Ranger (oz17013)

About this Plan

Ranger. Radio control scale model. Pusher layout. Wingspan 1700 mm.

Quote (google-translated): "Radio-Controlled Powered Model 'RANGER'. Designed by Peter Kriz.

The rather distinctive design of this new MT model is based on both an original aircraft and a scale model replica; both originated in the USA, where they garnered significant attention from 1972 onwards. However, on the other side of the Atlantic, the aircraft was not referred to as the 'Ranger' (neither the original nor the model), but rather as the BD-5, named after Jim Bede, the aircraft's designer.

The story of this small aircraft is fascinating, though we will only touch upon it briefly here. Jim Bede developed the BD-5 following a series of preliminary projects, all of which aimed to create something truly unique. Experimentation was, and remains, his specialty and he can certainly be described as a master of his craft. While his BD-1 was 'merely' a two-seat sports plane (now very popular in the USA under the name 'Yankee'), he had ambitious plans for the BD-2: it was intended to fly around the world as a motor glider without refueling.

Although that specific flight never took place, Jim Bede did set three world records, including the longest solo flight in aviation history: 70 hours and 15 minutes. His BD-4 is also notable for its immense popularity in the USA as a home-built aircraft (kit-based system). Finally, there is the BD-5, developed as a small, compact, extremely powerful, and highly maneuverable aircraft. This version, too, can be assembled from a kit at home in the garage as a private aircraft.

It was only a matter of time before modelers took an interest in such a fascinating design. As early as the autumn of 1972, Walt Moucha from White Plains appeared at a flying event with a scale model of this type - and was enthusiastically acclaimed. Thanks to the initiative of staff member Peter Kriz, FMT is now able to offer modelers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland a set of plans for a model of the BD-5, which we have named the 'Ranger' - that closely adheres to the full-scale original.

Construction: Before actual assembly begins, all formers, sub-formers, the engine mount, ribs, and the leading and trailing edges for the fuselage and vertical stabilizer must be cut out according to the plans. The four fuselage longerons are cut from balsa (5 x 20 mm) as specified in the plans. Rib spacing is marked on these longerons; the formers are then slid into place, glued, and secured with pins.

The nose wheel is designed to be steerable and is installed before the fuselage is sheeted. The 500 cc fuel tank is installed between formers 8 and 9, while a 50 cc header tank (auxiliary tank) is housed between formers 14 and 15. Like the main tank, this tank is equipped with a vent that is opened during refueling. The engine mount is designed for a side-mounted engine configuration. Naturally, the engine can be mounted in any other desired orientation, though this would require modifying the engine mount accordingly.

Once the fuselage framework has been assembled, two strips of planking are attached to the sides to provide the fuselage with greater structural rigidity for the subsequent assembly stages. Following this, construction and assembly of the vertical stabilizer can begin according to the plans; standard off-the-shelf components are used for the hinges. One more tip: those wishing to save time and effort on building the fuselage, horizontal stabilizer, and wings can obtain these parts in fiberglass (GFK) from Wyhs-Modelltechnik (see the advertising section). However, there are many modelers who prefer to build their models out of balsa wood, and..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction