Saphir (oz11484)

About this Plan

Saphir. Radio control F3A pattern plane. Wingspan 1780 mm.

Update 23/1/2026: Added article, thanks to Johann.

Quote (google-translated): "After the new Turnaround F3A program was introduced internationally in 1984, there was much discussion about new model designs. Some focused on large models (approx. 200 cm wingspan), while others tried to find a middle ground.

With the Joker (oz9572) I succeeded in creating a design in 1984 that was groundbreaking for other designs in the F3A scene. I won the European Championship with this model in 1984, and at the 1985 World Championship, I narrowly missed first place, finishing second, even though I won both final rounds in very strong crosswinds. The crosswind was so strong that some finalists had great difficulty getting their models off the ground. The Joker was also one of the most frequently flown models at international competitions.

I then tried to further improve the outstanding qualities of the Joker and considered various possibilities. It soon became clear to me that the basic concept had to be retained and that only certain modifications and adjustments could offer further advantages.

The most striking visual feature of the Sapphire is certainly its angled wingtips. The idea originated from my friendly relationship with Herbert Sitar from Innsbruck, whose designs in F33 (gliders) and F3G (helicopters) have already attracted worldwide attention several times.

With these new wingtips, I achieved three main things:

1. Even better stability of the model in gusty wind conditions. This proved beneficial in the extreme wind conditions at the 1987 World Gliding Championships in Avignon (Mistral).

2. Improved stall characteristics during snap rolls (avalanche with normal stick inputs).

3. Elegant flight characteristics.

Furthermore, the fuselage was lengthened by approximately 3 cm and the fuselage cross-section slightly enlarged. These modifications result in improved longitudinal control of the fuselage and, in particular, less difficulty in turns to the right and left."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction