WingBAT P Plus (oz15914)

About this Plan

WingBAT P Plus. Radio control sport model. Wingspan 1440 mm, for .25 to .36 engines.

This is a powered version of the WingBAT Plus (oz15906) glider.

Quote: "The WingBAT+ is the big brother of the WingBAT (oz15898). Whilst the small one is a gale gobbler and requires slightly better lift conditions to fly, the big one flies in much lighter conditions and is considerably more docile. It would make an ideal second aileron model. Both were very popular when we kitted them. An electronic control mixer / computerised transmitter is required to fly this model."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note this plan appears here on Outerzone thanks to the kind courtesy of the designer himself, Stan Yeo of Phoenix Model Products in Devon, UK. For more info and background, see the PMP website: www.phoenixmp.com

Update 6/3/2026: Added kit review from RCM&E July 1997, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Kit Review: Malcolm Corbin makes another fine job of the latest release from Phoenix Model Products.

Having just reviewed Stan Yea's Stiletto it might seem strange that I've now ended up building yet another of Stan's models. Although the magazine attempts to keep articles as neutral as possible I was one of the first people to urge Stan to produce a power version of the Wingbat. I already own the small slope version which is both highly manoeuvrable yet very stable and easy to fly. So, when I saw the advert detailing the launch of the Wingbat +P model, I got straight on the phone to Graham, twisted his arm and ended up the proud recipient of what looked likely to be a well balanced and agile power machine.

IMPROVING THE BREED Another coincidence was a call from Gary Rawlings of Ripmax. We had been discussing the then looming Sandown event when Gary started to praise the all new MDS 38. My opinion of this breed of engine at the time, was based on an old black head 40 which was a powerful unit but a pig to start and noisy to-boot. I suppose it's like anything once you form an opinion especially a poor one, it takes a lot to change your mind. I value his judgement on most things and his very high regard of the new 38 was enough for me to decide on this as the power source for the Wingbat.

THE KIT As is standard with all Phoenix kits, a full box with plenty of packing and a comprehensive bag containing linkages, tank etc. are included, amounting to a kit which on first impressions appears to be very good value for money. The wings are pre-cut, obechi veneered white foam and the fuselage and fin parts are also pre-cut.

In my last article on building the Stiletto I called Stan a belt and braces man for using a double wing bandage and bless him, he is still at it! I've built three of Stan's kits and I now have three six-inch spare bandages! With the way my finished model was driven on its first outing it definitely only needs the one! I'm aware that reviewers (and Editors - Ed) get stick from manufacturers for changing things sometimes, without good reason, so I do my utmost to stick to the instructions but when it comes to the double wing bandage I draw the line. Stan's reasoning, when asked, was that a model belonging to a customer a few years back had failed at the bandage, however, I would have thought it more likely the bandage was poorly fitted or the obechi had been weakened at the edge of the joint! Anyway, go with what you feel is best.

UPGRADES There are a series of upgrades listed in the instructions to allow for pilots who wish to fly the model hard (that's me!). With an average 25 motor, inboard servos and torque rods are okay, but with an MDS 38 the suggested upgrades are a very good idea. These include wing mounted servos and direct linkages with stitched or Profilm top hinging. If you ignore Stan's advice here you are asking for serious flutter (PS. leave the trailing edge blunt). In addition to the above I also took the option of making the wing and fus. a permanent fixture rather than using a wing bolt and the dowels. This afforded more room to install the radio where I wanted, thus minimising the lead required in the boot. I added 3oz.

QUICK BUILD A good Stan Yeo plan backed up by informative instructions makes building a piece of cake. All the upgrades are listed early on, so you have no excuse for missing them. You will have to work out the exact amount of side thrust for yourself as engine size and propeller pitch will effect the amount required. Try to allow a little leeway for adjustment if possible. The down thrust is bang on the button.

Things to watch for are the reflexed elevons - carve your tips to reflect this otherwise the elevons will not look good sitting higher. If top hinging make sure you angle the elevons sufficiently to allow for the movement. Considering their relative size, a fair amount is required. I preferred to fit the fin after I had covered the model (again personal preference). Remember the further back you get all the radio the better. My wing servos were mounted 250mm out from the start of the elevons in the thickest part of the wing..."

Supplementary file notes

Review.

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