Early Bird (oz3271)

About this Plan

Early Bird. CL combat model, for 2.5 cc engines.

Quote: "Early Bird. Richard Wilkens' outstanding Combat Model.

THIS model evolved from the idea that a low aspect ratio design could be built much lighter and tougher and would turn much tighter, than one with a higher aspect ratio. With a low aspect ratio, the span is reduced, spars are no longer necessary, the weight saved more than compensating for the heavier leading and trailing edges. The large laminated and tapered LE gives ample strength where it is most needed, ie at the wing root while, at the same time, the tips are kept light, thus reducing the tendency for the tips to swing forward and cause structural failure on impact.

By using a straight section wing fewer ribs are needed to support and keep in shape the nylon covering. The building time for this model is therefore shortened and the design is simple yet very practical.

Early Bird can easily be built at around 15 oz. With the large wing area of around 285 sq in, the wing loading can he as low as 5-1/4 oz per 100 sq in. This low wing loading and the use of the flying tail, makes the model very snappy and tight turning.

Construction. Start by laminating the leading edge, using PVA glue and making sure that the outer 1/4 x 1 in medium balsa strips are set exactly 1/2 in behind the front of the centre strip. Add the centre fill in pieces from 1/2 x 1/4 in balsa and set aside to dry, holding the assembly together with pins and rubber bands..."

Quote: "Here is a set of tiff files for the Earlybird of Richard Wilkens This was Wilkey's improvement to the Dominator (oz2605) and was a force to be reckoned with in his hands. I flew one of these in competition for most of the time I competed."

Direct submission to Outerzone

Supplementary file notes

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