Swallow (oz2317)

About this Plan

Swallow. Free flight rubber model. Coupe D'Hiver model. January 1977 Aeromodeller.

Quote: "Ian Dowsett's modern style Coupe d'Hiver class model has a performance to match its elegant looks!

THE SIZE of Coupe d'Hiver models has varied greatly over the years and as the class has minimal dimensional restrictions, this has produced many individual approaches some of which have been highly successful. I must admit to being influenced by French designs - especially by the size of some of their winning models. Swallow is a large Coupe and incorporates a rear end consisting or triple fin and dihedraled tailplane, which I believe has given very good stability when used on some Wakefield models. Certainly Swallow is very tolerant of being launched 'off wind' in rough or blustery weather, righting itself and continuing to climb well, even when given a poor launch.

Another attribute which is a must in these days of highly competitive flying is the ability to remain in, and climb well when launched into, a thermal. I like to use bubbles or a mylar strip whenever I can, to confirm what I think the weather is doing. When launched into rising air Swallow settles quickly into a trim, tight, climbing turn for the duration of its power run. Being trimmed right/right (i.e. turning right under power and right under glide) she eases off very smoothly as the prop folds, and consistantly remains within the thermal.

This model flies well as either an 80 gram or 100 gram model, but you will have to be very careful in your wood selection for the 80 gram version - and also have to forego some of the metal work. I prefer the 100 gram model again a la French; it also has a two piece wing allowing easier transport when you travel to France for the 'Coupe Comp'.

If you have facilities for metal turning, then the prop hub and nose block as shown on the plan make a very neat system, but for those that are not so fortunate an alternative version is also provided. Both work equally well, but I prefer the added sophistication of the former..."

Update 10/03/2017: added article, thanks to RFJ.

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