Pilots L-R, Toninho Tomate, Licurgo Filho, and Cid Eduardo

Flying in the city of Itu, Clube AIA, São Paulo. Nov 2020
 

Paul Zurawski recently maidened his BVM Bandit ARF MKII.
The Bandit is powered by a JetCentral Rabbit 100 and a Jeti DS16 radio.

The photo was taken at the Air Force Museum, in Dayton Ohio.

Michael Sarysz with his Bandit MKII and Ofek Studnik with his Classic Ultra Bandit.
Mike said "We had a great day of flying today!"

To: Patty and Rob
Re: Bandit Mark II and MiG-15

Thank you both for all your support on helping me finish these two jets. They both fly great, especially the MiG-15, flies and lands very stable even with out gyro.

BVM Quality second to none.

Sal DiFloria

From: Patrick Barnes 
Sent: Monday, July 3, 2017 6:45 AM
To: BVM
Subject: New lease of life for a Bandit

Dear Bob and all the team at BVM

Five years ago I got picked up my Bandit ARF from its original owner. It had had a few scrapes and mishaps and was looking a little tatty, so I removed the internals and did a minor touch up on the paintwork. It has been flown regularly since then but I was never entirely happy with the finish.

As a former Naval Aviator with the Royal Navy, I took my inspiration from your Arctic Aggressor scheme, and had the jet repainted by a friend of mine who is far more talented with a spray gun and airbrush than I can ever hope to be! The scheme has been slightly adjusted to be more British and in line with my own Navy flying career. The photo was taken yesterday at Royal Naval Air Station Merryfield - the home site of my club, the Royal Navy Model Aircraft Association.

The jet is fantastic and flies perfectly, as expected! I look forward to many more years of flying this model. Thanks for building such a great product.

Best regards
Pat Barnes
Lt Cdr Royal Navy Reserve

From: Patrick Frost
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 2:16 PM
To: Modelers@bvmjets.com
Subject: 3 Bandit ARFs

Bob and Patty,

Just wanted to say hello and that we are really enjoying our Bandit ARFs.

All Bandits are equipped with BVM gear, JR servos/Receivers, Details 4 Scale lighting systems, Bullpup missiles, Aerographix Decals and JetCat turbines. I have owned over 7 BVM Bandits (of every type) and the Bandit ARFs are mine and Ben's favorite.  My 11yr old daughter Izzy is learning to fly and she enjoys getting on the buddy box with Dad. Not only does Izzy enjoy watching the Bandits fly at fast speeds, she is quite fast herself. Izzy is currently one of the fastest 5K Runners in the Midwest and is a 1500M/3000M Junior Olympian.

L-R: Patrick Frost (Navy Bandit) Ben Burden (Cheetos Bandit), Izzy Frost (Hornet Bandit).

Regards,

Patrick "Frosty" Frost

From: Jonathan and Johanna Smith
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2017 9:29 PM
To: Bob Violett; Patty Generali

Enjoying Winter sun in Phoenix
 

Terry Nitsch entertained the spectators at the 2016 Cleveland Air Show with his smoke belching BVM Bandit ARF on JetCentral Rabbit power.

Photo Credits: Dale Teis

From: Jack Karst
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2016 4:18 PM
To: Patty Generali
Subject: Bandit pics

Hi Patty,

Just thought I would share with you a few pictures of my new Bandit MKII. I am really enjoying it.

Jack K

From: Fusinato, David
Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 10:38 AM
To: Patty Generali
Subject: Bandit

Patty,

This is a Bandit ARF Gen 1 that I bought RTF a few months ago, with a Jetcat P120.  I have just added a pair of your AIM 7 missiles that I’ve had sitting around looking for a home for many years.  The EZ Pylon kit works great along with the EZ Hangers.  This adds a formidable look to the jet and assists visually as well.

I also love the new EBrake V2 system, it not only eliminates an air tank, fitting, and plumbing, but the brakes do not lock up.  Braking is very smooth.

