Lockheed YO-3A Quiet Star (oz16962)

About this Plan

Lockheed YO-3A Quiet Star. Free flight scale model for rubber power. Wingspan 36 in.

See supplement build article for some detailed type history.

Quote: "CONSTRUCTION:

WING: The wing is built using the Dave Rees’ Sliced Rib Method. Mike Stuart has a great tutorial on this method of wing construction. Use the dimensions as stated on the plan and follow the tutorial link here: https://www.ffscale.co.uk/rees.htm

FUSELAGE: The fuselage is constructed using the “Ladder Jig” method. There are many different types of ladder jig, from complicated, commercial, homemade, foam board, to simple wood strip. Maxfliart has a great tutorial using the foam board method on YouTube here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yUYY1dqfH8 The tail cone can be made from foam and a slot can be cut for the HZ stab. If you wish you can use a balsa block shaped and hollowed to all the HZ stab to be placed.

EMPENNAGE:

HORIZONTAL STAB: The HZ Stab is constructed using 3/32”SQ and sheet balsa. Build flat on the building board and when dry sand round all the edges. If you desire, an additional rib can be added over the existing ribs and sanded to an airfoil shape.

VERTICAL STAB: The outline of the VT Stab is made using 3/32”x1/8” strips of balsa. Once the outline is dry, lift from the building board and add the triangular VT Spar from 1/16” sheet balsa. You can file a notch in the VT Spar’s cap or glue directly to the Cap. I use thin super glue for this so I can have a quick dry. Once the spar is in place vertically you can begin adding the 1/32”x1/8” ribs, gluing to the L.E. , spar and T.E. working from the top of the stab to the base, alternating sides to keep the tension equal on each side. Once done you’ll have a nice light, yet fuller looking vertical stab that I prefer to the slab balsa sheet.

This wing is quite tapered and I suggest a minimum of 1/8” washout at the trailing edge of each wing tip. You might even consider 3/16” to avoid tip stalling. The plans show the 5 bladed prop, but the final prop used on the aircraft was a wooden 3 bladed paddle prop. Check out the pictures on line. I was able to photograph this aircraft landing at the Ames/Nasa facility in the San Frisco Bay area several years ago. It was virtually silent as she passed over head with just a bit of wind noise at approximately 50ft.

I hope this will make a fun model of an unusual aircraft.
Regards,
Tom Akery/Sky9pilot"

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Build article.

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