Fleetwings Profile (oz16214)

About this Plan

Fleetwings Profile. Profile scale model for rubber power. Wingspan 18 in.

Quote: "The author claims this ship can stand up with the best of the built-up flying scale jobs. Fleetwings Profile Flyer, by Hy Scher.

OF COURSE many model building fans will not agree with me when I contend that a well-built profile type flying scale model can outfly a built-up flying scale. If you're one of the disagreeing hordes, then an invitation is extended at this moment to disprove my contention.

On the opposite page you will find full size plans for building the profile model, Using the same outlines and dimension of the body you can build to your own design a built-up fuselage, attach the wings and tail surfaces and in general ready it for flight. Next, if you're still doubtful, build a model faithfully from the plans presented here. Take both crates outside and put them to the test. Don't say I didn't tell you.

The writer could spend more time in trying to convince you of the waste of time in building up a body just to house a few strands of rubber when you could just as well construct the profile way, and get as much if not double the fun flying it. But we won't. Information concerning the real ship will prove just as interesting.

First off, the Fleetwings Trainer is an all-metal job built by Fleetwings Inc, of Bristol, Pa. It is almost 100 percent stainless steel construction. It has a double spar wing center section and a single spar outer wing panel which is detachable just outward from the landing gear leg. The ship is extremely sturdy in construction and offers excellent visibility to facilitate student instruction. Power is supplied with a Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr of 420 hp. It has a wing span of 40 feet. Length measures 29 feet 2 inches and height overall is 104 inches. At the time of this writing, the Army is giving the ship workout tests prior to ordering them in quantity. Its designation is known as the XBT-12 and when accepted for service the 'X' will be dropped.

Fuselage and Landing Gear: First make a stiff paper template of the outlines of the fuselage and then lay the pattern over a carefully selected piece of balsa 1/8 thick. Trace its outlines with a sharp pencil point and then proceed to trim with a razor or sharp knife. Finish off the edges by sanding them slightly round and smoothing the fuselage in general, The next step is to outline the portion along the sides of the body which must be cut away to make room for the power strands.

The cowling pieces are made from 1/4 in sheet balsa shaped in profile as shown on the plans. Before cementing to the sides of the nose, portions of the inner sides of the cowling pieces should be carved out to facilitate easy operation of the power strands. This will leave the wall at the rear of the cowling where the strands pass through about 1/32 thick.

Apply cement generously to the sides of the nose and the cowling halves and press the latter against the nose of the body firmly. After these parts have become hardened, sand the cowling all about so that its shape is exactly that of the cowling shown on the plans.

Soft music wire is used for the rear hook and is cemented into position as shown. The tail wheel fork is also fashioned from music wire. A small hard wood wheel serves the purpose. The 'cans' are also shaped from music wire of the same gauge and cemented at the points along the fuselage as required..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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