Bushmaster (oz14044)

About this Plan

Bushmaster. Radio control sport model for electric power with Astro 25.

Quote: "Captures an 'old-timer' flavor, yet uses the most modern power system available. Bushmaster, by Roland Boucher.

Richie Hallerberg, age 12, constructed the first Bushmaster electric-powered, remote-controlled airplane, and it was successfully flown in February,1974. Richie scratch-built the airplane from Astro Flight's pre-production blueprint, The performance of the airplane was outstanding, yielding fifteen-minute flights continuously. The Bushmaster was Richie's first airplane and was constructed by him without any assistance.

When setting out to build the Bushmaster, I wanted a simple, easy-to-build plane. It had to have high-wing stability and light weight, for snappy performance with the Astro 25 electric power unit. An easy flier was important, because the only time I get to fly anymore is when giving demonstrations.

I really knew that we had a winner when a twelve-year-old, Richie Hallerberg, built one as his first model. He came by the shop with his father to buy an Astro 25 for a projected four-channel airplane. I tried to convince him that three channels were plenty for a beginner. To demonstrate my point, I took him and his dad to a vacant lot and demonstrated rudder rolls with an Astro O5-powered VOLTSplane (designed by Henry Pasquet).

I let Richie take the stick for a couple of flights, then went back to the plant to get a set of Bushmaster plans. Two weeks later, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from Richie's dad. The Bushmaster was ready to fly, and he wanted me to make the maiden voyage.

An hour later, they arrived. We went out to the vacant lot and found a smooth stretch of dirt from which to take off. The bird flew every bit as well as my own. Richie flew a good part of the three flights, getting more proficient each time. He has soloed now, and is thoroughly enjoying the quiet revolution. He reports that he's getting consistent 15-minute flights.

The Bushmaster's flight capabilities are commendable. The takeoff roll is short, and climb out to a pattern altitude of 200 feet takes about 20 seconds, Use neutral trim in the climb, since the high-wing cabin configuration results in a positive nose-up trim when power is applied. Like most electrics, it is best to climb at a good solid flying speed rather than to hang on the prop. Climb to between 50 and 100 feet above pattern altitude. Then crank in 1/4 forward trim and gently dive back to pattern altitude to 'get on the step.'

Now you are ready for loops, rolls, wing avers, etc. Snap rolls and spins are also possible if large control deflections are used. Recovery from a spin is immediate when controls are neutralized.

The Bushmaster has a solid feel in the air and, at moderate control deflections, makes an excellent trainer. It can be flown power-off quite slowly with full back trim, and has been thermalled in strong lift. For landing, set up your approach, power off, at full back trim, and flare just before touchdown, Once it's down, it stays there, with no tendency to bounce. The steerable tail wheel provides positive control on roll-out.

The Bushmaster has been a fun project, which was an immediate success on its first flight, It is easy to build, yet the rounded tail surfaces and large cabin give it a pleasant 'old timer' look reminiscent of Canadian Bush planes. I hope you enjoy building and flying the Bushmaster as much as I have.

Construction: The wing: Begin the wing construction by taping the plan to a flat board which should meausre at least 3/4 by 12 x 36 in. Rememeber, your completed wing will only be a s straight as your building board! If you use a 62 in board, you can build both wings simultaneously. Now, covewr the plan with some saran wrap of similar product. Do not use waxed paper.

Carefully select your wing sheeting, making sure to match them closely as possible, and pin directly on the plan in the correct position. Next glue the 1/8 x 3/8 spruce spar to the top aft edge of the bottom sheeting..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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