There are only two kinds of airplanes — Fighters and Targets. Hello, Fighter Ace!.
Thank you for purchasing my F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF from The World Models.
The original F-14 TAMEcat was a .40-size, nitro-powered model. The design was originally published as
a plan set in
Model Aviation
magazine as a primary trainer with very gentle flight characteristics. Despite
its jet-like appearance, the original F-14 TAMEcat is an ideal airplane for beginners to radio control
flying. The .40-size F-14 TAMEcat Trainer ARF is also available from The World Models.
There are a few significant differences between that airplane and the EP version you have before you.
Most important is that the F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF is not intended for use as a primary trainer, although
it does have reasonably gentle flying characteristics when operated at lower motor speeds.
The EP model is much smaller than the original design, there is a lower dihedral angle in the wing, and its
extreme lightness and high-power TWM brushless outrunner motor will allow the model to fly faster than
I would recommend for basic flight training. If a true, primary training version of the TAMEcat is desired,
please purchase the F-14 TAMEcat Trainer ARF from The World Models.
Now that you understand the differences between the electric-powered F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF and the
larger, .40-size F-14 TAMEcat Trainer ARF for nitro (glow engine) power, here are a few suggestions
for getting the best performance from your F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF.
1. The nose gear is not steerable, so the model
’
s nose should be pointed directly into the wind when
attempting an ROG (Rise Off Ground) takeoff. Landings should also be made directly into the wind.
2. If flying from a grass field, try removing the main landing gear and the nose gear. This will save
weight and reduce aerodynamic drag, thus improving the model
’
s overall flight performance.
3. Please use the recommended 3S lithium-polymer battery. Several flights were made using a less
powerful 2S battery, and we found the power output of 2S batteries to be sub-standard for this model in
wind conditions above dead calm.
4. Finally, your F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF can be used satisfactorily as a flight trainer if flown with a
qualified RC flight instructor. At two-thirds to three-quarters power, the F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF is
gentle and easily managed, and will satisfactorily fulfill a flight training role.
For flight training, the model should be equipped with a radio control system with a
“
buddy box
”
feature
for the instructor, and the student pilot should use the buddy box controller. The correct connecting cable
should be used between the transmitter and the extra controller.
When the student is competent, s/he should be able to handle the F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF unassisted.
Please enjoy assembling and flying your F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF, and please follow all the model
’
s
directions for many happy landings.
Once again, thank you for choosing the F-14 TAMEcat EP ARF.
Warmest regards,
Jeff Troy
