Heston AOP (oz3660)

About this Plan

Heston AOP. 46in span FF scale model of an unusual aircraft. Twin-boom observation plane.

Quote: "When looking for a full-size aircraft which would make a suitable flying scale model with a small diesel engine, the main factors which influenced my choice were:

(1) Ample wing area to give a slow flying speed.
(2) Adequate lateral stability.
(3) It should have an unusual appearance if possible.

The Heston A.O.P. satisfies the first two considerations because it was designed for slow flying,and the twin-boom pusher layout satisfies the third. The only disadvantage of the design is that the sweepback of the leading edge induces tip-stalling. Since a reasonable degree of washout did not provide a remedy, wing tip slats have been fitted, as on the actual aircraft, with complete success.

It is perhaps right to point out that the model is purely a scale design, so duration fiends can turn to the next pages straight away! In places the construction has been made unnecessarily strong, so that the scale Contour is preserved. In order to be on the safe side as regards strength my model was made mainly of hard balsa. In actual fact good quality medium balsa is amply strong enough, and in particular the resultant lightening of the tail will enable some of the nose ballast to be dispensed with.

The model was designed primarily for the Amco .87 or Mills .75, but has been flown with the E.D. Bee. All up weight with E.D. Bee was 19 oz., but 17 oz. should be easily attainable with the Bee, or 15 1/2 with the Mills. A special pusher propeller is necessary on the Bee, but with the Mills and Amco the direction of rotation can be reversed."

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