Star Dust (oz1814)

About this Plan

Star Dust. Free flight swept-forward wing model for 1cc - 1.5cc motors.

Quote: "FOR THOSE who like something with a difference here is an experimental design used to test an unorthodox wing planform and an unusual airfoil section. The distinguishing swept forward wing feature of the aeroplane was intended to increase longitudinal stability in three ways:

1. By increasing the moment arm of the tailplane about the CG of model for a given length of fuselage.
2. By utilising the stabilising effect of a large wing area behind the CP of the wing.
3. By harnessing wing twist.

If the model should dive the airspeed would automatically increase and so would the lift. This would increase the twisting moment of the lift (acting at CP) about the twisting axis resulting in a slight increase in incidence and the CP moving forward in consequence. This exerts a stabilising effect on the model. The reverse (in theory) would happen if the model should climb.

Sweep forward has its disadvantages though, among them being a tendency to go into a spin following a turn. This is successfully counteracted on this model by using a large fin area and moment arm and giving the wings a large amount of dihedral. Airfoil section L.D.C.2 is used because of its reputably high efficiency at low model speeds.

No undercarriage was fitted as it was not considered necessary on a model with such a low landing and flying speed.

Construction. Build two fuselage side profiles from 1/4in square balsa and join them with formers. Cement engine bearers to ply formers only, using plenty of cement where bad landing stresses may be high. Attach 1/8in square stringers to top and bottom of fuselage making joints in stringers where shown. The two sheets of balsa retaining the tailplane should be cut undersize at first and then opened up to make a good fit with the tailplane ribs..."

Update 27/02/2018: added article, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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