Hiperbipe (oz11444)

About this Plan

Hiperbipe. Control line profile model, for Fox 35 power.

Quote: "If you like biplanes, you've got to build this one! Hiperbipe, by Larry Kruse.

A biplane of any configuration has always been fascinating to most people. Probably one of the most unusual and attractive biplanes around today is the homebuilt Sorrell Hiperbipe, first unveiled at the '73 EAA Fly-In. A product of Hobie Sorrell of Sorrell Aviation, the design has drawn attention and comment wherever it's been on display.

As a modeler looking for a biplane to build as a profile sport design, I was at-tracted to it by two things: first, I've al-ways been a sucker for clean, rakish lines that give a feeling of motion even when the plane is at rest; and second, as a more practical modeling consideration, there are no cabane struts or pylons to fool with in mounting either wing of the Hiperbipe.

In setting up the design, I remained es-sentially faithful to all scale outlines, with the exception of the lifting body properties of the full-scale craft. At 396 square inches, the plane is fairly fast on 60 ft lines, but it is smooth and responsive in all modes. An old Fox .35 that's seen better days is hung on the front of my Hiperbipe and provides plenty of power. I would guess that anything on down to a good .19 would work well also, since the plane builds very light.

Construction is typical of most profiles, so I won't dwell at great length on a step-by-step procedure. There are a couple of areas, however, that do merit some com-ment. Because of its height, the fuselage blank will have to be glued up from two pieces of medium 1/2 in stock. When you cut out the fuselage outline, take special pains to accurately cut the notches for the lead-ing and trailing edges of both wings. These notches set the degree of incidence. Any deviation may prevent the plane from fly-ing as it should.

The landing gear is a bit different, too. Instead of the usual bracket and bolt arrangement, the gear is inserted into a slot in the fuselage. This makes for a neater and less cluttered arrangement, I think. Bend the gear from 1/8 music wire as per the plan, then cut two pieces of 1/8 ply to 1/2 x 1-1/4 in dimensions and test-fit them, and the gear, into the slot. They should fit rather loosely and not have to be wedged into place. Fill the fuselage cavity half full with epoxy, and liberally coat the ply pieces and the landing gear with the same. Insert one of the ply pieces, then the gear, and then the other ply piece. Carefully wipe away any epoxy that slops out, and make sure the gear is squared with the fuselage.

Tail surfaces are of medium 3/16 balsa laid up according to the plan. Hinge the stabilizer before slipping it into the slot of the fuselage. Also offset the rudder before mounting it in place..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

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