Novi III (oz10253)

About this Plan

Novi III, Control line stunt model. Designed by Dave Gierke. Powered by O.S. Max S-35.

February 1968, Flying Models magazine.

Update 11/03/2021: Added article, thanks to JohnLaycock.

Quote: "Undoubtedly, there can be no greater self-satisfaction in modeling, or any other participation sport, than having one's own machine or equipment singled out and proclaimed superior to all other entries, After participating at five Nationals in the controline precision aerobatics category, I never cease to be amazed at the fantastic thought and extreme patience which is evident in the winning models, For example, Charles Lickliter's fabulous Ballerina (oz7071) at the 1961 Willow Grove Nats, Bob Gialdini's Stingray (oz331) and 'Eclipse' at the 1963 and 1965 Nats respectively. Also Don Bambricks excellent 'Fury' seen at the 1966 Chicago Nationals. All were breathtakingly beautiful and I envisioned myself competing some day with a ship of similar calibre of my own.

In the Fall of 1966 the plan forms for Novi III were taking shape. I have always had a special liking for the F-8 Crusader, but had never built one. Especially desirable was the fuselage front end, with its shark's mouth air intake, and spinner-like radar cone, which, of course, is highly adaptable for engine concealment and cooling. Another unique feature which evolved from my Novi II design was the 10° anhedral in the stab and elevator, in conjunction with the dual-purpose stab and elevator fuselage fairings. First of all in appearance, the fairings give the illusion that I have a 'flying stab', which is pivoted at the fuselage. Secondly, the fairings provide essential strength for the tail assembly, by merit of its width across the rear.

By looking at the drawings, you will observe the extremely narrow fuselage from behind the the CG, the idea being a simple one: the narrower the fuselage, the narrower the top and bottom blocks in a critical area - behind the CG. Result - a proportionally lighter tail section.

Many modelers have asked me during the past season, whether or not the anhedral makes any difference in the flyability of the ship. The only thing I can say is that it doesn't seem to hinder, because this is the grooviest, best turning model I have built to date. Admittedly, much of the credit must be given to the favorable wing loading, achieved by the 610 sq in winged machine weighing only 47 ounces.

Novi III was flown in three contests prior to the 1967 California Nationals. Its capabilities were readily proven by winning two AA's and one AAA in the states of Michigan, and Pennsylvania against tough competition. Don't get me wrong, however, I do not wish to imply that if you build this ship you will become an instant winner. However, it is quite likely that you will accumulate a fairly adequate quantity of points, if the job is performed properly. In eight contests this year, including the 1967 Nationals, "Novi III" has placed 1st in the appearance point judging.

At the Nationals, after scoring 36 out of 40 appearance points, we came to qualification day, Thursday. At the Nats, in case you have never been there, each man receives two flights. His highest score is taken toward qualification. Depending upon the size of the entry, as many as 15 may qualify for the finals fly-off the following day.

Two qualifying circles were used for the 1967 Nationals, with the seven top scores making the finals from each circle. After running out of fuel in the four-leaf clover and losing my pattern points on the first flight, I scored the second highest flight of the day on my last try. On finals day, some remarkable flying was observed..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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