Focke Wulf Fw 190 (oz16827)

About this Plan

Focke Wulf Fw 190. Radio control sport-scale model. Wingspan 92 cm. Scale is 1/12.

Quote (google-translated): "The Fw 190 is one of the true classics of aviation. Designed by Kurt Tank in 1939, it was, alongside the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the standard fighter of the German Luftwaffe. And for some years now, newly built or restored examples have once again been seen in the air. The Fw 190 is still a rare sight at air combat competitions. In the 1940s, the Fw 190 introduced several innovations. The entire aircraft design was conceived to be as compact as possible. The goal was to minimize the drag of the radial engine. Trim tabs, flaps, and retractable landing gear were equipped with electric drives. A separate mechanical control unit handled the complex control of the entire propulsion system. Depending on temperature, altitude, speed, and throttle position, the engine, propeller, and cooling system were automatically regulated. However, it took time for this technology to become truly refined; the cooling of the engine, in particular, presented significant challenges for a long time.

But back to the model. The large fuselage diameter of the Fw 190 was a real disadvantage in early air combat competitions. However, modern 2.5cc engines offer higher performance than those of the past, and powerful electric motors are readily available today. A radial engine fuselage combined with an aerodynamically efficient wing can now guarantee consistent speed. The wings of my last air combat models all used the Spica airfoil. It's easy to build and repair, has docile flight characteristics, and is highly maneuverable. Unfortunately, it also has high drag, especially in tight turns.

Despite its small engine, the Fw 190 should still be able to hold its own in competitions and give high-performance 4cc aircraft a run for their money. The Selig S8052 has been tried and tested for a long time, but offers significantly better performance than the Spica. Maximum lift remains almost the same, while drag is considerably lower. The ailerons and elevators are significantly more effective, which also contributes to improved maneuverability.

Electric or internal combustion? That's primarily a matter of personal preference. A 2.5 cc engine isn't very loud, is inexpensive, robust, and accelerates better in a dive. Electric propulsion, on the other hand, is clean and accelerates better in climbs and out of turns. The center of gravity is easily achievable with both types of propulsion.

Both are flown in competition. For the Focke-Wulf 190, it's important to note that a maximum engine size of 2.5 cc is permitted, a tuned pipe is not allowed, and the maximum RPM is limited to 17,000. For electric propulsion, a propeller with a maximum diameter of 9" can be used. The pitch in inches multiplied by the RPM must not exceed 72,000, and the battery must have a maximum capacity of 38 Wh (voltage in V x capacity in Ah). Propellers ranging from 8x6" to 9x6" are typically used, and the batteries are usually 3S LiPos with 3,000 mAh.

It sounds complicated, but it isn't. In air combat, large and small aircraft with electric and internal combustion engines fly together. This brings life and diversity to the class and ensures a large number of participants. The rules guarantee a level playing field. The winner is the one who can fly better.

Building the Model: Before starting construction, you should decide which propulsion variant you want to build. The different components are marked accordingly in the building plan and parts list with the suffix -E or -V.

The main difference is the extended propeller shaft for the electric propulsion system. Motor mount. If necessary, its length can be adjusted to suit the specific electric motor being used.

Wing: In the first step, ribs F3 to F9 are attached to the spar F2, glued in place, and pinned to the building board. The spar lies flat on the building board, and the rib ends are supported with the strip F20 to ensure the required 2° washout (with washout, the Fw 190 is docile; without it, it is barely flyable). The root rib F3 can be aligned to the correct dihedral angle using the angle template F19."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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