Patchwork (oz15039)

About this Plan

Patchwork. Radio control glider tug model. Wingspan 2000 mm.

Quote (google-translated from the Italian): "Practicing aerotowing was for me a forbidden dream for many years. I had searched several times to spread this activity in groups that I frequented: in the best of cases someone followed me only for exhibitionism, without really feeling the charm of this particular type of flight.

Luckily the aerotow has had, in recent years, a superior development to every expectation and today the three or four tests in which the season are the busiest of all the national competitive panorama. Hand in hand they are always becoming the larger the groups they perform essentially aerotowing activities like the 'Generale Grandinetti' group of which I have been a member for two years: it is precisely within the scope of the activity of my group which came to fruition Patchwork project.

In the setting I mainly took into account simplicity of construction, transport and model management, leaving out any refinement aesthetics and, as far as possible, using parts from older models disused and materials destined to other models never completed: an operation similar to the art of obtaining covered with small scraps of fabric multicoloured, patchwork indeed.

However, don't think that the model is botched up: I reworked the project five times before I arrived at the current configuration which I think deserves some clarification. I chose the V-shaped plans because I am convinced that they represent the maximum simplicity and efficiency offering minimal interference with tow cable; theirs always greater diffusion among sailors, gliders and electric models it is, in my opinion, proof of this.

The fuselage, built in balsa and plywood of birch, is optimized for connection and containment functions only of the various organs of the model; the anterior section has a closed back by a transparent panel that allows visual control of the altimeter LEDs, of the charge indicator and level of fuel.

Wing and rudders, strictly with constant chord, I'm in curtainsider structure, but they will soon be covered polystyrene versions made in obeche. To reduce consumption electric, the control surfaces are reduced to the essential without for this would affect the response of the model (also highly aerobatic).

The profile, used on all my aerobatic models, is a profile symmetrical having 15% thickness placed at 22.5% of the chord and for almost two thirds has a straight line which facilitates the creation of the wing. The choice of this profile starts from belief that a hauler must have maximum stability in all settings and at all speeds without requesting continuous corrective interventions.

The ailerons are used as spoilers upon landing, with a notable reduction of the stopping distance.

The trolley, decidedly oversized, allows you to endure also off-piste without the slightest damage, while the tail wheel is operated by a separate servo allows the maximum maneuverability on the ground.

The engine I envisaged is the 20/25 cc glow because, in my opinion, remains the one with the best power-to-weight ratio and it was the only one that would allow me to stay within the set limit of 5 kg. Who is more familiar with petrol engines and is content with less brilliant performance, can install without problems displacements up to to 45 cc, with the only precaution to strengthen the wing and the tail boom and maybe making the fuselage in poplar plywood to balance the greater weight of the engine..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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