Panzer D20 (oz14246)

About this Plan

Panzer D20 (aka Atomicpanzer). Radio control sport pattern plane.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "This one is hard to scale as neither the plan or article gives a wingspan. After I vectorized it for CAD I tried to size the model using the wheels and spinner as called out. I think the plan was originally in metric and then size call outs were changed to English for the MAN plan. A 63 in winspan is almost exactly 1600mm, so I think sizing is reasonable. At this sizing the wheel and spinner are fairly close to their call outs.

Wingspan: 63 in or 1600mm
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Engine: 0.61cc RC
Type: RC 4 channels
Drawings and Prototype built by: Rich Brand
Published: Model Airplane News May, 1972"

Article Quote: "Top drawer Pattern plane from South Africa. World Champs team member spent long hours developing what he believes is the best FAI Pattern bird 2nd for design at World Champs. Panzer D20

Panzer D20, alias Atomicpanzer is the model aircraft used by myself at the 8th World Championships at Doylestown, Although I designed it primarily for FAI Pattern flying, I have no doubt that the design is suitable for the AMA Pattern. The model has flown the entire FAT Pattern with the under-carriage locked down, so a fixed under-carriage version is feasible. I have also flown the aircraft with a swept wing version as shown on the plan. This makes the model more suitable for flick maneuvers, yet does not distract from its docile characteristics.

The Panzer D20 is descended from a long line of Panzer aircraft designed specifically by myself for Pattern flying. This does not indicate that f regularly prang model airplanes. On the contrary, it indicates that I love designing and building model aircraft and am constantly striving to obtain the ultimate in Pattern design. Indeed, most of my model airplanes pass into the hands of contest modelers who normally do well with them at championships.

The fuselage shape of the D20 is derived from the Armstrong Whitworth Sea Hawk, a single seat carrier-borne fighter bomber used by the Royal Navy. the Netherlands and German Air Forces. Being semi-scale, the model looks very attractive while flying. The D20, in my opinion, can be flown by novice and expert alike. I say this in all sincerity as the model has been flown by a fair cross-section of modelers who have always voiced their approval. I would add that the D20 had the distinction of gaining second place for Pattern design at the Expo held at the World TUC Championships in Doylestown.

DESIGN CONCEPT: Fuselage: The fuselage has good side area as is common with most of today's Pattern ships. The angled engine, which does not distract from the scale-like appearance, permits the fuel tank to be raised, thus allowing the nose gear to retract fully into the slender nose.

Wing: A 15% symmetrical section, rather similar in shape and characteristics to the British RAF 30; produces good values of lift/ drag over a wide range of angles. Also, the well-rounded tips provide for a gradual decrease in chord and thickness, thus eliminating as much turbulence and drag as possible. Strip ailerons with no differential provide lateral control.

Tailplane and Elevalor: The section is symmetrical, which has proved to provide a soft elevator response around neutral. The position of the tailplane permits equal inside and outside loops without resorting to a differential control horn. The elevator, though small in area, is quite adequate for all maneuvers.

Fin and Rudder: Combined, they provide directional stability. Over 30 square inches of rudder area provide adequate control for clean stall turns, slow roll and four point rolls.

CONSTRUCTION: Wing: Start by building the wing. After cutting out the foam cores, glue the rear spar in place. Next, epoxy glue the ply undercarriage mounts in position. When set, cut out the foam to accept the undercarriage unit. Coat the foam in the recess with epoxy to protect it from solvents which may later find their way in while you are painting. Next, cover the mount with soft 1/16 balsa sheeting and shape to the original airfoil contour.

The wing is now ready for sheeting. Cover the cores with one piece 1/16 prepared balsa sheeting. Apply contact adhesive with a sponge to both sheeting and foam cores to prevent excess glue weight. Use Titebond glue on areas where wood meets wood. The method I used when covering cores is as follows: Wet only the leading edge portion of the sheeting with ammonia. Make the initial contact between the foam core and sheeting at right angles. Now, slowly roll the core until one side of the wing is covered, Trim the sheeting at the rear spar. Now roll the core over to make contact on the other side. Trim the sheeting at the rear spar, and use pins to insure that no warps develop while drying..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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