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 4.35 cm wing span (172"). CEFLIX provided the aerodynamic and CAD design, and CARF-Models provided their composite technology. Each one alone was already an institution; in a joint venture, it had to result in something greater than anything. And it did!

The CARF-Models KOBUZ-3 is the epitome of a painted-in-the-mold, all-carbon, scale, ultra-performance acrobatic glider with only the best materials and components used. 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 an installed retractable landing gear and tow release; it can be ordered prepared for the installation of the retractable turbine mount or EDF mount, hatch cut, and doors hinged. A Cockpit tub and dash is also installed in the factory-fitted canopy and frame.

Various paint schemes have been designed, which are not scale but look so fantastic on this airplane, and an all-white version is available for your very 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 the load-carrying areas; only the front part of the fuselage under the canopy is fiberglass, as we needed to make sure the RC equipment will work properly. Dual layers of 45-degree carbon, longitudinal unidirectional reinforcements make the fuselage safe for 400+ km/h dives. 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 factory-installed. The cockpit tub will hold an optionally available Quarter Scale full pilot, and a scale instrument panel is available as an option, too.

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. Multi 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 sort of 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, sealed with composite lips. It is removable with a single bolt after the linkage has been disconnected 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), it can be aero-towed for scale glider aerobatic performance, and it can be 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 is 400 km/h safe, and it can be pulled 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, as well as on asphalt airfields. The CARF-Models KOBUZ-3 is of its own kind. Raw, powerful, elegant, and sexy.