Arabian Knight (oz3610)

About this Plan

Arabian Knight (Flying carpet). Free flight model.

Quote: "Get weaving with this rugged moth-proof all balsa knight-mare!

IT FLIES! Publication of the 'Worlds First Flying Carpet' in last month's 'World News' was more than a challenge to W Peter Holland to produce a free-flight variant. Over the week-end his point was proved and Arabian Knight took the air resplendent in red and black pattern, cigarette burns included. Schehezarade saw nothing like this!

We are sure that this Axminster Aircraft will make many readers wish to become carpet beaters, certainly we can guarantee it to produce a stair covering the face of all beholders.

Not as one might think Turban powered, Abdhul hangs grimly on to a 0.5 cc motor with his native bearer type arms in order to pile on the revs. Right from the start we could see no floor in the design, which is rugged in the extreme, or the finish, which must be mat. The amount of undercamber should be 'felt underneath', and the areas well trimmed. It would be inadvisable to change the section by taking the line of least resistance as this might induce weaving should turbulence loom up. After cleaning, lift may or may not be improved by leaving a vacuum on the top surface. Size should not present a problem, for transport could be arranged in the Bag Dad packed. As for trim, Abdhul wilton in tight circles and if homesick, might hookah thermal, so be sure to use de DT.

Actually, seven pieces of 3 in wide 1/8 sheet, each 18 in long are cemented edge to edge and bent over a hard 1/4 in sheet spine which runs down the centre and holds the airfoil section. To get the profile, simply mark the 21 in length of 1/4 in off at 3 in stations, with the heights above base line as on the photo, beginning with 3/8 in at the TE and ending 1/8 in above base at the leading edge. Join parts marked with a smooth curve and cut to get the reflex airfoil section. Two other ribs can be used to support the 'tips' but were not necessary in the prototype where strips of hard 1/16 x 1 in reinforced the outer edges along the undersurface (chordwise) and a 1/2 in x 1/8 in spruce spar protected the leading edge.

Abdhul is laminated from 1/4 in sheet with 1/4 in sq beech arms. Half to 1/2 oz lead ballast is required at the LE to balance the Knight 5 in back from the leading edge. Reason for this choice of aerodynamic layout will be appreciated when observing the exceptionally stable flight characteristics. No kidding this time."

Quote: "This is a 1950's British designed FF. I built this one from foam and balsa and converted it to 3 channel with electric power. Yes, it does fly. Hope you can use it."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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