Form Follows Function! The CARF-Models Mephisto is an innovative new aerobatic sport jet. We had to combine great classic aerobatic capabilities with unbeatable 3D performance. We met that diabolical challenge when we introduced the first Mephisto to the jet modeling world. But after working for two flying seasons with the best pilots out there, we incorporated everything we learned into a new version of this best-ever sport jet. Mephisto V2!
When it was first presented many 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.
ARF KIT
For CARF, this new large Sport Jet needed a 3-piece wing. How easy would transportation and field assembly be if the center wing, containing all landing gear, could permanently remain on the front fuselage, creating one easy-to-transport unit with the gear retracted or extended? It would fit in any small station wagon and handle so easily. The challenge comes with the flaps, as they would have to be too far outwards or be two-part surfaces on each side. Not so with the Mephisto, which has a completely removable flap that interlocks with the servo control arm and a solid outer bearing. When you slide the outer wing onto the carbon wing tube studs, the huge one-piece flaps integrate and automatically hook up on both sides. That has not changed.
Engine Choice & Fuel Tank
Most pilots have equipped the Mephisto with the new KingTech 320 turbine. This engine has blown us all away, literally, with its power and reliability. The slightly higher weight may be the reason for its performance and reliability, and it's more than enough reason to make all the little changes in the Mephisto V2 to reduce weight wherever possible. The big engine is still flown at pretty low power settings throughout the flight, except during the power-consuming 3D hover sequences, but overall, a 5-liter fuel tank has proven sufficient. A set of soft bag tanks will be offered very soon, bespoke-made for our Mephisto V2, eliminating even the 300+ grams of a header tank. However, the previous dual fuel tank with 6 Liter or even 7.2 Liter capacity can still be used; the mounts are therefore no longer glued in but are included in the kit.
Thrust Vector Tube
The Vector thrust tube has been upgraded. The vector is now mounted to the rear former in the fuselage, which eliminates any trim change due to thermal expansion from temperature variations. The vector diameter is larger than the thrust tube diameter, reducing vector thrust loss to almost zero, as there is no restriction when not deflected. The thrust tube itself is designed to withstand the high thrust of big-block engines, with spiral reinforcement over its entire length. We moved away from the bell mouth and designed an aerodynamically well-working intake lip instead, which creates more laminar airflow in the thrust tube, making it run much cooler. That is also important since, for weight-saving reasons, it is only a single-layer tube. (Please note: The fuel tank and vector tube are not included in the kit and must be purchased separately).
The retract setup is unique because all 3 gear legs retract forward. The very special feature is that, when retracted, the gear still leaves 1/3 of the wheel exposed, and the front fuselage/center wing assembly sits on its wheels even with the gear retracted. This not only makes handling, storage, and transport of this main component easier, but also lets the plane land with retracted landing gear (e.g., due to a malfunction) without causing a scratch. Who knows what it could be good for when flying in 3D-mode low to the ground... The MMephisto'selectric retracts are built by ELECTRON especially for this airplane and come with the popular GS-200 controller. The V2 still utilizes this very gear, and nothing has changed, except that the gear doors have been eliminated!
We offer an extremely high-quality assembly service, delivering an 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 Mephisto V2 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 Mephisto V2, 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 Mephisto V2 is no different. It boasts meticulously applied PU paintwork, expertly executed in the molds. If you're seeking a personalized touch, we offer color swaps and fully custom designs developed through collaboration between you and our skilled artists. Below are our Standard Schemes and a few standout examples:
Only the pilot limits what the Mephisto can do. Fast and precise aerobatics are as possible as slow 3D stuff. A few "immicks "such as a T-canard borrowed from the serious F3A pattern ships, as well as a long horizontal strake in front of the stab, make the plane track in any attitude, upright, inverted, or in knife-edge, slow and fast, like never seen before. The 3D vector tube allows all kinds of harriers, hovers, show rolls, waterfalls, and so on, which until now could only be performed with lightweight aerobatic planes or with especially designed 3D Delta Jets - the Mephisto features the best of both worlds. Pattern precision and 3D extreme. So many World-Class Pilots have put their hands on one, and every single one has had nothing but compliments about what an extraordinary flying machine Mephisto really is...
The Carf-Models Mephisto is in a word - sublime. It is the quintessential sport jet, captivating in every turn, flip, spin hover, and landing. Few jets can come close to matching its precision, elegance and sleek lines together with the sheer fun factor and additional dimension of thrust vectoring. At just about any jet event there is a Mephisto on display with its aerial presence doing amazing maneuvers in a class all of its own.
Tim Wright, USA (Team Pilot)
The Mephisto always stands out—not just because of its impressive size, but also due to its distinctive design and cutting-edge flight performance. Even after countless flight hours, it never fails to thrill me. Every flight feels unique, and every flight is pure fun.
Marius Euteneier, Germany (Team Pilot)
I had the great opportunity to start vector flying with the Mephisto even though I only had a few flight on jets before. After less than 10 flights the Mephisto became the ultimate jet for me. This plane is a precision master, so smooth and elegant to control. The hovering function makes it the most capable plane out there!
Max Chrubasik (Team & Factory Pilot)
The CARF-Models Mephisto marks a significant milestone in my journey with model airplanes, being the second jet I ever piloted. What makes the Mephisto stand out is not just its complexity, but the sheer magic it brings to the skies. For me, it was love at first sight – Beyond its impressive 3D characteristics, the Mephisto boasts an exceptionally diverse flight envelope that's nothing short of amazing. It's a jet that doesn't just fly; it dances gracefully in the air, reflecting a perfect blend of engineering excellence and aerial artistry.
Elad Fish, USA (Team Pilot & Sales Rep)
The Carf Models Mephisto stands as a pinnacle of aerodynamic artistry, seamlessly blending cutting-edge design with high-performance capabilities. Its sleek lines and precision engineering make it a standout in the world of RC jets. From exhilarating speed to graceful maneuvers, the Mephisto embodies the thrill of flight at its finest.
Frank Westerholt, Germany (Team Pilot)
The Mephisto is a precision monster. You only need very little stick input in any orientation to keep it straight. It flies like on rails. The thrust vectoring adds the possibility for tumbles, hovering, etc so it is a good mix between precision and agility.
Lars Rößling, Germany (Team Pilot)
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106" (2620 mm) |
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123" (3100 mm) |
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39 Lbs (18 kg) dry |
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220 - 300 N |
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10 high torque digital servos |
This is a preliminary Instruction Manual V1.3 with the most important infromation to build and set up our Mephisto. It will be sufficient for the time being to support your equipment installation and to help set up the plane for the first flights.
A Photo Sheet will be published here as soon as a few more Mephistos have been built and set up.
The all new V2 thrust vector tube is availalbe now and shipped for every Mephisto, if ordered. Here is the manual for this new V2 vector thrust tube. It is very important to read and follow!
