Grunau Baby IIa (oz15513)

About this Plan

Grunau Baby IIa. Simple profile glider model. Wingspan 400 mm.

This plan appeared in the book "Flugmodelle Bauen und Einfliegen" by Werner Thies & Willi Rolf, 1975.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note see Ente (oz15512) for article (full chapter from the book).

Quote (google-translated): "Grunau Baby IIa. The next model to be built is a 'real' glider. It is a simplified 1:30 scale version of the world-famous Grunau Baby glider (Fig. 45, see Plate III, at the end of the volume). This real old-timer glider was built in 1931/32 in Grunau in the Giant Mountains. Wolf Hirth and Hugo H Kromer worked on its development together with the Schneider aircraft company. The prototype had a wingspan of 12.87 m and weighed just 98 kg when empty.

The model is again very simply constructed and largely true to scale. The only material required is balsa wood of 1 mm and 2 mm thickness. The individual parts are drawn with a sharp felt-tip pen.

When cutting out with the sharp balsa knife, you should place a piece of strong cardboard under the balsa wood so that the base is not damaged. The wing is well rounded at its leading edge - the wing nose - and tapered at the end - the trailing edge. The two wing halves are glued together in a small V-shape of about 30 mm on each side. It is again advisable to reinforce the glued area with a strip of paper.

While the wing is drying, glue the horizontal stabilizer and vertical stabilizer to the fuselage. This must be done very carefully to prevent unwanted curves. Finally, the two wing struts are glued on, which not only have a visual effect, but also improve and strengthen the fit of the wing on the fuselage. After weighing the model, the first flight tests can begin.

Due to its small size and lightweight construction, this model is particularly suitable for use in gyms and sports halls. If you want to fly it outside, it should be calm. When taking off, the model is launched with the fuselage nose tilted slightly downwards and with a gentle swing. If it is properly balanced, it will fly about 10 to 15 m. If the take-off momentum is too great or the model is thrown upwards at an angle, it will tip over after a short climb and possibly crash."

Note photo of completed model [main pic] is thanks to Simon Rogers.

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