Curtiss Wright Coupe (oz15343)

About this Plan

Curtiss Wright Coupe. Radio control standoff-scale model. Wingspan 52 in.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 12/6/2024: Added article, thanks to Pit.

Quote: "A seldom modeled type of the 1930 era, this Max 30 powered Coupe for four channels, is well structured with many interesting fine points, yet does not pay a weight penalty to compromise flying. Curtiss Wright Coupe, by Joseph S Jesse.

IN THE early recovery years after the stock market crash, Curtiss Wright introduced the Coupe Model CW-2, a two-place low-wing monoplane featuring side-by-side leather covered upholstered scats. The scats were adjustable up, down, fore and ail The control stick was movable from right to left seat position. It had a lever controlled braking system - a pull into the first indexing position allowed braking with rudder pedals - and a left-hand elevator trim for pitch adjustment.

The snugly enclosed cabin had excellent visibility in all directions except straight down and to the rear. A widely spaced landing gear and tail wheel provided good ground handling qualities.

It was powered by their 110 hp 6-cylinder inline Gypsie engine. At 1700 rpm it cruised at 110 mph and delivered 15 sure miles to the gallon. Rate of climb was 600 feet per minute.

Introduced at the Detroit Air Show in 1931 with a fly-away price of $3700, the Coupe was never a great success although later versions attained some measure of success. One interesting similarity in later Coupe versions and the RC version: Laminated skin was used on experimental structural concepts. The strange part about the similarity is that my plans were 90% complete before I received any background data.

As designed, this model is an attempt to achieve above-average structural strength while keeping the weight to a minimum. While some people say anything made strong is heavy, that's a relative matter. It can be heavy relative to its area and size, yet weak from a structural approach. For instance, the same model can be designed and built by different people. One will end up strong enough to perform as it should, taking the normal handling, like rough flying areas, transporting and stress of flying maneuvers, and still be in good shape. The other model will break up hitting a bump or break in the runway, or have the wing break at the center section when the plane is rolled inverted and a little down elevator is applied to keep the nose up.

Therefore, there must be compromise between weight and strength. Like power to weight ratios, there is a strength-to-weight ratio factor. Many designs carry extra weight that add nothing to strength. Heavy or light, all of us know there is hardly anything that is unbreakable. The materials used in the structure of the Coupe are selected to best serve their application. (This does not mean substitutes could not be made.) Size also plays a part. The .015 (1/64) plywood is very light, yet very strong. Also its thickness gives it flexibility and formability..."

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