Fleet Biplane (oz13720)

About this Plan

Fleet Biplane. Radio control scale model biplane. Wingspan 84 in. Scale is 1/4.

Quote: "The Concept Fleet. A great classic in quarter scale. Designed by Romy Bukolt.

If this is your first venture into the world of Ouarter Scale, you are about to embark in a whole new world of Radio Control building and flying, unlike anything you've experienced before. You will find, as you near completion of your Fleet, that you'll begin to relate to it not as another model airplane, but more as a miniature aircraft; sort of a small version of a full-sized airplane.

When the time comes to make that first test flight, a feeling of excitement and exhilaration will engulf you that you have not experienced before with any of your smaller models. Very positive, deliberate control movement will be required rather than slight stick pressure. The airplane's response to your commands will likewise be very relaxed, yet deliberate.

Because of its size and mass, the airplane's flight will seem very slow and docile. Yet, the Fleet is fully aerobatic. The maneuvers, however, are much more open than the smaller models. Finally, the landing will have you absolutely breathless with its realism.

Welcome to the world of Quarter Scale, the latest in the State of the Art of Radio Control. Of course, if this is not your first venture into the large aircraft, I'm sure you'll agree with our claim and I know you will be pleased with the way the Fleet goes together and flies.

The Quarter Scale Fleet was designed for the average sport flyer with a limited building and flying background. Construction is simple and straightforward. Flight trim adjustments are not critical. Flight characteristics are slow and docile. The airplane is nearly stall proof. It has no bad habits, such as dropping a wing on final because of flying too slow.

The airplane was designed with the Quadra in mind, knowing full well the engine's tendency toward excess vibration especially at slow speeds. The airframe is light yet strong. Because the airplane's slow air speed, the air loads on the flying surfaces are not excessive and any medium-sized servo will adequately drive the surfaces through any maneuver.

While one servo will drive both ailerons, the plans show installation of separate servos in each wing for simplicity in disconnecting wire plugs at the junction of the wing and fuselage, when dismantling the aircraft as opposed to disconnecting a mechanical linkage.

The Fleet is designed for easy transportation by making all four wing panels and both tail surfaces easily removable. Disassembled, the model will fit in a typical compact car.

Prior to beginning construction, there are a few things you should know which will help you in building a better model easier. Construction of the Fleet is quite straight forward and easy. However, study the plan, become familiar with the kit parts. Study the views, sections, photos and illustrations. Scan the instruction booklet and develop and understanding of the construction sequence.

While none of the construction is difficult, take your time, double-check the fit of each part prior to assembly and always check alignment of each component and sub-assembly relative to the aircraft as a whole.

For best results, follow the suggested assembly sequence:

1. Build the two bottom wing panels.
2. Build the top wing panels.
3. Top wing center section.
4. Assemble the fuselage framework.
5. Fin, Rudder, Stabilizer, elevators.
6. Landing Gear.
7. Engine Cowl.
8. Cabane Struts.
9. N-Struts.

There are four areas in the construction of the 'Fleet where care and caution will result in trouble-free trimming and flight performance.

1. Warp free spar construction
2. Proper wing alignment prior to soldering the cabane struts.
3. Careful and accurate stabilizer alignment prior to installing the two stabilizer mounts.
4. Careful alignment of the fin prior to installing the brass tube fin mount.

These procedures will be explained in the assembly instructions.

To help the builder in interpreting the plans and components, all the parts are numbered in the parts list. The parts are also identified by a circled number on the parts diagram and wherever they are shown on the plans. Reference will be made to these parts by their numbers in the assembly instructions. Also, reference will be made to the various views and section by their assigned Letters in the square boxes..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Hi Steve, Here is the Concept Fleet Biplane 1/4 scale kit plan, with manual and 2 pages of notes taken from a build of this model. Only parts shown on the plan are full size."

Update 6/3/2023: Added kit review from MAN, October 1979, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Instructions.
Notes.
Review.

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