Satellite (oz1226)

About this Plan

Satellite. Semi-scale stunt model for control line. Satellite 43in span semi scale C/L stunt model for 2.5 - 3.5cc. Model Aircraft February 1959.

Quote: "A semi-scale stunt model for 2.5 - 3.5 cc engines. Satellite by MF Hawkins.

A stunter with real semi-scale appearance, the Satellite will orbit its way through any of the 'awkward' manoeuvres in the new SMAE schedule. I have used both an ancient DC 350 and an Oliver Tiger as power plants, so anything from an AM 2.5 to a Veco 0.19 would provide all the urge necessary to 'do the book.'

Satellite's vital statistics are - wing area 370 sq in and weight 22 oz, giving a wing loading well below 10 oz per sq ft. If you prefer to build the model heavier, then add flaps, but they have not been necessary on the original, and the model is quite strong enough to withstand all except vertical prangs onto tarmac.

To get down to construction, the wing, which is built first, is quite straightforward, and for real strength all the ribs are capped, while the leading edge sheeting extends as far as rib 2. The inner wing is 1 in longer than the outer.

For the fuselage, first build the ply and hard wood assembly of Ft, F2, engine bearers, undercarriage, tank and fuselage doublers, and cement this firmly to the wing. Then add planking strips for the top and bottom of the fuselage, insert the remaining farmers and complete the fuselage planking in the usual way. Remember to stitch the tail wheel strut to F8 before covering the fin and rudder with in. sheet.

Lightly cement C4 to F1 and build the cowling in one piece, bringing the fuel tubes out through C3. Cut away the detachable half of the cowl and cut to fit snugly around your motor.

If you decide to use the elevator hinges as shown on the plan, slide the ply hinges down the dowel and firmly cement them into the sawcuts in the stabiliser; add the elevators only after cementing the tailplane to the fuselage and attaching the push rod. This makes it easier to adjust the controls for neutral.

Cover the wings with nylon or heavy Modelspan and the rest of the model with lightweight Modelspan, doped on.

While I agree with Dave Platt that a bright colour scheme greatly enhances the appearance of a model, please don't cover Satellite with fancy spots or stripes. This is a semi-scale model, so why not use a scale or semi-scale colour scheme, eg US Navy, grey and white? I used dark grey and green sprayed camouflage finish on top and silver underneath; with Soviet Air Force markings painted on, this result looked very smart - as the photographs show. If you can fly a stunt model at all you won't need telling how to fly this one, but if this is your first then take it easy until you get the 'feel.' Line lengths of up to 60 ft, depending on the wind, are recommended. "

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