Advantage of EDF for a sport plane?

[rocket_jim]

Had an idea for a high-wing sport plane using an EDF instead of the typical high-mounted pusher motor-prop. Mount battery, receiver, and servos to the outside of the duct. Possibly 2 booms to the tail, also mounted to the duct. Basically mount everything to the duct.

Thinking of something similar to the Flyzone design: http://www.flyzoneplanes.com/airplanes/hcaa0360.html , but R/C instead of FF. And high-wing instead of mid-wing for more of a trainer than a screamer. Make the wing removable with the typical rubber bands.

Would there be any advantage to this approach other than never ever breaking a prop?

Performance suitable for a brand new flyer and crash durability/repairability are much more important to me than looks.

[Dr Kiwi]

I have not flown one, but I understand that EDF's tend to need some airspeed to get up "on-step" so they may be more difficult for a beginner to fly - relatively low thrust at high speed v. higher thrust at lower speed for the conventional prop driven plane.

EDF's are typically lower efficiency (in terms of g/W) than conventional (and usually larger) pusher props.

Cheers, Phil

[rocket_jim]

Thanks, Dr Kiwi for that info.

Sounds like EDFs are really only suited for planes requiring the absense of a propellor, whether for looks, safety, or eliminating prop breakage.

Thanks again,
Jim