Twin Mustang (oz13628)

About this Plan

Twin Mustang. Scale model twin fighter for rubber power.

Quote: "Twin Mustang, by Gabriel Bedish.

Operational strategy utilized by the USAF for interception and destruction of hostile aircraft is still almost entirely dependent on the application of fighter plane technique.

Of these highly developed techniques, the most detailed and complex is that employed for the all-weather fighter. Experience gained from the past has revealed the dire need for a fighter unit capable of insuring air defense at night, in inclement weather, or under other adverse conditions where normal fighter plane units could not adequately cope with the situation.

The primary aircraft employed by these units today is the North American F-82 Twin-Mustang. This aircraft supersedes the Northrop F-61 Black Widow.

Contrary to the popular conception, the Twin-Mustang is not the result of the joining of two F-51 Mustang aircraft together by a single wing and stabilizer panel, but is the re-sultant of an entire newly-planned design. The F-82 has established a most enviable record in operational use since its inception. An early version, the renowned F-82B Betty Joe was flown non-stop from Hawaii to New York City in 14 hrs 37 mins in February, 1947.

The 'F' series of this aircraft is powered by two Allison V1710 liquid-cooled engines of 2,250 hp each. These power plants are equipped with water injection facilities for additional power output. Employment of exhaust flame dampeners prevent sighting of the aircraft at night from exhaust trails.

Armament installed varies with the mission involved. The aircraft is among the most versatile now in USAF operational service. It is employed in the capacity of a long-range bomber escort, ground support fighter, and all-weather and night fighter. The F-82F is mainly utilized in the latter category. Normal armament consists of six .50 caliber machine guns mounted within the center section wing panel. Provisions to handle such optional implements as the Holy Moses 5 high-velocity rockets are allowed for in the design.

Radar equipment for combat operations in poor visibility is carried in a specially designed pod. This housing is slung beneath the wing center section. The forward extremities protrude ahead and underneath of the propeller arcs to remove propeller interference from radar screen scope operation.

Pilots of all-weather fighter units are among the most highly trained and skilled available. The demands upon the emotional and physical qualities of these pilots are so extreme that rigid standards must be maintained in their selection. Pilots are seated within the left fuselage and radar operators in the right on the F-82F.

Adapting the F-82F Twin-Mustang to rubber-powered free flight proved to be a most intriguing experience. Certain problems inherent in the design of the prototype had to be overcome before automatic stability was insured in the model. In spite of slight changes made, a very high degree of scale fidelity was maintained in the model. Proportions relating to the stability of the model on its lateral axis were ideal and no change was required. Additional rudder and stabilizer area were needed to increase spiral stability. Lateral stability was increased by the placement of a light, lifting airfoil in the stabilizer surface. No torque compensation is needed in adjusting the model. Use of counter-rotating propellers eliminates torque reaction.

Construction of the model. By logical planning, construction time required in assembling the model was kept to a minimum. Because weight factors were displaced from the mean central axis to a considerable extent, great care had to be exercised in planning both the wing center section and stabilizer panels and their mountings to the fuselage units, to provide adequate strength. Orthodox types of framework construction were employed to simplify the building of the project. Keel and former type fuselage construction has proven to be one of the most consistently durable structures adaptable to flying scale model work.

The first work is that of enlarging the working drawings. Common store wrapping paper will suffice for a working surface. By connecting the dimension lines bordering the drawings, a more convenient layout for scaling may be secured. Template patterns have been presented full scale.

Fuselage Construction: Commence by preparing the required formers, profile jigs, and other structure components fashioned from medium-hard sheet balsa. Both fuselage structures are constructed of like materials and in similar fashion. First lay out the profile pieces directly over the plan and then insert the formers for one half of the assembly. Follow this operation with the positioning of stringers and wing mounting piece. The importance of using more than ample quantities of cement throughout the assembling of the model cannot be over-emphasized..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note originally published in MAN Sept 1950, this plan is stamped from the Allen Hunt Plan Service.

Note the print quality of this file is poor. Scan resolution was high at 600 dpi, so this seems to be just down to bad quality paper/print. The article file also includes drawings of ribs and formers at full size, these may be clearer than the parts shown on the plan.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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