Buzzard (oz15282)

About this Plan

Buzzard. Free flight towline glider model. Wingspan 60 in, wing area 345 sq in. Note plan also shows optional power pod, with 1cc diesel engine.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Hi Mary/Steve, Please see attached a plan for the Buzzard, a great design by O.F.W. (Peter) Fisher. The Buzzard was kitted by Peter’s company Performance Kits in 1966. The Buzzard was described as follows:

Buzzard. 60 in span. 345 sq in wing area. O/A length 31.9 in. Tow-line, slope soaring, Free-Flight or Radio-Controlled sailplane. It can easily be converted to power assisted flight with 0.75-1c.c. engines.

I’m also including a Performance Kit advertisement, from Aeromodeller January 1973, which shows the Buzzard and its description.

The plan for this came from the estate of the late John Kemp, via his friend David Hill. John Kemp was a close friend of the late Peter Fisher and had a number of Peter Fisher’s plans. I have been working with David Hill to get these plans repaired, scanned and cleaned up, so they could be posted on Outerzone. So much of Peter Fisher’s designs are still hard to find, or simply unavailable, so it will be great to see them on Outerzone. All the best, Mark Robinson"

Update 23/5/2024: Added printwood scan, thanks to Simon Rogers.

Update 31/5/2024: Added kit instructions, thanks to SteveHoughton.

Quote: "Performance Kits Buzzard: Introduction: The Buzzard was designed as a high performance tow-line sailplane; which is also suitable for slope soaring or conversion to power assistance, with a centre section mounted power egg for engines of 0.75-1 cc. The model is ideal for conversion to Radio Control. The structure is rugged but light for all weather flying. The model has been developed from a long line of Performance Kits experimental and kit models, and rigorously flight tested.

Fuselage Construction: Cover the plan with wax paper - internal wrappers from Corn Flakes are suitable - to prevent the structure adhering to it. Pin the 3/16 x 3/16 longerons and formers F3, F7 and F9 in position followed by the 3/16 x 3/16 uprights, diagonal members and F5 and F8. Build the second side over the first to ensure identity. Remove sides from plan, separate with a razor blade and add spacers as per the top view on the plan.

Spacers in the parallel section under centre section should be fitted first, followed by tail section. Next fit F1, F2 and nose spacers. Check rectangular section with a set square and by visual checks through the nose. The nose block is made by laminating formers N1-N5 as per plan. Keep all N numbers upright when viewed from the front to ensure correct grain structure. Shape nose to side and plan elevations.

The cabin top is shaped fron C1 and C2 laminated together. Add the 3/16 dia beech wing and tailplane dowels. Fit 1/16 sheet fuse belly sheeting. Sheet in weight boxes. If Radio Control is to be fitted, the fuselage sides under the centre-X of the wing should be sheeted in with 1/16 sht. Sandpiper the finished structure.

Fit the celluloid wind-screen in three sections; the front section from side to side of F1, and the side sections, forming the cabin side windows from F1 rearwards. Cement the 18 swg tow hooks securely in position.

Auto-Rudder (optional): This is a device to ensure an easy stilight tow, followed by a circling glide. It is a refinement rather than a necessity, and has be(at left off the plan in the interests of simplicity. R4 should be hinged and held in position w Pi a rudder horn, stop, and small elastic band to give a rudder deflection of 2-1/2°. A thread runs from a horn on the other side of R4 to sliding pillars (from 18 swg) so fitted, that at their extremity of travel, they coincide with the vertical part of the tow hooks. In this position the rudder is straight. The pressure of the tow line holds them forward, but as soon as tle model is disengaged from the line, the sliding pillars are released and are pulled back by the elastic which pulls the rudder over to induce a circling glide path.

De-thermalizer (optional): A device to ensure that the model do6 not continue climbing after release from the tow line, due to thermals. Fit a wire stop below F8 allowing for 45° tailplane deflection. Tailplane pivots down at F9 and is held forward against F8 with a small band. This is burnt through with a fuse of predetermined duration, after which the tailplane snaps down against its wire stop. It is stalled in this attitude and the model descends vertically.

Fin Construction: Build the basic 3/16 x 3/16 structure over the plan. Locate the 1/8 sheett formers R1, R2; 3 and 5 centrally against the 3/16 x 3/16 members. R4 should only be cemented in position if it is not intended that R/C shouli be fitted. If R/C is fitted, R4 should be loeated with cloth hinges positioned top and bottom. The LE and TE of the fin must be shaped to airfoil section, blended into R1 and R4 respectively and shaped to meet R2..."

Supplementary file notes

Advert, from Aeromodeller 1973.
Instructions.

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