Sweeper (oz15440)

About this Plan

Sweeper. Radio control pattern plane.

Note this is not a complete plan to build a full airframe. This is a plan showing how to modify the Taurus (oz612) into a swept wing model, styled after the F-86D Sabre.

Quote: "Superb Modifications of that fine old standard in multi, the Taurus. Superb in that it adds built-in excitement to its looks and flying ability. The Sweeper, by Al Strickland.

Have you ever finished reading of a contest that Henry Hotfinger won, flying his modified 'Belchfire,' just edging out Wally Wigglestick and his modified 'Blivet'? Did you wonder just how they modified these two fine kits? Did the models fly better because of the modifications, or did they still fly in spite of them? You can bet the article didn't tell you.

I have talked to many modelers who would like to have this information. They are getting to the point that kits no longer interest them, and yet don't have the time, experience, or inclination to build from scratch.

With this in mind, I decided to see if I could come up with a modified kit that would be of interest to the large number of modelers who fall between the 'design-your-own' and the 'build-a-kit' group. To be of interest to this group, I felt that the following specifications must be met:

1. It must look good to the modeler.
2. It must be modified enough so that the original airplane is hard to recognize.
3. It must fly as well as, or better than, the original.
4. The modifications must add very little additional work to the original.
5. It should look like an airplane, enough so that the non-modeler will find it pleasant to look at.

Having always been partial to the graceful lines of the F-86D, I decided on this configuration. Let me say here and now that I am just as aware as the next flyer that swept wing models have acquired the name of Snap Roll Specials. It seems that they are fine until you try to land, then POW! I did not feel that this was a fault of the general configuration, only a design fault in some individual attemps at added realism through swept wings.

For months I read everything I could find on models and full scale aircraft with swept wings. After devoting many hours of study to the design theory of swept wings, I was so confused that I decided to forget it. With pure dumb luck, I came up with the Sweeper.

I would like to be able to use three or four pages outlining the trials and tribulations of the evolution of this model, but I can't. This is not Sweeper Mark VII, or even Mark II. This is Sweeper Number One. It is the same bird that I have been flying for over two years. The closest estimate I can make on the number of flights is around 800, at this time.

In the next two or three paragraphs I will try to describe the flight characteristics of this model.

It flies where you aim it. By this, I mean that it has neutral stability. It flies equally well upright, or inverted. In demonstrating this I have on numerous occasions put this model in a moderate (about 30 degree) bank, rolled in a bit of up-trim, and then hands off, watch it do a 360 degree turn without losing altitude. This is done both upright and inverted. Slow the model down and hold the nose up until it stalls, it will drop the nose straight ahead with no tendency to fall off on a wing or snap roll.

There are three or four landing techniques in wide use today, and this model lends itself equally well to any of them. Put in a lot of up-trim, leave a bit of power on, and it will slow fly, maintaining full aileron control.

Like a floater? Pull the power off, put in a bit of up-trim, and you have one. Like to leave power on and drive down the anal? Or pull the power off and not use trim and come in. steep? It works fine either way.

Does this sound like the kind of plane you want? Then read on.

The modifications shown on the plans and discussed here will turn a Zeus-Taurus which is already an excellent model, into what I feel is the finest model I have ever flown.

WING: Wing construction is standard Taurus, except the tips. Cut a new tip rib, and Install as wing is built. The trailing edge sheeting is long enough to do this. Cut wing along new center line as shown on plant, this gives it the correct sweep align. With one panel flat on workbench, raise the other tip 3-1/2 inches for dihedral. Next, install the landing gear by drawing a line at right angles to the center line on the sweep wing. This line should be 1/2 inch ahead of the landing gear shown on the standal wing. Relocate landing gear mounting h blocks so that wire will be on this line, Very important: move mountinP., blocks outboard one rib station. Mount gear between ribs W3 and W5. Do not put cap strips on, as entire wing is to be sheeted.

Put a 1/4 inch dowel in the center of the wing at the leading edge. Slip a piece of brass tubing over the dowel to keep the fiberglass fuselage from cutting it. Use cam-locks or nylon bolts at the trailing edge..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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