RCX-4 (oz2571)

About this Plan

RCX-4. Milton Schmidt's unusual looking RCX-4 from the April 1972 issue of American Aircraft Modeler.

Quote: "The Super Bat wing design is not merely an attempt to concoct a radically different configuration. Every part of its sleek design has aerodynamic improvement in mind. I'll touch on a few of the highlights.

First, the front point. This is most essential in providing the exceptionally sharp sweepback. If the leading edge did not go outward and forward first, the whole lifting section would be much too far to the rear. It gives a wider span farther ahead and affords good lateral sta-bility. This in turn gives a very long, sharply swept wing side from front point to rear tip - one of the reasons for its exceptional longitudinal stability and smooth flying. The high leverage to center of gravity makes balancing much less critical. Also, wing tip is horizontal to fuselage at rear where there can be no loss in efficiency.

But what about maneuverability? The front point reaching 14in ahead of CG, its thickness and V-line of top convex, and flat bottom with sharp leading edges, all combine to give a high degree of response. Another factor is length of wing attachment to fuselage, which locks in almost twice the side pressure on fuselage when making turns. The previous test model (RCX3) with rudder and elevator only, did beautiful banking turns almost as if it had ailerons (this also improves rolls).

The RCX4 was designed with a scale-type appearance in mind - long deep fuselage, high fin and rudder, and no dihedral in wing. If neatly marked out and painted as the "Venus Express" or "Moon Cargo Lines" you might convince the judges of actually seeing one and win a scale award. It's a bit fast with a 71, but is smooth, graceful, and easy to fly. However, if you use a 60, select lightweight balsa, fiberglass around front end of fuselage only, using nothing heavier than silk and dope for other areas. The RCX4 weighed 10-1/2 lb minus fuel, 11-1/2 lb with fuel. It withstood an emergency landing on a disced field with only a slightly bent gear, so it's a very rugged ship..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 11/11/2017: added article, thanks to Anon.

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