Shrike Delta (oz15745)

About this Plan

Shrike Delta (Delta Shrike). Radio control sport model. Wingspan 28 in, for Cox Baby Bee engine.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 3/6/2026: Added article, thanks to dfritzke.

Quote: "For zippy performance on an 049 with just aileron control without the bother of making a fuselage and tail, this design is an unexpected treat. Delta Shrike, by Dick Erickson.

Want to build and fly something different? Think about a pulse single-channel, aileron-only Delta. Using the Ace Commander radio gear with the 'Stomper'" actuator, the Shrike is a stormer of a flyer and a real attention getter. Its performance by far has exceeded my expectations.

When I first sat down with the original sketches, there were many questions to be answered, primarily if an airplane like this would fly with ailerons only. Rudder control was ruled out because of the Shrike's short moment (distance between the CG or balance point and its flippers). I felt that aileron control would be the answer. Deltas are different - very fast and stable with few design changes. Finding the right combination of power and amount of control looked like the real hurdle with this design. Well, the original was built with a fair amount of head scratching and anxiety and, of course, many side comments. The construction is robust and simple, and the aileron hookup shown worked out beautifully. The dependable Ace pulse system proved itself capable of handling the job.

As with all new designs, the day comes for that first flight. After some test gliding to find an elevator setting, the Cox Baby Bee, with the prop on baCkwards, was fired up. With a now-or-never launch the Shrike was airborne. Fly it did, very fast, at an altitude of under 15 ft. A little more up elevator, and then both ailerons were adjusted to have more up than down. A hair of right thrust and moving the CG back made each succeeding flight better. The original elevator hinges were replaced with a stiffer hinge as I felt they were flattening out. Since then, many enjoyable sessions have ensued, and many questions and comments have been answered. So, if you would like to build a very flyable, different type of airplane, read on. The Delta Shrike is worth every minute of your time.

CONSTRUCTION: Building the Shrike is simple; a wing is all there is. Spend some time studying the plans and familiarizing yourself with construction. The original is still flying, sturdy and almost crash-proof. Follow directions and yours will be, too.

I would like to add a few words for those modelers whose experience hasn't reached into terminology such as C grain, 'planking,' how to build a 'cap strip' wing rib, etc. As you build the Shrike, an explanation of these terms will be given. Every designer has a method and choice of materials which he feels will best build his creation, be strong enough to survive the bumps and lumps of everyday flying, yet not be a one-of-a-kind airplane that someone else can't duplicate.

Cut out the upper and lower trailing edges from 1/16 C grain balsa. C grain is easily indentified by its speckled appearance; the grain appears to run in both directions, along its length and across its width. Also, the wood should be a light brown color, because that is stronger than the whiter grain.

Pin the lower half over the plans, leaving it as one piece for now. The dihedral break is cut in later. Now, pin down a piece of hard 1/16 x 1/4 assembly support as noted; this will support the wing ribs level with the trailing edge. Cut out all the ribs from 3/32 C grain and notch for the leading edge and wing spars. Glue the W1-A doubler to the inside of rib W-1, Pin all ribs in place, gluing each to the lower trailing edge. (I use a small square to be sure each rib is vertical to the building board, pinning W-1 down first and working out to W-7.) Next, glue the 1/4 in sq leading edge in place. When the glue is firmly set, the upper trailing edge, minus the short center section, and the 1/8 in. sq. upper wing spar can be cemented in. Allow this part of the assembly to dry overnight before proceeding..."

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