Touchdown (oz1229)

About this Plan

Touchdown. Low wing RC sports plane. For 3 channel radio, and 2.5 to 3.5 engines. Flying weight is quoted in the article as 2.25 lb. From Flying Models, April 1966. A later version was done with a foam wing and ailerons.

Note this planfile is 2 separate and distinct drawings of the same model.

Quote: "This little aircraft was designed for small field sport flying. It features a nice snappy response to control commands, a fast rate of climb (handy when flying in tree-bounded fields) a 15 foot take-off run, and a comfortable sink rate for spot landings. The 'Touchdown' has a cute look to it, which adds to the enjoyment to be had when flying.

Total flying weight is only 2-1/4 pounds with prop included. The model is compact and rugged for its size, and is capable of withstanding the rigors of many a hard landing without shedding bits and pieces. It adds up to an ideal craft for everyday local flying fun, and we hope you will reap the same measure of enjoyment that this modest crate has given us. It flew right off the proverbial board, and we'd be hard put to find improvements to make in the design.

Those who have seen it in action have been very favorably impressed with its flight ability from football-sized fields. It might be possible for you to modify the design for aileron control instead of rudder, which should improve the yaw at the expense of a steerable tailwheel. Not worth it in our book, as the taxiing around is half the fun. Also, the skidding turn helps set up a nose-down penetrating attitude that we like. So, if you're in the mood, have at it.

Wing Construction: The airfoil is flat-bottomed for easier assembly, and seems to serve the deisgn very well. Modify this with a slight upsweep if you wish. Pin a strip of 1/16 x 1-1/4 med sheet balsa to the plan, with forward edge aligned with the front of the leading edge stock..."

Supplementary file notes

Added an additional (clearer) version of this plan, scanned from the 1966 magazine pages, courtesy of MnM. Includes article text, build notes.

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