Howards Hatchet (oz3661)

About this Plan

Howards Hatchet. A 52 inch span FF contest glider.

Quote: "The Howards Hatchet is an ideal contest type glider, and although not a large job t stays in sight for at least 5 min in high winds, owing to the tight circle obtained by the use of an auto-rudder. This enables a dead straight tow-up to be made, and max height to be attained before release. A dethermaliser is essential for this model and the onme described is very effective and reliable. Hard balsa must be used throughout unless otherwise specified.

Tailplane. It is advisable to start with the tailplane, so that when building the fuselage the correct amount of balance weight can be built into the nose. Cover the tailplane before cementing the end fins in place and give it one coat of dope.

Fuselage. Commence by building the triangular boom from 1/16-in sheet. Cut the keel from two sheets of 3 in x 3/32-in sheet butted together. Bind the 16-gauge wire tow hooks to the lower of the two sheets before cementing them together. Cut a slot 4-1/2 in long in the keel so that it can be slid into the boom. Now cement the 1/4 in sheet outline and in 1/4 x 1/8 in half formers in place on each side of the keel. The 'A' shaped part, which is cut from 16-gauge aluminium, can now be bolted into place. Smear cement around the nuts to lock them in place. The slots in the underside of the fuselage must be long enough to give about 3/4 in of movement.

The fin is built up on the fuselage. Cover the fin and rudder before pinning the rudder in position. Install the wire and thread parts of the auto-rudder and check its movement. Attach the completed tailplane in place and add weight to the nose until the model balances at about 50 percent chord. The fuselage is then ready for the nose to be covered with 1/32 sheet. Rub the fuselage down with glas-paper and dope on tissue. Give the fin and rudder one coat of dope and the fuselage three.

Wing. This is quite orthodox and is in one piece. The laminated L.E. at the tips is made by a method which is probably not widely known. First make a former of deal or thick balsa to the inside shape. The next operation requires very speedy work..."

Update 09/02/2017: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy (patterned background removed) thanks to TonyP.

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