Se5a (oz10895)

About this Plan

SE5a. Scale WWI biplane fighter model, for micro-RC using a PZ brick or similar setup.

Note this plan was released online as a free download by the designer himself, back in 2014 on RCGroups (see datafile link).

Later published in Flying Scale Models, Jan 2018.

Update 3/11/2024: Added article (2018), thanks to rocketpilot.

Quote: "I have attached the article for Peter Rake's beautiful 18 in WS, SE5a. It is a very wonderful and gentle flying model. I built one for one of our club members dad. Be very vigilant on keeping the wood light."

Quote: "The Royal Aircraft Factory SE5 was, arguably, the best British biplane fighter aircraft of the First World War. Although the first examples reached the Western Front before the 'more famous' Sopwith Camel, it had a much better overall performance and was better liked by novice pilots, yet problems with its Hispano-Suiza engine, and some lesser flight and design details kept the aircraft in more of a 'development' stage. That meant there was a chronic shortage of SE5s, or its definitive development, the SE5a, until well into 1918 and fewer squadrons were equipped with the type than with the Sopwith fighter. Together with the Camel, the SE5a was instrumental in regaining allied air superiority in mid-1917 and maintaining this for the rest of the war.

The Model: This is a small 'indoor' scale model, with a span of 18 in and is a great opportunity to make a true indoor or backyard flyer. Given the 'still-air' outdoor conditions that occasionally occur on summer evenings, it could also be flown outdoors too. With excellent flying characteristics, this aircraft is able to turn well within a confined space and it is a wonderful departure from the larger, more complex models.

As such, it reminds me of childhood, making those stick-and-tissue models that flew on rubber power. With today's technology, we can take that memory further and make a true three-function radio controlled backyard fighter. This little SE5a is designed to use a small all-in-one controller or 'brick' that contains two linear servos, the receiver and the motor ESC all in one package. However, any other very light equipment that delivers the same control functionality, for the same equipment weight could be used.

If you are familiar with building kits, this should go right together for you (Laser-cut wood part kits are available from our publisher - Ed). The challenge is to 'think light' and be careful with the wood pieces. The whole model weighs less than a 1/6th scale warbird rudder or elevator, so its easy to forget how fragile this is. It's a great departure from building a larger kit and it takes up very little space, uses few resources and is a joy to assemble.

Construction commences with the fuselage side frames. The radio control components were borrowed from a foamy ready-to-fly plane I bought a while ago that has seen its better days. It's always satisfying to re-cycle components, not only to keep the price in check, but also to conserve on resources. All the parts are shown on the plan, so you can cut these out yourself, if you prefer.

Tail: The tail feathers are quickly built over the plan from 1/16 balsa strip, the balsa is light and small, so take your time on the build and make sure you glue the joints well because there is not much surface gluing area. The SE5a has a very square tail, and its tail surfaces go together with clean angle-cut joints. There is no need to wet or bend the wood, which also makes it a joy to get back into making a small plane and reduces the complexity, as well as the all-important weight in the tail..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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