3D performance cannot be just copied to a smaller scale. Lots of aerodynamic details have to be considered, wing has to be enlarged, airfoils possibly to be changed, complexity has to be reduced since the smaller size won't require that much transportation gimmicks to break it down... Naturally wing loading gets higher, planes get faster, room for servos and engine gets more challenging. Now what if the smaller brother appears to be working even better than the big master? Well... then, a job has been truly well done. CARF-Models Diablo. The little brother of CARF-Models Mephisto.
When it was presented the first time many several years ago, the Mephisto was deemed a 'controversial' design. True. The looks were very special. One thing was obvious: Form followed function. That's what ruled the design philosophy. Of course, it was supposed to do the very special things we envisioned, it couldn't be mainstream.
Designing a little brother to a very successful 3D-Jet icon is a challenge. 3D performance cannot be just copied to a smaller scale. Lots of aerodynamic details have to be considered, wing has to be enlarged, airfoils possibly to be changed, complexity has to be reduced since the smaller size won't require that much transportation gimmicks to break it down... Naturally wing loading gets higher, planes get faster, room for servos and engine gets more challenging. Now what if the smaller brother appears to be working even better than the big master? Well... then, a job has been truly well done. CARF-Models Diablo.
ARF KIT
As to be expected from a new CARF-Models design, a lot of exciting features have been built in. Let the following photos speak for themselves.
Even though the 3 piece wing of the Mephisto is a fantastic design feature for a large jet, it didn't make much sense with the smaller Diablo anymore. The plug-in wing design saves weight and minimizes complexity, it allows to attach also the flaps with an elastic hinge. Still the trademark style landing gear, retracting forward into the wing, has been kept. The airfoil and the wing shape has been matched for the different aerodynamic requirements of a smaller airplane. Increased cord length (width of wing) adds wing area, makes it less critical in slow flight and stall conditions. High Alpha hovering is incredibly easy to do. The stand on its gear got wider, too
Engine Choice
Initially, we were hoping to get it to work great with a 250 N engine allowing smaller engine sizes if less 3D performance is required. Well, we managed a weight of 12.8 kg dry for the prototype, so it was clear that a 200-220 N engine would be totally sufficient. After our test flights with a Kingtech K210G4 we couldn't believe how much power reserve we had available, climbing out of a hover fully fueled with ease. We wanted to be able to maintain the engine very easily, remove it from the airplane quickly. So we attached it to a carbon mount, which connects directly to the thrust tube. That way we can remove the engine/thrust tube assembly by taking out 4 bolts, and the best thing is, that adapter plates are included in the kit so that many different types and sizes of engine can be used without any drilling or fitting.The 4 l fuel tank on a 210N engine gives you 8 min flying time even with lots of hover practice you'll never feel limited in flying time. And the fuel tank is very close to the CG, so you won't feel any change of behaviour during a prolonged flight. Anything more than a 210/220 size engine is truly overkill and not recoommended at all.
Thrust Vector
The vector is one of the few items taken over from the Mephisto without a change. It is a simple, genious and light weight outside vector, which won't create any thrust loss. Many have asked if the Diablo can also be flown with a regular non-vector pipe. Well, yes, we will offer an option for those as well. However, the diameter of the thrust tube will be smaller as it will be a dual walled pipe, which still needs to fit unter the taileron spar. No problems, as the engines should be limited to 140-160N in the non-vector application anyway. That will save another half kg or more, and the Diablo will become a real floater with still breathtaking aerobatic precision.
The landing gear of the CARF Models Diablo is engineered to handle the demands of a high-performance sport jet, combining strength, reliability, and smooth operation. It features a heavy-duty, retractable trailing-link design, which effectively absorbs shock during touchdowns and allows for smoother, more forgiving landings—even on rough or uneven fields. The electric Electron Landing Gear absorbs imperfections during landing and performs reliably under a wide range of conditions. Whether flying from tarmac or well-prepared grass fields, the gear system supports confident ground operations and complements the jet’s overall capability and pilot-friendly design.
We offer an extremely high-quality assembly service, delivering a ARF+ or ready-to-fly PNP model – including turbine, complete servo and wiring installation, electric retractable landing gear, and pre-installed fuel tanks. When you receive this model in the PNP version, final assembly takes just a few hours… A sport jet like our Diablo has never been easier to get airborne! At the same time, the pictures show what your model can look like once you’ve completed the build – a true masterpiece in both looks and engineering.
For our Diablo, we offer a wide range of accessories. These include the electric retractable landing gear, fuel tanks, vector/non-vector thrust tube, and an optional UAT. In addition, we offer high-quality MacGregor servos in combination with our very own CARF-Models servo arms – perfectly matched to the model and the demands of a high-performance sport jet.
Like all our airplanes, the Diablo is not different. It boasts meticulously applied PU paintwork, expertly executed in the molds. If you're seeking a personalized touch, we offer color swaps and completely custom designs developed through collaborative efforts between you and our skilled artists. Below are our Standard Schemes and a few standout examples:
The CARF Models Diablo is a high-performance sport jet designed for extreme aerobatics and precision flying, with flight characteristics that make it a standout in its class. Its well-balanced airframe provides excellent stability and predictability throughout a wide speed envelope, allowing it to fly fast with authority or slow with confidence. The Diablo’s design features large control surfaces and functional canards, which contribute to its exceptional agility and responsiveness. This makes it ideal for precise aerobatics such as point rolls, snaps, knife-edge passes, and high-speed maneuvers. When equipped with vectored thrust, the Diablo transforms into a true 3D performer, capable of hovering, waterfalls, pinwheels, and dramatic tumbles. Even without vectoring, it offers controllable high-alpha flight, with the canards ensuring stability and reducing the risk of tip stalls.
Overall, the Diablo is best suited for intermediate to advanced jet pilots—it’s not difficult to fly, but its full performance potential shines in experienced hands, especially when exploiting the full envelope of vectored thrust capabilities.
Even though the 3 piece wing of the Mephisto is a fantastic design feature for a large jet, it didn't make much sense with the smaller Diablo anymore. The plug-in wing design saves weight and minimizes complexity, it allows to attach also the flaps with an elastic hinge. Still the trademark style landing gear, retracting forward into the wing, has been kept. The airfoil and the wing shape has been matched for the different aerodynamic requirements of a smaller airplane. Increased cord length (width of wing) adds wing area, makes it less critical in slow flight and stall conditions. High Alpha hovering is incredibly easy to do. The stand on its gear got wider, too.
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82" (2080 mm) |
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96" (2450 mm) or 86" (2200mm) without canopy hatch |
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26 - 28 Lbs (12.2 - 12.8 kg) dry + 4.1 Liter (3500g) fuel |
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200-220 N |
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2x 45-50 kg and 6x 30-35 kg digital servos |