Regards!
Dave Fusinato

Editors Note: Dave Lives in Squaw Valley, California

From: Angel Chazaro
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 10:03 AM
To: heather@bvmjets.com
Subject: Picture

Hello, Heather I found a picture that I hope Bob and Patty likes it,

Hello Patty and Bob,

Let me share with you a great day of flighting when I had my BVM Bandit and my BVM Maverick with turbine conversion and the Jet Central BEE II. I flew both of them and it was great fun. My wife Alejandra loves the Maverick after the conversion, with the scheme I painted, hope you like it.

NOTE: The Maverick "Turbine Conversion" is not produced by BVM.

Sheila and Terry Nitsch's BVM demo aircraft used at this year's Cleveland National Airshow.
Over 100,000 spectators attended this annual event!

From: Nick Smith
Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2015 7:51 PM
To: Patty
Subject: Bandit arf

Hi Patty,

Just thought I'd update you with pictures of BVM customer David Ruskin. The latest addition to David's fleet is his  BVM Bandit Arf, that he purchased from you last year. David has done a first class job of putting the model together. Last week, the model performed perfectly on the maiden flight with no adjustments required at all. David put in several flawless flights on the model.... All on the on the first day outing! Great work.

This Bandit ARF really does fly well. Another fine BVM product and solid performer, powered by a JetCat P120, with custom 'Bull-pup missiles' hanging from the wing. A great combo. Well done to David.

Many thanks Patty, Look forward to catching up at GA jets. All the best to every one at BVM,

Kind regards,

From: ALDO PACIFICO
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2015 3:43 PM
To: Heather Mercier; Patty Violet BVM
Subject: BANDIT MK II BIZ

DEAR Heather , Patty and BVM staff

After I flew my new Bandit MK II,  I  just have only one thing to say ... it is perfect. Powered with a KingTech K-80 and Futaba radio.  I made 6 flights of 7-8 min , each flight and landing were amazing. I really enjoyed the maiden flight, it was other wonderful day.

GREAT JOB FROM THE BVM FAMILY

ALDO PACIFICO
VENEZULA
 

From: Angel Chazaro
Sent: Friday, May 1, 2015 3:01 PM
To: BVM
Subject: Cozumel Aeroshow pictures

Hi Patty and Bob,

Here are some pictures from the Cozumel Airshow 2015 where I flew my Bandit MKII. It was the only RC model at the show and more than 22,000 people were impressed how the jet was flying, including the real scale aerobatic pilots. Hope you like the photos.

Best regards,

Angel Chazaro

From: "Steven DiMaio"
To: Bob
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2015 10:55 AM
Subject: Bandit Maiden and flying trip


Bob,

Attached is a pic of the new Bandit MKII after the maiden. I love this scheme. It is equipped with a K100G turbine and Spektrum HV servos are on every control.  The E-Gear/Xicoy controller and a Cortex gyro make for a great flying jet.
 

Also this weekend, my brother Anthony and Dad Sam, came out to visit. In two days of flying, we logged about 20 flights between the three of us. It was a great weekend.
 

Cheers,
Steve D.
 

Hi Patty, Heather and the BVM Staff,
'Just want to share some pictures with you guys of my new Bandit MKII. Maiden went perfect and 3 more flights after. Feels great to be flying a Bandit again. Thanks for making such a great flying Aircraft.

Regards,

Kenric Phillips

Hi Patty,

I maidened my third Bandit MKII yesterday. This Bandit is powered by a Jets Munt 140X and has all High Voltage JR servos. Ronny Derhacopian did a fanatic build job and the jet needed two clicks of up elevator and it was flying perfectly.

Again I would like to thank you and EVERYONE at BVM for such a fantastic model and service. It's so nice to have three of these jets among my many other BVM jets..


Best Regards
David Soufer
 

From: Ary Figueira 
To: 'Patty Generali'
Subject: Bandit Orange 

Hi Patty,

The new Bandit is ready. See photo.

