Beech AT-10 Wichita (oz15457)

About this Plan

Beech AT-10 Wichita. Radio control scale model twin. Wingspan 50 in, wing area 377 sq in, for electric power with 2x Suppo 2212/15 outrunner motors.

Note This plan is a free download available from the Model Aviation site at https://www.modelaviation.com/10-wichita-tritle where it appears along with full materials list, complete build text and some great build pics. Also a free download of the plan in tiled format.

Quote: "The full-scale Beechcraft AT-10 began under the designation of the Model 25 and was designed in 1940 to meet the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) requirement for a trainer suitable for training bomber and transport pilots in aircraft with multiengines and retractable landing gear.

The design required the use of nonstrategic materials because of possible shortages of aluminum during the war effort. Model 25 was built primarily of wood and was presented to the USAAC in the same year. The prototype crashed on May 5, 1941.

Beechcraft began redesigning the aircraft the following day, designating it as Model 26. It made its first test-flight on July 26 of the same year. It was delivered to the USAAC under the designation of AT-10, and later named Wichita after Wichita, Kansas, where the airplanes were manufactured. By the end of 1942, 748 AT-10s had been delivered by Beechcraft, and by 1943, a total of 1,771 airplanes had been built. Additionally, 600 AT-10s were built by Globe Aircraft before production ceased in 1944.

The AT-10 had a 44-foot wingspan, an overall length of 34 feet, 4 inches, and a maximum takeoff weight of 6,130 pounds. Two Lycoming R-680-9 air-cooled radial engines, rated at 295 hp each, provided power for a top speed of 198 mph, a range of 770 miles, and a service ceiling of 16,900 feet.

The Model: The Beech AT-10 Wichita model was designed with a 50-inch wingspan at 1:10.55 scale and an overall length of 36.5 inches. Power is provided by a pair of counter-rotating Suppo 2212/15 outrunner motors and a 2,000 mAh 2S LiPo battery. Construction is primarily of balsa and plywood in the typical stick-and-tissue construction style.

The wing is built around an eggcrate style of construction to keep the assembly strong, yet quick and easy to build. In keeping with the park-flyer style, the design incorporates bowed outlines for maximum strength and minimum weight. The battery is accessed through a removable canopy secured with rare-earth magnets.

Guidance is by way of a simple four-channel radio that includes rudder, elevator, aileron, and throttle control. With a flying weight of 33 ounces and a wing loading of only 13.3 ounces per square foot, the model can be easily flown in smaller venues.

All of the patterns are provided for cutting the shaped parts; however, for those who prefer to use laser-cut parts, a wood and plastic pack is available from Manzano Laser Works.

Building the AT-10: Construction begins with the smaller subassemblies so that they’ll be handy when assembly gets underway. The wingtips, stabilizer tips, and rudder outlines are bowed over forms made from 3/16-inch artist’s foam board using the provided patterns.

The main landing gear and tail wheel struts are bent to shape from steel wire, also using the patterns provided. The front and rear wing spars are assembled according to the plans. The tail wheel mount is constructed using former TWM (tail wheel mount), TWMb, and 3/32-inch outer-diameter (OD) brass tubing. The tail wheel control horn is built up using .015 × 1/4-inch brass and a 1/16-inch wheel collar that are soldered together. Using the fuselage former cross-sectional plans drawings for reference, fit and glue the 1/16 × 1/8-inch balsa stiffeners in place on formers 4 through 9..."

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