SE5a (oz16666)
About this Plan
SE5a. Control line scale model WWI biplane fighter. Wingspan 53 in, wing area 1060 sq in, for K&B .40 engine.
Uses cardboard construction.
Quote: "A cardboard control liner. More and more modelers are becoming aware of the possibilities of cardboard as a construction material, both Control line and radio control models. Cardboard is inexpensive, easy to work, lightweight and reduces building time. These models are very easy on the wallet and get you on the flying field fast with a rugged airplane that can take lots of punishment.
The SE5A is an example of what can achieved using cardboard; the primary nstruction material being 1/8 inch corrugated cardboard. The model is built to a scale of 2 in = 1 ft which gives a wingspan of 53 inches and a wing area of 1060 square inches. The weight is approximately 5-1/2 pounds which gives a wing loading of 12 ounces per square foot. This light wing loading results in a very shallow and stable landing glide, and slow realistic flight speeds are attainable. The flat-bottom semi-diamond airfoil section results in high lift at low speeds and enhances the model's stability and handling qualities. A K&B 40 supplies the power.
The model uses both the folding and slitting methods of cardboard construction. The folding technique is used primarily for the wing, which allows each wing to be constructed from two pieces of cardboard. The slitting technique is used on the upper fuselage decking to obtain a rounded shape, Both of these methods are explained in the construction hints.
The specific material used in construction of the SE5A model is 1/8 in 125-lb test cardboard, which is the lightest weight of standard cardboard in this thickness. However, the flying qualities of the model will not suffer with the use of heavier cardboard, including 200-lb test board..."
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(oz16666)
SE5a
by Chuck Felton
from Model Airplane News
April 1979
53in span
Scale IC C/L Biplane Military
clean :)
all formers complete :)
got article :) -
Submitted: 12/01/2026
Filesize: 340KB
Format: • PDFbitmap
Credit*: Pilgrim
Downloads: 319
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User comments
An interesting design. The modern construction equivalent would be foam board. I'm not even going to mention the glaring error in the name of the aircraft. Sopwiths were too busy building their own designs to be be building the Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a as well.pmw - 31/03/2026
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- SE5a (oz16666)
- Plan File Filesize: 340KB Filename: SE5a_oz16666.pdf
- Supplement Filesize: 1959KB Filename: SE5a_oz16666_article.pdf
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