Chilli Breeze (oz13801)

About this Plan

Chilli Breeze. Radio control sport model for .25 to .35 engines.

Quote: "Chilli Breeze. Mike Delacole describes his mini pattern ship for .30 size motors.

The popularity of the small helicopter has encouraged model engine manufacturers to develop very compact, powerful units and the past couple of years has seen many new arrivals in the .28 -.36 cu.in. capacity range. Two examples that immediately spring to mind are the OS 32F ABC and the Irvine 36, which weigh 8.1/4 and 9ozs respectively (without silencer), yet can turn useful sized props with great enthusiasm without having to resort to the use of a tuned pipe.

This size of engine is ideal for a 'fun size' aerobat, so when I managed to liberate an OS 32F from the local model shop earlier this year, I was very tempted to draw up a smaller Chilli Wind (oz10308) to see if everything that I had heard about the little powerhouse was true.

Some lightweight .40 cu in engines, such as the OS 40FP and the HP 40 Gold Cup, could also be used. These are slightly longer and heavier than engines in the .25 - .36 band, so the nose should be shortened by 1/2 in to compensate for the extra weight.

Fun models start to loose their appeal if they can only accommodate specialist lightweight equipment so it was important that the new machine was big enough to take a standard set of radio gear with four servos. Good vertical performance is an essential ingredient in a model of this sort so I decided to use a built up wing on the prototype in order to keep the weight down to the minimum. A foam wing will be only a little bit heavier, but is far easier to construct, so it really comes down to individual preference.

Small models have a lot of things in their favour:

1 They have a high 'fun factor'.
2. They are inexpensive and quick to build.
3. They are easy to transport and will fit, fully assembled, into most cars.
4. The smaller engine uses less fuel.
5. They can be operated from small sites.
6. In the event of a crash you will not need a dustbin liner to take home the pieces - a Sainsbury's carrier bag will do the job just fine!

Building notes: Although the Chilli Breeze is a very simple model to build, it will pay dividends if you study the plans carefully before starting construction. Aerobatic models are much more satisfying to fly if they are accurately built, so approach each stage of the construction with care.

Wings: The first thing to decide is whether you are going for the foam wing or the built up version. If you are going along the foam route make sure that the panels are accurate, Lose any slight difference at the root as the wings are joined, but badly warped panels should be discarded. Although the common material for reinforcing the centre section is fibre glass bandage, there are, in fact, many lighter substitutes which will do the job equally well surgical bandage).

It is a good idea to prepare the groove for the locating dowel and cut out for the aileron well before the wings are joined. If you are opting for the built up wing then the first job will be to knock out a couple of sets of ribs using the 'sandwich' method. Make all ribs out of 1/16 sheet, but later discard W1 and replace with a 3/16 version. As a building aid I like to mark out the centre line on each blank and drill the holes accurately before loading between the templates..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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