Regards,

Ary Figueira

Sent: Friday, August 01, 2014 4:15 PM
To: BVM Generali
Subject: BVM ARF Bandit

Hi Patty

I just returned from Brazil and had a chance to test fly my Bandit ARF MKII.  Perfect flying machine. I love it. Thank you.

William Saraceni

From: David Soufer
To: Patty Generali ; Bob Violett
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2014 2:43 PM
Subject: Bandit MKII Hi Viz

Hi Patty,

Attached are the pictures of my Bandit MKII Hi-Viz.  This Bandit is powered by a Jets Munt 140X.  The performance is unbelievable..  All servos are High Voltage..  It has a pitot tube which controls the gain of the gyro based on speed, and of course, limiting top end speed. Another great jet by BVM.

I'm looking forward to my new Ultra Bandit with similar scheme.

Sincerely
David Soufer
Commercial Property Management, Inc.

From: Flavio Ribeiro
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 9:09 AM
To: BVM
Subject: Bandit MKII in action

Hi Heather

Please find attached my Fly Navy in action at the 8th model aircraft meeting at São Jose do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil last weekend

Nice pic...

Flavio Ribeiro

From: Juan Prieto
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2014 9:36 AM
To: Patty Generali
Subject: Re: Servos

Hi patty

I flew my bandit the last weekend, everything is perfect Thank you very much.

Juan Prieto

Left to right: Jonathan Smith, Bennie van de Goor, Anita van de Goor, Larry Kramer, Gordon Dickens,
Rusty Bardin, Doug Hallberg, Joe Rafalowski, Mark Woodland.

From: "Jonathan and Johanna Smith" To: "Violett Bob"; "Generali Patty" Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 1:38 AM Subject: Atlanta March 2014 Hello to you both, thought you might like to hear about our trip to Atlanta. Bob, thought you might like to see a Bandit Arf that has come home. This one has had three previous owners. Our late friend Clive, the first owner, sadly passed away before the model flew. The second owner was Jamie Cuff who sent  you a photo of it from a military base back in Jan 2009. Then Jason Fletcher  flew it for a while before it went north to Scotland, with Nick East.  It then came up for sale and Mark, Nick and I thought we'd use a bit of synergy to provide us with a "Team Spare", to be kept in Georgia with our other Bandits. Bennie also liked the idea, and has joined in by zero timing the installed AMT NL Mercury HP. So now the four of us have a Team Bandit ready for action in the event of a back up being required! We've given it a thorough "D" check and have had two perfect flights to date. It now resides in the USA ready for our visits.   On the saturday we managed nine BVM planes in the airfield at the same time, all they needed was fuel and air and they were airborne all day.

From: Sean MCHale
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 2:28 PM
To: Patty
Subject: Viper/Bandit Hot Shots

Patty,

I trust all is well these days!  Just wanted to share a few pics of my BVM Viper refurbishment inspired by the scheme on my BVM Bandit MKII.  The current issue of RCJI features an article on how I did it, and even has a picture on the cover!  Thank you for the complimentary sticker for the side of the inlet to complete the scheme!

For kicks I also painted an eflite micro habu in the same scheme. ;-) 

Cheers,
Sean McHale
Malvern, PA

From: George Kreyling
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 1:29 PM
To: Patty
Subject: SPAM-LOW: Bandit

Patty

I’ve enclosed a picture of my Bandit after it’s 200th flight. I’m flying it on a JetCat P-60; even with 100 degree temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona it has great performance.

I’m so happy I chose to purchase a BVM product. They are absolutely the best engineered best flying jets in the business! But that’s only half the story... What sets BVM apart is that they just don’t sell you an airplane. If you have a question during construction or need a replacement part help is just a phone call away. 

I would also like to thank Tim Redelman. Tim test flew my Bandit and helped me with my first flights. Tim is one of the most talented modelers I know and is always very gracious with his time. Thanks Tim!!!

