Freewing BAC Lightning 64mm EDF: A Small Jet with Serious Attitude

The Freewing BAC Lightning 64mm EDF is one of those rare projects that feels fresh the moment it hits the screen. In a market full of familiar F-16s and F-15s on their third or fourth revision, seeing an English Electric Lightning done in foam instantly grabs attention. It is compact, hand-launch friendly, and yet still carries that unmistakable “stacked engine” silhouette that made the full-scale aircraft such an icon.

Think of it as a field report: how the 64mm Lightning actually behaves in the air, what the community is saying about it, and what to consider when choosing batteries and setting up the model.

Why the BAC Lightning 64mm Is Getting So Much Attention

The original BAC Lightning holds a special place in aviation history. It was Britain’s home-grown supersonic interceptor, famous for its climb performance and distinctive twin-engine stack. Until now, many RC pilots had simply accepted that if they wanted a Lightning, they would have to scratch-build or heavily modify another airframe.

That is why the reaction to this 64mm release has been so strong. In comments and forums, pilots describe it as their favorite post-war supersonic jet, with several people openly admitting they will buy one purely out of appreciation for the subject. Others have already started asking for 70mm, 80mm, or even 90mm versions, plus companion models like the Blackburn Buccaneer or a hand-launchable MiG-25.

The interesting part is that many of these pilots are not just collectors. They want a Lightning they can toss from the hand, fly hard at the local field, and throw back in the car at the end of the session. That is exactly the niche this 64mm EDF aims to fill.

First Impressions: A True Toss-and-Go EDF

Watching the model fly, one thing stands out immediately: it leaves the hand cleanly. With a solid 4S power system behind a 64mm 12-blade fan, the Lightning climbs out without drama. It does not need a long run, it does not wallow, and it does not demand a perfect javelin throw. A firm level toss and a little follow-through is enough to get it “up on the step” and ready to work.

This is the kind of jet that invites you to fly “just one more pack” on the way home. The airframe is small enough to store fully assembled, and the hand-launch routine is simple enough that you do not need a painted runway or big club field. A clear stretch of grass with some space to land is plenty.

If you have flown other Freewing 64mm jets, the Lightning will feel familiar in the best way. It has that same toss-and-boss personality: quick acceleration, easy loops, and a willingness to change direction the moment you ask it to.

Scale Details That Actually Help in Flight

The Lightning’s shape is not just for show. The fuselage has a natural “pinch” that makes it easy to grip for hand launches, and the full-flying horizontal stabilizer is more than a scale detail. It delivers crisp pitch authority and allows the model to transition smoothly between slow high-alpha passes and fast, low strafing runs.

The RAF No. 92 Squadron livery and roundels pop well in the air, making it easier to keep orientation during aggressive banking turns. The stacked intake and jetpipe outline remain recognizable even at a distance, which helps when you are flying without a gyro in bumpy conditions.

Another thoughtful detail is the location of the aileron linkages and hinges. Control hardware is kept out of harm’s way, so when you slide the model in on its belly, you are far less likely to snag a horn or strip a hinge line on the grass or runway.

How the Lightning Really Flies: Speed, Alpha and Stability

In the air, the BAC Lightning 64mm behaves like a small fighter that always wants to be doing something. It rolls cleanly, tracks well through big sweeping turns, and has no trouble pulling into a vertical climb when you feed in the throttle. The 4S setup provides enough thrust to feel exciting without pushing the airframe into an uncontrollable rocket.

One of the more surprising aspects of the model is its slow-speed behavior. With the nose raised and the wind lined up along the runway, the Lightning can hold a respectable high-alpha attitude and bleed off speed without dropping a wing. It will not float like a big glider, but it also does not snap out of the sky the moment you ease off the throttle.

Stall tests show that when the elevator is pulled fully back, the aircraft tends to mush and settle rather than snapping aggressively. That gives you a bit of margin for error on approaches, especially if you misjudge height on the first try and need to recover. It is also worth noting that the demo flights often take place in crosswinds with no gyro installed, yet the jet still tracks and responds predictably.

Landing Behavior and Rate Management

Landing the Lightning is straightforward but benefits from thoughtful setup. The model uses a full-flying tailplane, which can sit quite low at high elevator throw. On landing, especially when belly-landing, it helps to have a mid-rate or landing rate set on the elevator. That keeps the trailing edge of the tail above the skid area so it does not act as the first point of contact with the ground.

The landing routine itself is simple: line up into the wind, bring the power back, hold a gentle nose-up attitude, and let the airframe settle. If you come in too hot or feel rushed, a go-around is cheap insurance. The aircraft is light enough that there is no penalty for circling back for a second attempt.

What Pilots in the Community Are Saying

The community response to the Lightning has been unusually enthusiastic. Some pilots describe it as a long-awaited subject that they had nearly given up on ever seeing in foam. Others have already decided they will buy one simply to show support in the hope of seeing larger versions down the road.

