Skyvolt (oz14509)

 

Skyvolt (oz14509) by Bob Kopski 1990 - plan thumbnail

About this Plan

Skyvolt. Radio control sport trainer model, for electric power. Wingspan 50-1/4 in.

Quote: "Designed by Bob Kopski, one of America's well known Electric Modelers, the versatile Skyvolt is a natural transition craft out of trainers and into aerobatics."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note this here is the kit plan. It seems the same plan (but with a different title block) also appeared in MA, Jan 1990.

Update 23/4/2023: Added article, thanks to JeffGreen.

Quote: "Ready to go a step beyond the usual Electric trainer? This aptly named sportster can take a wide variety of electric power installations, from a docole 05 to a high-performance 15 motor. It's appealing to the eye, relatively easy to build, and with its large and unique aileron design, it's fully acrobatic. SKyvolt, by Bob Kopski.

YOU'VE NEVER seen anything quite like this Electric before. Skyvolt is a unique and versatile design that juxtaposes a high level of performance and fun with a stylish, compact airframe.

For the relative newcomer to Electrics, this model is a great answer to what's next. When you've used up all the fun afforded by many of the Electric trainers presently on the market (Amptique, PT Electric, Mirage, Aero-lectric, etc) and are ready for a performance step beyond, Skyvolt may be just what you need. It's also a good choice for the experienced modeler of the wet power persuasion who'd like to try quiet power.

Skyvolt gradually evolved in my mind's eye during many years of flying my earlier Spectra Stunt (November 1984 MA). Much as I like the Spectra. I wanted a somewhat more stylish version that would also ground handle and accommodate a wide range of power systems. Skyvolt emerged over a two-year period, first conceptually and then in reality. It has easily met the design intent and in many ways exceeded IL

This is a capable, aerobatic model that follows well-proven design guidelines. Flying on a NACA 2412 airfoil section, Skyvolt has a strong, light structure, sturdy landing gear, and steerable tail wheel. It's designed for three or four channels, with one channel always reserved for ailerons. Rudder (and tail wheel steering) may be omitted if desired. Nominally a 'three-pound plane,' depending primarily on the power system chosen the finished model will weigh 48 oz, give or take a few ounces either way.

Suitable power systems for Skyvolt include some of the more spirited economy 'can' motors on up to cobalt 15s, using batteries of 7 to 12 cells, In effect a '125- to over 200-' watt plane, it flies comfortably at the lower end of the power spectrum but really comes alive with the high-end systems. With the versatile mounting scheme shown on the plan. the motor mount area will nest anything from the small cobalt 05 to the rather bulky ferrite 15. If any other Electric offers this much designed-in versatility, I'm not aware of it.

Skyvolt was intended primarily for direct-drive installations. Among the systems used in the prototype are the economy Gold Fire and Kyosho 360 ST, the ferrite 15, and the cobalt 15. The first two motors have worked well with 8 x 4 nylon props and seven 1.2-mAh cells. The 15s have been used with 8 x 6 nylons on 10 900-mAh cells and 8 x 4 nylons on 12 900s, An especially nice combination is the geared cobalt 05 on eight 1.2-mAh cells turning a Kyosho 9 x 8 prop. This impressive installation requires a somewhat enlarged nose block opening to clear the higher thrust line.

While the Skyvolt's flight performance capabilily varies with the power system chosen, you'll get very satisfying results even with the economy installations. The large ailerons permit easy consecutive rolls. Inside loops are a piece of cake, and with a little care and a slight breeze the model will even execute outside loops. The airplane takes a definite, directed attitude in moderate winds, handling them easily. Just a touch of down stick is all you need for sustained inverted flight, and it'll climb from this attitude into a light breeze.

Performance is well beyond the trainer envelope. The model does spins and snaps, It has quite a wide speed range, and landings are very controlled. Given some head wind, takeoffs on short grass are possible even with the low-end power systems. I'm biased, but I think the Skyvett is a terrific flier.

As you'd expect, installing the cobalt 15s further augments performance. Feed in anywhere from 150 to over 200 watts of power, and you've created a whole new machine. At the higher power end the airplane is faster, takes off and does touch-and-goes more easily, and executes very impressive square inside loops. There are sure to be maneuvers within the model's range that I have yet to try.

Whatever power combination you choose for the Sky volt, remember that everything works much better with a speed control. Don't build the model without one.

Construction: As with any good Electric, this structural design emphasizes strength where needed and light weight everywhere. Building techniques, generally familiar and straightforward, basically follow my construction guidelines for Electrics discosed in 'All About Electries,' Part Eight, April 1984 MA, and in the previously referenced Spextra article. However. a few of the assembly procedures I've devised are unique to !he Skyvolt.

Tail surfaces: I like to start off with these simple structures. They're built and assembled so quickly that you feel a lot has been aeccariplished in very little time. Select straight, lightweight balsa for the edges. Note that the balsa edges or the rudder and elevator are taper sanded al the hinge line. Follow this procedure it you plan to use tape hinges..."

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Skyvolt (oz14509) by Bob Kopski 1990 - model pic

Datafile:
  • (oz14509)
    Skyvolt
    by Bob Kopski
    from Model Aviation, Todays Hobbies (ref:EC-1)
    January 1990 
    50in span
    Electric R/C Cabin Kit
    clean :)
    all formers complete :)
    got article :)
  • Submitted: 04/04/2023
    Filesize: 4172KB
    Format: • PDFbitmap
    Credit*: theshadow
    Downloads: 807

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