Pilatus Turbo-Peanut (oz12471)

About this Plan

Pilatus Turbo-Peanut. Free flight scale model for rubber power. Wingspan 13 in.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 5/6/2025: Added article, thanks to AlexanderWeber.

Quote: "THE FULL-SIZE Turbo-Porter is a product of Switzerland, and first new during May of 1961. An outgrowth of the piston-engined Pilatus Porter, the Turbo-Porter has been produced in several variations over the years. differing in power plants and many minor details. These machines have been employed in a number of different countries, and thus a large variety of color/marking schemes may be found from which to choose.

Our model was based upon an early aircraft used as as demonstrator by the Fairchild Stratos Corporation, which was colored an overall white with red embellishments. This machine featured a French Turbomeea Astozou engine. Other types were powered by the Canadian Pratt and Whitney PT6, and our drawings also show that alternative cowling shape,

The model design dates back to 1969, yet the prototype is still in flying condition, having participated successfully in Van Nuys, Taft, and San Diego contests, as well as in Las Vegas. During 1970, the design was voted one of the National Free Flight Society's 10 'Models of the Year.'

In selecting a subject for a Peanut, many factors enter in. Typically, a design with a fairly. low aspect-ratio wing is chosen. since it will present more area within the 13 in maximum wing span permitted by the rules. From this standpoint, the Porter does not fare too well, having a rather narrow chord. Against this however, it offers a very long nose moment and easy-to-construct squarish outlines. It is at its best outside, unlike many Peanuts which perform better indoors. So much for the sales pitch. Most of you should be able to scrape together enough material from your scrap box to build this little Swiss bird.

If this is your first Peanut, may we suggest that you exert every effort to keep it as light as possible? The basic structure may be either 1/16 sq or 1/20 sq strip balsa. (See list of suppliers at end of article.)

Construction: First, gather together the needed materials. By having everything close-at-hand. you will be able to progress quite rapidly, rather than having to stop while searching for some missing item. Cover the full-size drawings with clear plastic wrap to protect them from the glue of your choice.

Fuselage: Construct two identical body sides, working directly over the plans. It is important not to puncture the strips with straight pins which could weaken the structure. The new pin-down clamps work well, or you may simply 'X' the straight pins over each strip to hold it firmly to your building board. When the sides have dried, crack the top and bottom longerons to permit them to angle inward as shown in the top view, and reglue. Revel the inner edges of the tail posts slightly, and glue them together. Add the various small cross-pieces between the sides, working from the rear forward. A draftsman's triangle may he used to be certain the sides are truly vertical, as the work progresses..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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