small aircraft that will get small quickly.

Flight Video

Downloads

Conclusion

When I saw that Alfa was coming out with the A-4 I knew one was in my future. The "Scooter" is an all time favorite jet of mine. Alfa has accurately represented the model, and it is a stunning beauty.

Assembly is easy and straightforward. The A-4 flies very well with the included 3 blade power system on 3s voltage, but the JetScreamer motor is capable of far greater power including 4s and 5 blade fan configurations, so if you want more speed the motor will certainly oblige.

Alfa continues to impress me as they release more stunning models. The paint and finish on the A-4 is amazing, I could not find even one single flaw. The decals are accurate and represent the options for 3 different planes. This is very welcome on an ARF model as that gives you the ability to look different than the other guy. The Alfa quality and attention to detail is apparent throughout.

The Alfa A-4 Skyhawk looks amazing and proves itself to be an excellent performer in the air.

Hits:

• Excellent looks
• Short assembly time
• Stellar flight performance
• Magnets used to secure the hatch
• Fantastic decals and scale markings

Misses:

• Jet intake ducts are enlarged from scale

The Alfa A-4 Skyhawk makes a great addition to their already impressive EDF jet line. I highly recommend it! Check it out at your local hobby shop or buy direct at <a href="http://www.hobby-lobby.com/index.htm/">Hobby Lobby</a>.

Last edited by RCG_Jason; Jan 29, 2023 at 08:41 PM..