Wildcat (oz16917)

About this Plan

Wildcat. Radio control sport pattern model. Wingspan 180 cm.

Quote (google-translated): "Telaves Presents: The Tamed Wildcat.

I originally designed and built the 'Wildcat' as a trainer model for scale aircraft. That explains its unusual size, deep fuselage, and landing flaps. In terms of construction, the Wildcat closely mirrors my scale models wherever possible; for instance, the wing planform was adopted directly, and the wing control surface linkages are identical. At the same time, this model served as a testbed for a new wing mounting system - a design that has since been incorporated into the 'Sabre' and 'Crusader.'

However, during the initial test flights, it became clear that the Wildcat was capable of far more than one typically expects from a trainer; it proved to be a full-fledged competition model. It executes all aerobatic maneuvers - whether pulled or pushed - with authority and speed, and thanks to its conventionally arranged ailerons, it is wonderfully smooth and responsive to fly. With a 10cc engine, the flight speed is quite high - around 100 to 110 km/h - yet during takeoff and landing with the flaps deployed, the Wildcat behaves as gently as a tame house cat.

The landing flaps allow for a very low minimum flight speed, though this does require larger control surface deflections. In stronger winds, the model requires a takeoff run of just 6 to 10 meters, while the landing roll under similar conditions is only 3 to 5 meters.

As improbable as it sounds, in stronger winds, the Wildcat can be brought to a standstill in mid-air with full flaps; it then gently pitches forward and slowly gathers speed. With the flaps extended, it is also possible to fly incredibly tight steep turns and loops up to 6 meters in diameter.

The prototype survived more than 500 flights, including just over 60 takeoffs on floats. However, the model eventually became so worn out that it met a fiery end.

Equipped with floats, the Wildcat takes off from both calm and choppy water, requiring a takeoff run of approximately 30 meters. In a crosswind, it immediately turns into the wind, and its maneuverability at idle throttle is so good that no retrieval service is needed. When the floats are properly installed, even snap maneuvers can be flown flawlessly. The top speed of the float version drops by about 20 km/h, while the minimum speed rises to approximately 50–55 km/h.

The following construction description is for a Wildcat that can be built without the wing mounting system shown on the plans. The wing mounting method will be described separately in a future article.

Fuselage Construction: The fuselage construction is kept very simple. First, cut the fuselage sides from medium-hard balsa, following the outlines indicated on the plan. If balsa sheets long enough for the entire fuselage length are not available, the side sections can be joined at the rear. Next, glue the 5x10 mm longerons to the top edge so that they protrude by 5 mm on each side. Afterward, reinforce the fuselage sides - extending to the rear and including the wing saddle area - with diagonally glued 3 mm balsa; at the same time, glue on the lower 6x6 mm longerons and the diagonal braces.

Once the side panels are prepared, they can be glued, ensuring precise alignment, to the previously assembled formers 1 and 2 (including the motor mount; do not forget the nose gear attachment on former 1).

Next, fit and glue in the reinforcing plywood, which in this case extends to the airfoil contour line. The subsequent steps involve gluing in former 6a, followed by the remaining formers on the top side and the cross-braces on the bottom..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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