When Christian Etter and Felix Ruof of CEFLIX approached us at Jetpower 2018 about whether we were interested in doing an acrobatic glider together, we didn't hesitate to agree, knowing that CEFLIX had been a big name in the German glider scene for quite a long time. What we came up with is a breathtaking KOBUZ-3 in 1:3.2 scale, resulting in a 4.35 m wingspan (172"). CEFLIX provided the aerodynamic and CAD design, and CARF-Models provided their composite technology. Each one alone was already an institution; as a joint venture, it had to be greater than either. And it did!

The CARF-Models KOBUZ-3 is the epitome of a painted-in-the-mold, all-carbon, scale, ultra-performance acrobatic glider, using only the best materials and components. Not too big, so that it still has some potential wing loading for the aerobatic maneuvers in the glider mode, and perfectly suited for awesome turbine or EDF power with the commercially available solutions such as CEFLIX retractable Turbine mount and JetCat P-100, or the 120 mm high-performance retractable CEFLIX electric ducted fan (Schuebeler).

Of course, the CARF-Models KOBUZ-3 comes with retractable landing gear and a tow release; it can be ordered with the retractable turbine mount or EDF mount, hatch cut, and hinged doors ready for installation. A Cockpit tub and dash are also installed in the factory-fitted canopy and frame.

Various paint schemes have been designed that are not scale but look fantastic on this airplane, and an all-white version is available for your own design ideas. The unique scale KOBUZ scheme will also be available. The CARF-Models KOBUZ is entirely painted in the molds; molding seams are touched up and completely invisible.

Fuselage & Canopy

The fuselage is all carbon in all load-carrying areas; only the front part under the canopy is fiberglass, as we needed to ensure the RC equipment would work properly. Dual layers of 45-degree carbon and longitudinal unidirectional reinforcements make the fuselage safe for dives at 400+ km/h. A soft-mounted retractable landing gear with a 115 mm wheel is installed, and gear doors are hinged. 

The canopy is finished, fitted to the frame, and painted in the factory. Pins, tabs, and a spring-loaded latch are also installed at the factory. The cockpit tub will hold an optional Quarter Scale full pilot, and a scale instrument panel is also available as an option.

We provide the fuselage with provisions to mount a retractable turbine or EDF, and, if ordered, cut and hinge the doors.

Wings

The Wings are also completely made from carbon fiber. Multiple layers of carbon in the skin wrap around an incredibly strong main spar. Control surfaces are hinged, and a sealing lip is factory-installed. Control horns, servo mounts, hatches, and linkages are all pre-built. 

A solid 25 x 45 mm cross-sectioned carbon wing joiner carries the flying loads as a "floating spar", whereas the wings are joined to the fuselage with 4 8mm carbon pins. 

The airfoil used is a secret, but it is extremely thin to minimize drag, as proven in many other CEFLIX designs.

Tail

The horizontal stab is also a full-carbon design, with elevators pre-hinged on elastic hinges and sealed with composite lips. It is removable with a single bolt after disconnecting the linkage from the massive control horn, as the elevator servo is installed at the rear of the fuselage. The rudder is attached to 4 hinge posts in the fin with a steel pin, which is solidly glued into a plywood spar. A pull/pull setup connects it to the rudder servo installed right behind the landing gear. 

Engine Choice

The CARF-Models KOBUZ-3 can be flown in the mountains (slope soaring), aero-towed for scale glider aerobatic performance, or propelled by a retractable jet engine or electric ducted fan. The truth of the matter is that it can be banged around with a jet engine or a huge EDF, so that "gliding" becomes an unnecessary flight stage, except for landing... 

The KOBUZ-3 is literally unbreakable in the air, thanks to the carbon used in its construction. It's safe up to 400 km/h, and you can pull up at full throttle without regrets. It is not only a high-performance glider, but it is also a powered speed plane to be enjoyed low and fast, Reno-style.

And at the same time, it is docile, slow, and predictable when needed. It can be flown on small airfields, grass runways, in the wilderness of breathtaking mountains, and on asphalt airfields. The CARF-Models KOBUZ-3 is one of a kind. Raw, powerful, elegant, and sexy.