Snow Bird (oz16231)

About this Plan

Snow Bird. Radio control sport model. Flying wing layout. Wingspan 21 in, for electric power with brushless motor.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "A simple, quick-build flying wing. Snow Bird, by Tim Bailiff.

If you are looking for a different, inexpensive, super simple, fun flying plane to build this winter, you just found it. If you are frequently limited to flying indoors, this is definitely the perfect project for you. The Snow Bird is a small, light airplane with such a light wing loading that it can be easily flown in a small gym or similar space. Although this unique aircraft is easy to fly, make no mistake, it's agile and responsive enough to satisfy even you big-time pilots.

When considering what to name my latest design, I looked to my fellow fliers for inspiration. We have a great group that meets here in Winchester, California and it includes the family and friends who often accompany their RC pilots. A significant portion of our membership is from out of state. Most of them are from northern regions that have much harsher winters than we do here in sunny southern California. So, during the winter months, our pattern is always full. However as summer approaches, they begin to migrate north once again. It is not long before they have all said their goodbyes and flown away home. So, in tribute to our out-of-state club members, I decided to name my latest design the 'Snow Bird.'

My passion has always been drawing unique flying machines. Every time I design a new airplane, I have a specific concept in mind. This time, my idea was to build an inexpensive RC airplane using a minimal number of parts. I wanted it to be constructed as simply as possible. In addition, I designed it to be compact, lightweight and able to fly indoors as well as out - when it's calm. After churning ideas around in my head for a few days, I finally decided on a flying wing.

The idea of an aircraft being simply a wing, with no fuselage or stabilizing tail surfaces really intrigues me. Some wings, like this one, don't even have a vertical fin! That being said; just imagine the aerodynamics at play during the flight of a flying wing. Because they are such a unique design, they require a certain amount of intentionally induced drag rearward of their center of gravity. Too much or too little and the wing simply won't fly. In other words, there is an intricate, but delicate, aerodynamic ballet that must be just right to produce sustained, controllable flight. This is precisely what makes the Snow Bird such an interesting project and such a unique plane to fly. Furthermore, since you only have to build two small wings, you'll be done with construction very quickly and flying in practically no time!

Materials: In today's economy, I am a big believer in patronizing my local merchants. I encourage you to do the same and suggest you visit your local hobby shop first when collecting your building materials. However, if you can't find what you need there, know that it can all be found online.

Those who are minimalists at heart are going to love this build, because the entire airframe has only four pieces. It consists of a left wing, right wing, left elevon and right elevon. Seriously, that's it! The entire structure is cut from 2mm white Depron foam sheeting. There are no ribs or spars, nor are there any other stabilizing surfaces. Because the Snow Bird has a 21-inch wingspan, a single 2x2-foot sheet of Depron will be enough material to easily build several models.

Five-minute epoxy has always been one of my favorite glues. However, foam-safe CA can be used for most of this build as well. Due to its strength and flexibility, Blenderm medical tape makes terrific hinges for both control surfaces. Single, two-foot pieces of both .080-inch and .030-inch diameter carbon fiber rods will be needed, as well as a few inches of .020-inch music wire. Also, an inch of plastic or nylon tubing will be required. This tubing will be used as 1/4-inch guides for .080-inch carbon fiber torque rods. Actually, any similar material that will allow the rods to easily rotate within, but not be too sloppy, is acceptable. I purchased mine from a local electronics store. They sold it as insulating material for small electrical wires. You will also need a few square inches of 1/32-inch plywood and two #0 x 1/4-inch screws. There are several other incidental items, which I will mention as they are needed..."

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