George Kreyling

From: David Soufer Sent: Friday, January 10, 2014 11:27 AM To: Patty Generali Subject: Bandit MKII Dear Patty,  Attach are the pictures of my Bandit MKII.  As you can see Ronny Derhacopian did a beautiful job assembling the jet, painting the bypass and the equipment board.  I have had several Bandits in the past and I think this one flies the best..  The Ultra Bandit which has the same scheme will have the same interior finish and once its done, I will send pictures of both…  I think every jet flier should have a Bandit in his fleet..  Thank you for all your help with the custom paint request…  As always BVM's service is number one in this field.. Best Regards David Soufer

From: Angel Chazaro
To: Patty Generali
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2013 1:40 AM
Subject: BVM Bandit maiden flight

Patty and Bob,

My Bandit MKII, powered by our mexican turbine Jet Central Cheetah, is ready for the first flight. I installed the BVM electric retracts which are awesome just to watch them operate.

This plane was built by Bill Hatcher in North Port, FL. The reason that I decided to install the Cheetah turbine is because in Mexico City we are 8,000 ft above sea level, I would like to congratulate BVM for the great quality in the models you build, and I will be glad and happy to continue flying this beatiful jet and will be looking forward to join BVM team at some events during 2014.

Angel Chazaro.

From:RIBEIRO Flavio L. TECHINT 
Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2013 1:41 PM
To: modelers
Subject: Bandit family Pics

Hi Heather,

This is me and my BVM Family during the 7th 14 Bis Club event, São José do Rio Preto – SP - Brazil.  For me, the Bandit is still the best flying jet ever (maybe because the UB is not ordered yet). But as a friend from Austin, TX used to say…  “- If somebody asks you why do you have 3 Bandits? I say that is because the 4^th one did not arrive in my place yet!”

They are ready to fly, in the flight line… Navy Trainer (P100), Multicolor (P80SE), Fly Navy (P80SE)

Best regards

Flavio

From: jose cilurzo
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013 9:05 AM
To: Patty; Heather (BVMJets)
Subject: BARF READY TO MAIDEN FLIGHT

Hello Patty and Heather,

this is our second BANDIT ( bought in 2007 ), ready to maiden flight, powered by P70. Well, our third BANDIT, and, this one is the first sold by BVM in this color scheme!!

rgds

Jose 

From: Jon Stotz
Date: September 23, 2013 at 1:42:54 PM EDT
To: Patty
Subject: Bandit

I just wanted to let you know I love my new bandit. The all electric gear and brakes work great. The new color looks great and shows in the air really well. 20 flights and not one issue, that is why we fly BVM. Thanks for a great product.

Jon Stotz

Patty/Dustin,

Just a quick note to share some pictures of my BVM Bandit ARF Mk2.  I'm the second owner of the model and couldn't be happier with it's quality and performance.  Over the years I've heard so many positive reports on the Bandit, and I can say they are well earned by BVM and warranted.

Thanks for your continued support and fantastic service!

Kind regards,

Sean McHale
Malvern, PA USA

From: Ritch
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 11:48 AM
To: Patty
Subject: Flying at Markham Park

Hi Patty,

I'm sending this photo of Rick Chase and myself with our FLY NAVY paint  schemes. Rick is flying his new Bandit arf MARK II and I’m flying an Electra "T" powered with a P-60. Both jets are flying awesome like all BVM products do.

Regards,

Ritchie Holt

Dan Avilla with his latest BVM jet at Kentucky Jets 2013.  As usual Dan's paint work is exceptional!

Bandit ARF on approach somewhere in Brazil.  Exhaust heat blurs background.

Flavio Ribeiro - August 2013

From: Gabriel Pellegrini
To: Bob Violett
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2013 6:35 AM
Subject: Pictures: Bandit full flap gear down inverted flight

Bob and Dustin,

I have attached some pictures of my Bandit with a P-60, full flap and gear down, on inverted fly by.