There are recurring themes in the feedback. Many comments highlight how stable and locked-in the model looks in the air, even during low passes and high-alpha maneuvers. There is also strong demand for a 70mm or 90mm variant with retracts and brakes, plus requests for companion aircraft such as the Buccaneer, Vulcan, and various classic fighters and trainers that rarely get modern EDF treatment.

From a market perspective, that level of engagement matters. When pilots are not only buying a model but also asking for an entire product family around it, you know the subject has struck a chord.

Inside the Battery Bay: Practical Setup Tips

Under the spring-loaded hatch, the Lightning’s battery bay offers more space than you might expect for such a compact jet. The airframe is designed around a 4S setup, with the typical recommended range falling in the 1800–2200mAh window. That is the sweet spot where weight, flight time, and hand-launch ease all line up.

For most pilots, a quality 4S 2200mAh pack with an XT60 connector is an ideal starting point. It keeps the model light enough to leave the hand smoothly while still providing satisfying flight times and strong vertical performance. If you want a little more punch for repeated high-energy passes, a higher C-rating pack in the same capacity range is a logical upgrade.

Some experienced EDF pilots may want to experiment with larger 4S packs around 3000mAh to stretch flight times. The Lightning’s bay can accommodate this class of pack, but the added weight is best paired with rolling takeoffs using the optional landing gear and a runway with enough length. When using 3000mAh packs equipped with XT90 connectors, a reliable adapter is essential.

Here are three example pack types that match the Lightning’s 4S requirements and cover different styles of flying:

• For balanced, everyday flying: CNHL Black Series 2200mAh 14.8V 4S 40C LiPo Battery with XT60 Plug
• For higher-demand maneuvers and repeated full-throttle runs: CNHL G+Plus 2200mAh 14.8V 4S 70C LiPo Battery with XT60 Plug
• For longer sessions and rolling takeoffs on a proper runway: CNHL G+Plus 3000mAh 14.8V 4S 70C LiPo Battery with XT90 Plug  (used together with the XT90 to XT60 adapter set )

Whichever capacity you choose, take the time to confirm the center of gravity with your preferred pack before the maiden flight. Small changes in battery position can make a noticeable difference to how eagerly the Lightning rotates and how confidently it tracks at high speed.

Who the Freewing BAC Lightning 64mm Is Perfect For

The Lightning is not aimed at absolute beginners. It is still a fast EDF jet with a full-flying tail and a fairly high wing loading compared to a trainer. However, for pilots who already have experience with smaller EDFs or higher-performance prop warbirds, it offers a very manageable next step.

It is especially well suited to:

• Pilots who want a compact EDF they can hand-launch from almost any open space
• Fans of classic British jets and Cold War subjects who have been waiting for a Lightning in foam
• EDF enthusiasts looking for something different from the usual F-16 and F-18 lineup
• Intermediate pilots who enjoy fast, point-and-shoot flight with the option to explore high-alpha and slow passes

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lightning 64mm

Can the Lightning fly on 3S?

The aircraft is optimized around a 4S power system. While it may be possible to get it airborne on 3S with a very light setup, performance will be significantly reduced and the model will not reflect how it was designed to fly. For confident hand launches, strong vertical performance, and that characteristic EDF sound, 4S is the recommended choice.

Is a gyro required?

A gyro is not strictly required. Many demo flights are performed without stabilization, even in moderate wind, and the model still tracks well. That said, a simple three-axis gyro can help smooth out gusts and make landings feel more relaxed, especially for pilots new to hand-launched jets.

What kind of runway does it need?

The Lightning is designed as a toss-and-go jet, so it can be flown from grass fields as long as there is enough space to land. With the optional fixed landing gear installed, it can also operate from shorter asphalt or smooth dirt runways using rolling takeoffs.

How does it compare to other 64mm EDFs?

If you have flown Freewing’s smaller F-16 or similar 64mm jets, the Lightning will feel familiar in thrust-to-weight and general speed. Where it stands out is in its unique silhouette, full-flying tail, and the sense of flying something you do not see at every field.

Can I use heavier 4S packs for longer flights?

Yes, but with some caveats. Larger 4S packs around 3000mAh are best paired with rolling takeoffs and longer runways. They increase flight time and help in windy conditions, but they also raise the stall speed and reduce the ease of hand-launch. Always confirm your center of gravity when changing pack size.

Related Guides and Battery Recommendations

If you are planning to add the Freewing BAC Lightning 64mm EDF to your hangar and want a focused list of suitable 4S packs, we have gathered several recommended options in one place. These packs are selected for hand-launch friendliness, strong EDF performance, and practical flight times.

Recommended 4S LiPo batteries for the Freewing BAC Lightning 64mm EDF

Whether you keep it light for pure toss-and-go fun or load it up for longer high-energy sorties, the Lightning is one of those jets that invites you to keep flying “just one more pack.”