RF-3 (oz17024)

About this Plan

RF-3. Radio control scale model motor glider. WIngspan 3400 mm.

Quote (google-translated): "A top-class powered glider. RF-3, by F Notter.

Powered gliders are enjoying increasing popularity in recreational aviation, largely due to their cost-efficiency. However, this argument has done little to sway model flyers so far; for them, the decision to build a particular model is driven primarily by emotional factors. Yet, powered gliders offer compelling advantages here too, namely their versatility and independence.

What dedicated model glider pilot hasn't been driven to distraction on a glorious day, watching only the 'vultures' (real birds) circling up in the thermals? All because there was no tow plane available at the field to haul his ready-to-fly super-glider up into the sky! But the opposite scenario happens all too often as well: You bring your glider to the field dreaming of hours spent soaring in thermals, only to manage - despite every effort - flights lasting a mere two minutes: nothing but sink, far and wide!

Frustrating experiences like these gave me the idea to build a powered glider. However, the commercial offerings in this sector aren't exactly impressive. While there are dozens of gliders and powered models available for the advanced model flyer, one finds virtually nothing comparable in the powered glider category - with very few exceptions. The model was intended to be a scale replica of a motor glider and needed to be large enough to accommodate an existing 10cc engine I had on hand.

As luck would have it, I spotted an RF-4 at an event, perhaps because the pilot was performing such impressive aerobatics with the aircraft (including mirror flying alongside an LO 100). The RF-4’s aerobatic capability - however limited - also aligned with my desire to build a model that was as versatile as possible. While browsing through specialist literature, I came across a suitable three-view drawing of an RF-3, the RF-4’s predecessor, which was largely identical in design. After measuring the car's trunk, the drafting process could begin.

For printing reasons, the construction plan for the RF-3 model included with this issue of FMT has been reduced in size by approximately one-third. When built according to this template, the model has a wingspan of about 226 cm and can be equipped with a 3.5–6.5 cc engine. The dimensions listed in the plan, parts list, and assembly instructions apply to the larger version with a 340 cm wingspan; when building the smaller model, these dimensions should be reduced accordingly or taken directly from the plan..."

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