Here is a video link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkKdKuskHHY

 Gabriel Pellegrini

From: Breno Castro
To: Patty
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2012 11:52 AM
Subject: Bandit Fly Navy from Brazil

 Hi Patty,

 Today we made the first fly with the Fly Navy Bandit MKII here in Brazil and we just say for the BVM team thanks for the wonderful jet you make. Thanks for all. 

Breno Castro
From Brazil.

From: De Lima Ribeiro, Flavio
To: Patty
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 12:51 AM
Subject: Bandit ARF - First Flight

Hi Patty

Here are some pictures of the airplane at the field… I am very happy with the performance and with the behavior of the Bandit.  It was a great choice!

I would like to thank you very much for your time and support since the beginning of the purchase process until the tips for the test flight from Dustin and also the support from Bob Violet, with the P-80.

There was some friends that are sharing the success and the dream of that jet community … some new good friends that I got here in US, Doc Jones,  Bob Brubaker and Bob Covich … They helped me a lot, to believe that flying the best is possible… Their know what they were talking about… The investment in time and money had the pay back today… during those first flights with my Bandit.

I am  glad to be part of the jet family in US and already got some  experience  to share with my friends in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil.

Moving forward to the next BVM project!

Best regards and thank you , again!

Flavio Ribeiro

From: Fernando Noriega
To: Patty Generali
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2012 12:14 PM
Subject: Fernando Noriega / Bandit Mark II

Patty,

 On Sunday it was maiden day flights for my Ultra Bandit and Bandit ARF. Here is a picture of my Bandit Mark II. Outstanding performance, Jet Central power plant. Very fast and reliable Aircraft. I am very pleased with the performance and the support of BVM.

Best Regards

From: Luis Carlos Moreira
To: Patty Generali
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 8:04 AM
Subject: BANDIT MKII IN AMAZON RAINFOREST BRAZIL

Hi Patty,

There is a photo with my MKII in our flying field.  It is locate in City: Belém, State: Pará, Country: Brazil!!!! In the middle of Amazon Rainforest!!!!

Luís Carlos Moreira

From: Mike Bartino
To: Heather
Subject: Bandit Arf Pics
Date: Sat, 12 May 2012

Hey Heather,
 
Just sending some pictures for the "hot shots" section.  They are of my newly maidened Bandit ARF with custom paint and a Cheetah for power.  I am very impressed with this model and will always have one, it flies great and exceeded my expectations.  I enjoyed building it so much I just finished building and maidening an Electra ARF which I am equally impressed and happy with.
 
Thank you to the BVM team for there great products,
 
Mike Bartino

From: Tavinho netto
To: Patty Generali
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2011 6:23 PM
Subject: picture of my Bandit ARF

Hello BVM,
It's me Luiz Otavio from Brazil with my Bandit ARF.

From: George Walker
Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 11:12 PM
To: modelers@bvmjets.com
Subject: Kodos to Dan Avilla

Bob,

  I just wanted you to know how helpful Dan Avilla was last week.  Skeet Hunt and I had two BVM birds that we needed help with first trim flights.  Skeet's was a Bandit he recently purchased and mine was a new KingCat.  We were guests at Dan's home and he spent two days helping us set them up and doing the first trim flights.  Both Skeet and I really appreciated his time and hospitality.

George

click here to see George Walkers Kingcat

From: Tim /Tracy Redelman
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 10:55 PM
To: Dustin
Subject: Bandit Day in Winamac! 

Just a few pictures from bandit day in Winamac!!  Jeff Anderson, Greg Wright, and George Kreyling on a nice fall day.

From: Alejandro Lazcano
To: Patty
Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2010 7:11 PM
Subject: TERRIFIC BANDIT

 Patty here are some pics of my completed  BANDIT ARF, they were taken at Florida jets this year , Rob Lynch has done an outstanding job in building and training me on this TERRIFIC JET. I'm so happy and pleased about having chosen BVM TEAM. I'm still working on my AMA turbine waiver and will be ready to take my BANDIT to Mexico.  This jet is running  the new  JETCAT  P-80 SE  and is guided by a JR 12X radio , everything with excellent  performance.  Keep this great hobby as high as you have taken it ,even more.......and you will have so many happy flyers like my self.  Please wait for my next BVM project pictures hope to have It ready by the end of this year.

