DH 75 Hawk Moth (oz3663)

About this Plan

Hawk Moth. Rubber scale model. Contest winner. Scale is 1/12.

Quote: "De Havilland Hawk Moth, by Bill Noonan. Rubber-powered free flight scale is where all of our diverse interests in model aircraft began. Here is an exceptionally fine sample of that original art form. Placed 5th at the 1977 AMA Nationals.

If you had to pick a name as being synonymous with the development of British aviation, de Havilland would likely be the first choice.

Geoff de Havilland the man, fit perfectly the image of the innovative and resourceful pilot/designer of the Golden Years of flight. Born in 1883, his influence on aircraft design was felt for more than half a century. The last aircraft bearing his distinguished name was the DH 121 Trident. The company was absorbed into Hawker-Siddeley in 1961.

Not all of de Havilland's designs enjoyed the spot in history which characterized the DH 4, the Gipsy Moth, or the Mosquito. Archives contain many interesting designs relegated to obscurity, the Hawk Moth, designated model 75, being one of them.

We blew the dust off a February, 1929 copy of the highly-regarded British publication 'Flight', and revealed an interesting and comprehensive analysis of our subject. It provided good three-view drawings and sufficient structural details for proof-of-scale documentation.

The Hawk Moth is a straightforward design, nicely proportioned and simple, but with enough distinctive, character to set it apart from its contemporaries. The wide (10 foot) landing gear tread is unique for a plane of the Hawk Moth's size, the wingspan being 44 feet.

Our model, which incorporates folding wings, deviates from scale only in landing gear length and slight enlargement of the stabilizer.

It is virtually vice-free when it comes to flying. Originally powered with 8 strands of 3/16 rubber, which gave ho-hum performance, the motor was increased to 10 strands for the 1977 Nationals at March AFB. It took fifth place in outdoor rubber scale.

FUSELAGE CONSTRUCTION: Fuselage construction follows conventional practice. Lay 3/32 square hard balsa longerons over plans which have been covered with wax paper or Saran wrap to prevent surplus cement from adhering. All upright and diagonal members are 1/16 square. Cement these in their respective places, noting the 1/32 difference from the longeron thickness. This 'detent' accommodates the sheet balsa which surrounds the cabin, and the two 1/32 square basswood stringers. Repeat the same procedure for the right side, taking care to reverse the detent, otherwise you will have two left sides. When the two sides are thoroughly dry, cement them together..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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