Bucker Student (oz16933)

About this Plan

Bucker Student. Radio control scale model.

Quote (google-translated): "The Bucker Student is a cantilever low-wing monoplane with a wingspan of 11.50 m. Its length is 7.25 m, and its maximum height is 1.90 m. The aircraft's empty weight is 310 kg. It is certified for a payload of 230 kg, resulting in a maximum takeoff weight of 540 kg. The wing has a dihedral of 4.5°, a sweepback of 8°, and an aspect ratio of 8.8.

The forward section of the fuselage consists of a steel-tube framework, fabric-covered in the cockpit area. The rear fuselage and tail surfaces are constructed as a plywood monocoque shell. The wing is a wooden structure featuring a plywood-skinned torsion nose box; the rest of the wing is fabric-covered. The fixed tail surfaces are plywood-skinned, while the control surfaces are fabric-covered.

The fixed landing gear features two main legs with oil-damped shock absorbers. The main gear legs are faired, though the bracing struts are not. The small tailwheel is steerable. Both seats are equipped with control sticks and instruments. The instrumentation in both cockpits is Spartan in its simplicity: turn-and-bank indicator, altimeter, airspeed indicator, and fuel gauge.

The Bucker 180 has a range of 650 km and an endurance of 4 hours. Fuel consumption is approximately 7.5 liters per 100 km. Powered by a 55 hp Zündapp engine, the Student achieves a top speed of 170 km/h. Its cruising speed is 155 km/h, and its landing speed is 65 km/h. The "Student" requires a takeoff run of 140 m and a landing run of 100 m. Its service ceiling is 4,000 m.

The Bucker 180A, a sports and touring aircraft, was powered by a Zündapp engine driving a two-bladed propeller with a diameter of 180 cm. The prototype, bearing the registration D-ELIO, was initially fitted with a 40 hp Train engine because the intended Zündapp engine was not yet ready for delivery. However, early flights revealed that this engine did not perform satisfactorily. Consequently, the prototype was re-equipped with a 60 hp Walter Mikron 2 engine; this same engine was later used in the 180 B series, which served primarily as a trainer aircraft.

Color and Markings

As was common practice at the time, the standard paint scheme for the Bucker 180 was overall light gray, featuring black registration markings and trim (specifically, a lightning bolt motif). The prototype bore the registration D-ELIO; another aircraft carried the registration D-EBRQ. The specific aircraft that served as the model for this kit's color scheme was registered in Switzerland (HB-EFO) and finished in a vibrant 'Bucker Yellow,' featuring aerobatic stripes on the upper surfaces of the wings and horizontal stabilizer.

Assembly Instructions

The fuselage, wings, and tail units are assembled on a flat building board. To do this, secure the plans to the board and cover them with a protective sheet of plastic film to prevent soiling or damage. Unless otherwise specified in the plans or parts list, balsa wood is used for the construction of the model. White glue is particularly suitable for bonding, as it ensures strong joints and allows sufficient time to align the individual parts before setting. Unless the assembly instructions expressly specify other adhesives, white glue should be used. Before assembly, compare all components with the plans and—depending on the specific assembly requirements—clean up, trim, or sand them as necessary.

The Wing: Cut out the ribs, create the cutouts for the spars, and clearly mark the top side of the airfoil profile. Glue on the reinforcements (29) for the landing gear mount and drill the holes for the control linkage in the ribs. Glue the prepared balsa sheets together edge-to-edge to form the upper and lower sheeting, allowing for a slight overlap. Assembly begins with the right wing half, with the top surface of the wing facing down on the building board. Tack the upper main spar (1) to the building board and install ribs 2 through 10, applying glue and positioning them with the top of the airfoil facing down. Glue in the lower main spar (11), align the ribs precisely, and glue the leading edge (12) to the front of the ribs. Glue on the auxiliary spar (13) and corner reinforcements (14). Allow to cure and sand smooth, then apply the lower sheeting (15). Mark the position of the aileron and cut the opening for the landing gear mount in the sheeting. Allow the adhesive to cure thoroughly. Then, assemble the second wing half in the same manner using the reverse side of the plan. Pay special attention to ensuring that the ribs are positioned with the top of the airfoil facing down - meaning the wing is assembled upside down..."

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