Duellist (oz1238)

About this Plan

Duellist. Control line combat model. Wingspan 32.75 in.

Quote: "WINNER OF THE 1956 International Combat event at the Criterium of Europe, Brussels, this remarkable flying wing is the result of specialised design by a group of aeromodellers in Barcelona.

The Spanish people are well aware of the type of spectacle which will draw appreciative public support, and the Barcelona club in particular have fostered Combat and Team Racing to bring about wide public interests in the hobby of aeromodelling throughout their country.

Naturally, Combat fits in very well with the Spanish temperament and there has been rapid progress in design, final result being 'Duellist'.

First requirement was found that the model should he faster than all others and secondly that it should have good manoeuvrability. Flying wings were found to be faster, particularly when built lightly, but they suffered from a large turning radius and were not quite as good as the conventional model in tight manoeuvres. That was before the compensated elevator was introduced - a new idea which occurred simultaneously both in Switzerland and Spain, and was seen on models from both of these countries at the Criterium of Europe. This is simply projected area of the elevator, forward of the hinge line and which opens on to the 'opposite' side of the fixed wing or tailplane, forming a slot. It gives a snappy action which calls for care during the initial flights, but when one is fully trained to its rapid effect, it is possible to execute tight manoeuvres and brings the flying wing up to the standard of manoeuvrability required for Combat.

As will be seen from the drawing opposite, there is really very little to the construction, as the design is no more than a conventional stunt model wing to which is added broad sheet trailing edge extensions, elevators and a hardwood engine mount. Make up the wing first by assembling all ribs over the lower 3/16 sq spruce spar, pinned down in place on the plan. Add the leading edge, basic trailing edge and then upper spar in that order..."

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