Best Regards,
ALEJANDRO LAZCANO       
HAPPY LANDINGS

From: Dave Bottita
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 1:24 PM
To: BVM
Subject: Thank You!

Bob, Patty, and the BVM team,

   Thank you very much for your support in getting our Bandit ARF project completed. You guys have been a great help and were always there to answer any questions we might have had as well as getting us needed parts quickly! You have, by far, the tightest run ship in the hobby industry!  We are proud to own a BVM jet and I know it is not going to be the last!  Our Bandit is built to BVM specs and has an evoJet Booster 90 installed. At 21 pounds of thrust she fly’s great!  I have attached a picture of me and my son after he made his maiden flight! This is now his primary jet and we hope to put many hours on her.  Thanks again and we hope to meet some of you someday at a jet event…. 

Best Regards,
Dave and Jake Bottita
Pahrump, Nevada

From: Lasse Palm Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 7:31 AM To: Modelers Subject: ARF Bandit.  Hello Heather! I am very pleased to inform you that we have another ARF Bandit supporter here in Sweden (Stockholm).  The owner/builder Max Ahlman is very happy after 25 flights with his Bandit.  Max has built the model in Singapore when he worked for Singapore Airlines as pilot on Boeing 747. The model is powered with a Jet Cat P-70.  Regards Lasse Palm LP-Agentur Sweden

From: mario.martinez To: Patty Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 12:36 PM Subject: Bandit ARF in Guadalajara, Mexico Hi Patty, I just want lo let you know how happy I am with my Bandit ARF I fly in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico at 1600 m over sea level and I have great performance at 190 mph as you see in the picture with my JET CENTRAL RABBIT 19 lbs , I use the Futaba 14MZ guidance and all JR servos, I really like to do Knife Edge and have logged 68 flights . Thanks Javier Ulloa

From: Gamal Sadek
To: Patty
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 2:20 PM
Subject: Bandit ARF in action

Hello Patty,
Hope all is well with you. The attached photo of my Bandit ARF was taken today at the weekly RC meet in Cairo. I'm very proud of the plane and its high performance.  Feel I need to treat myself to a new toy though.  Will let you know as soon as $$$ are ready.

Best regards,
Gamal

The JetCat P-80SE has proven to be an excellent power plant for the Bandit ARF.  With an installed thrust at just under 20 Lbs., it provides excellent acceleration and yet doesn't stretch the upper 200 mph limit.

Richard Curry and Dustin demonstrated this combo with some practice flying at the R.C.A.C.F. "Jet Friendly" field in July '09.  A JR/DSM 12x was used for guidance control.

   Jamie Cuff sent in these photos of Mark Simmonds Bandit ARF operating very successfully from a grass field in Redruth, Cornwall, England.  Mark says he is happy with this model and that it won't be his last BVM product.

From: "E & J"
To: Bob
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 10:32 AM
Subject: Thanks, Bandit ARF Update...

 Bob,
 I just wanted to let you, and others know that might be seeking a great grassfield capable jet that your Bandit ARF is the best grass field jet I have flown. It takes off with authority within 250 feet with a JetCat P-70 turbine installed in your bypass system. I am using the Pro-Link struts and I would recommend them to any Bandit pilot. I have 46 flights on my Bandit ARF now, and it is just getting better with each flight. It lands like a dream, and handles the grass runway with no issues, even saves wear on the tires!

 The only thing I could want now, besides more flying time, is an ARF set of under wing fuel tanks to go with my Bandit ARF. So put me down, for a vote toward BVM making a set of ARF under wing dummy fuel tanks. Keep making the best jets. I know I will always want a BVM Bandit ARF in my fleet of jets.

Sincerely,
Jason Bauer
P.S. See you at Top Gun 2009.