Cutlass (oz13126)

About this Plan

Cutlass. Control line sport scale model.

Quote: "For sport flying on Half-A engines, a refreshing experience in table-top construction. Cutlass, by John Berryman.

The radical planforms of many recent fighters make them hard subjects for flying scale. Here's a Half-A propeller version of the unorthodox Chance-Vought Cutlass Navy fighter that's as sharp as its name. This near-scale beauty is outstandingly stable and delightfully easy to fly.

Changes from scale have been made to keep weight down: Wing location has been moved aft a trifle; the round fuselage has been rendered as a smooth six-sider; the jet intakes have been omitted for weight reasons (but you may easily add them if you wish); and the after-burner is made optional.

The full-scale Cutlass, powered by twin jets, has engine weight concentrated toward the rear. To get proper balance for our near-scale prop version, we located the engine aft, in pusher position. This makes the Cox Thermal Hopper .049 convenient to use. The reed-valve Cox engines run equally well in either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation without special parts. This lets you use your Cox as a pusher without carving special props.

A number of other manufacturers will sell you special crankshafts for left-hand operation of their Half-A shaft-valve engines, notably Allyn, At-wood, Holland and K & B. Left-hand shafts cannot be secured for OK engines, the manufacturer informs us.

The Cutlass is a flying wing and as such is extremely clean and efficient. The plans here are for an all-balsa job of 150 square inches, which may seem like a lot of sail for Half-A. Your sharp Cutlass will check in at a husky nine ounces. The surprising power of your Cox .049, however, will give you all the speed you want on 40-foot Orlon lines, and your sharp Cutlass has enough sail for loops and wingovers.

To keep within the nine-ounce weight allowance, though, you'll have to use care in selecting your balsa stock. Working with laboratory scales, we've found that 50% differences in weight are not at all uncommon..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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