Convair Model 200 VSTOL (oz16136)

About this Plan

Convair Model 200 VSTOL. Free flight scale model for rubber power. Wingspan 27 in.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "CONVAIR 200 VSTOL PROPOSAL 27” SPAN DRAWN 21 JUNE 2025.

Steve and Mary, this plan came as a result of Roger B’s request for the Rockwell XFV 12A VSTOL. While I was researching the XFV 12A I found out that it was in competition with the Convair model 200 VSTOL. I really liked the looks of the Convair model 200 so that’s the origin of this plan.

The Convair Model 200 was a design for a supersonic vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter requirement for the United States Navy Sea Control Ship. Further versions were planned for conventional catapult launches and landing using arresting gear.

The Convair Model 200 was designed in 1973 as a single-jet fighter, that could be built in both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) (model 200A) and conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) configurations (Model 201A). For the CTOL, the single Pratt & Whitney JTF22A-26A with tail hook, canard with flap, and CTOL tail cone. For the VTOL operations, the single Pratt & Whitney JTF22A-30A with a jet exhaust pipe tiltable by 90 degrees using a three-bearing swivel nozzle, and two additional lifting engines with 46.7 kN thrust each were provided behind the cockpit. The lifting engines and the swiveling nozzles were eliminated in the CTOL versions. The top speed was Mach 2. The wingspan was 27 feet 10.5 inches (8.496 m); the length was 51 feet 1.5 inches (15.583 m). The Model 200 had a cruise engine, a swept tail, two ventral fins under the fuselage, delta wings and delta canards directly behind the rectangular air intakes.

The Model 200 was proposed in a US Navy competition for a small VTOL fighter that could be carried by the Sea Control Ship, the small aircraft carriers that the US Navy was planning at the time. Neither the Model 200 nor the SCS were built. However, a competitor of the Model 200, the Rockwell XFV-12 fighter aircraft, was built. The XFV-12, which could not demonstrate vertical flight, was far from meeting expectations, and the project was canceled before the second XFV-12 was completed. Various models for wind tunnel tests were built for the Convair Model 200, as well as a model for researching the air currents during vertical takeoff and landing. Furthermore, a 1:1 front fuselage model including a complete cockpit layout was built.

The JTF22A-30A's swivel nozzle design would lay the groundwork for nozzle design of the F135-PW-600 on the Lockheed Martin F-35B

CONSTRUCTION:

WING: The wing is constructed using a modified cracked rib construction. First you’ll need to shape the wing root ribs. Because the cracked rib method uses a top rib and bottom rib 1/16l” sq strip of balsa you’ll have to shape them by soaking the balsa strips in warm water for approximately 15 minutes. Once they’re soaked well, dry off excess water on a paper towel and pin the strips over the plan’s wing root area. Shaping to the contours of the root of the wing panels. (4 1/16” strips) one top and one bottom for each panel. Let these dry overnight. When dry begin to lay out the wing panels by starting with the L.E. and T.E. and wing tip. Then add the bottom of the ribs using 1/16” sq strips of balsa, remember the bottom of the root rib you just made. Once these are in place add the spars of 1/16” sheet balsa. Front spar is 1/16”x1/8” tapering to 3/32” at the tip. The rear spar is 1/16”x1/4” tapering to 3/32” at the tip. There are lateral 1/16” sq spars that lay over the bottom of the ribs. When they pass through the spar make a 1/16” notch for them to pass through. If it just butts up to the spar sand the end to fit tight to the spar for a nice joint. When the spars are in place and dry, add the upper ribs in place. This is where the cracking of the top rib strip takes place. Glue to the L.E. and lay over the spars and glue to each spar and the T.E. This will give the airfoil shape, with more of a bend than a crack to the upper rib strip. Once this is all pinned in place and dry, a light spritz of water to each wing panel will take the tension out of the upper ribs strips. (or you can soak the upper ribs in warm water for 15 minutes as you did for the root rib strips) Glue in place and let dry overnight. Once dry you’ll have light, strong wing panels.

FUSELAGE: This uses the ladder jig construction. But first a word for the formers. This fuselage is wider than the usual 3” balsa sheets so you’ll need to join the balsa sheet together first before you can cut out the formers. As noted on the plan you can use 1/16” balsa or 2 laminations of 1/32” balsa sheets cross grain for strength. No some balsa sheet can be purchased in 4” widths but this will still require gluing the sheets together. This is done by joining the factory edges together (these are usually very straight and even. Push the joint together tightly and tape over the join with masking tape holding the joint tight. Once you’ve taped the joint together, turn the sheets over and as you gently open the joint apply the glue (Titebond or Duco are my preference) and push the joint together again and let the sheets lay flat on the building board and weight the sheets down to hold the joint tight. Let dry overnight, then sand the joint smooth, This should give you enough width to cut out the formers. Now mark the formers with the alignment marks for mounting on the ladder jig. Note the round formers blend into the rectangle shaped formers by using he 1/16” stringers to butt into the #4 former at the oval on the former. The intakes on each side of #3 former will give the fuselage it’s proper shape. Once the former are on the ladder rungs and dry begin adding the 1/16” stringers. I haven’t marked their positions, I encourage you view the Maxfliart video on how the ladder jig is used. His is made from foamboard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yUYY1dqfH8

EMPENNAGE: CANARD, The canard panels are made from 3/32” sheet balsa and sanded to an airfoil. If you feel they’ll be too heavy you can add lightening holes if you choose. I didn’t show this because I think you’ll need some forward weight for balance. The grain should align with the L.E. of the canard panels. The vertical stab is made using 3/32” strips for L.E. , cap and T.E (sand the T.E. to 1/16” after dry). The outline is constructed flat on the building board and when dry is lifted off and the vertical spar is added. This spar sis 1/16” sheet 3/32” at the top and ¼” at the bottom. Then the 1/32”x3/32” outer ribs are glued in place to the spar, L.E. and T.E.

I just liked the looks of this bird and the potential of a pusher configuration. Make a clear prop (I’ve found the plastic containers for cheese balls and pretzels work well for this) using the Maxfliart’s style of props: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOK2zlsHxNM

The original plane had anhedral but I would build it with 1.5” dihedral for flying stability. Neither the 200 or the XFV 12A were successful but they did give valuable information for the new F-35.

Regards,
Tom Akery/Sky9pilot"

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction