60 ModelAirplaneNews.com
FLIGHT TESTWhen it comes to sexy-looking modern jets, the
Viper Jet has to be near the top of the list. Not at all
angular, faceted, and stealthy like the F-22 or F-35,
the Viper has a slippery shape from nose to tail with
a tall, purposeful canopy that doesn’t disrupt those
sleek lines. These factors contribute to the illusion of
rapid forward motion, even while the plane is standing
on the ramp. Originally introduced at Oshkosh 2000
as a pusher prop–powered machine, the design has
undergone an evolution to its current state of a J85
pure jet, turbine-powered sportster for the well-
heeled homebuilder. As of 2017, five of them appear
on the registry of the Federal Aviation Administration,
with more apparently in the works. Before you put
your name on the waiting list, be prepared to invest
something north of $500K to join this somewhat
exclusive club. Something significantly less expensive,
at about $250, is this 70mm version brought to you
by the folks at E-flite. Many of the qualities of the
full-scale plane make it nearly ideal for a jet-model
subject, a fact which many manufacturers have
recognized; the Viper is available in nearly every size
from micro electric ducted fan (EDF) right up through
“monster” turbine-powered replicas. This model is
ideally suited to the role of a first performance EDF
for the newcomer. It is the “right” size, using a 70mm
electric ducted fan unit that easily fits into the
average car, fully assembled. It also delivers great
performance, enhanced by the inclusion of E-flite’s
SAFE Select and AS3X stabilization systems in the
Bind-N-Fly Basic version. (It is also available in Plug-
N-Play.) These all add up to give the newbie a better
chance of becoming familiar and comfortable with
electric jet models.
E-flite/Horizon Hobby
Viper 70mm
EDF Jet
A great starting point for electric
performance jets
TEXT & PHOTOS BY RICH URAVITCHWHAT WE LIKEGreat-looking overall
appearance with
excellent flight
performance
Nicely molded EPO foam components
Excellent overall finish and component fit
AT A GLANCE
MODEL
Viper 70mm EDF Jet
BNF Basic w/ AS3X and
SAFE Select
MANUFACTURER
E-flite (e-fliterc.com)
DISTRIBUTOR
Horizon Hobby
(horizonhobby.com)
TYPE
Sport-scale electric jet
WINGSPAN
43.3 in.
PILOT SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
ASSEMBLY TIME
Less than 1 hour
RADIO REQ’D
6-channel DSMX/DSM2-
compatible
POWER REQ’D
6S 3200 to 4000mAh
30C LiPo
PRICE
$249.99 (BNF);
$219.99 (PNP)A “splinter” camo scheme on the underside helps with orientation. It’s nonscale on
the Viper, but it is attractive and interesting.