Panther (oz14957)

About this Plan

Peerless Panther. Free flight sport model. Low-wing layout.

The Panther was released as a kit in 1940, see Panther (oz5074) for the original kit plan. This here is a later redrawn version of the plan, from MB 1979.

Quote: "Old Timer Model of the Month: Peerless Panther. Designed by Walter Schultz. Drawn by Al Patterson. Text by Phil Bernhardt.

The Peerless Panther is one of those attractive OT models that everyone active in OT flying knows about, yet nobody seems to build, Don't ask us why this is, as you'd have to have a heart of stone to resist this classy looking low-winger.

The only one we can remember seeing was at the 1977 SAM Champs at Las Vegas. Someone showed up with a Panther with a new diesel that was still a bit on the tight side, and he was at the field on Monday, when everyone was test flying, getting some running time on the engine. He wasn't flying - just having a good timetalking with the guys, airplane in hand, engine humming away. The model impressed us as being a real fly-for-fun ship, something that would appeal to the readers of MB.

The Panther was kitted by the Peerless Model Airplane Co starting in 1940, and was designed by Walter Schultz. It's not the kind of airplane you'd want to pit against a Zipper or Playboy, but, properly powered and trimmed, it should be able to hold its own with just about any other low-wing OT model around. An Arden or Bantam, or even an OhIsson .23, should be a good choice for F/F.

And don't overlook the Panther as a possible subject for R/C sport flying, either. If built lightly and with a light 2-channel system, a good .049 should do nicely. An .09 or .10 is about the limit if you want the model to fly halfway realistically.

For control surfaces, try putting the rudder hinge line 1/2 to 1 inch behind the fin spar. Locate the elevator hinge line from 1 to 1-1/2 inches forward of the stab TE at the center. The Panther has a very short nose moment, so mount your gear as far forward as possible to get the CG at the 50% mark shown on the plan (on the wing panel drawing).

By the way, the now-defunct Micro Models company used to kit an R/C version of the Peerless Panther a couple of years ago, and there still might be one on your dealer's shelves."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

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