Size 9 (oz3692)

About this Plan

Size 9. Unorthodox floatplane design, with single large flat float plus v-tail. Size 9 plan and article. 049 S/C float plane with 'V' tail controlled by actuator from RCM&E July 1965.

Quote: "A novel V-tail flying boat for escapements or single channel pulse systems. Size 9, by Peter Holland.

A FLYING boat with a normal hull, when scaled down to a convenient site for small motors and lightweight radio gear, suffers in terms of efficiency when it comes to lifting off cleanly and landing without taking a severe ducking. Some hulls have sponsons to prevent them healing, small sponsons are comparatively inefficient, and when added to a slim hull result in a plan form which may not be best for take-off.

A simple single sponson which forms the hull really takes this model out of the 'seaplane' category. Single float seaplanes usually have additional tip stabilisers, so they really classify as a three float craft. We want the minimum number of components in a simple model, so 'Size 9' just has one large 'boot' on which to ride the waves.

Like all the best boots, this part is removable and retained with rubber bands (elastic sided?). The reason in this case is to take landing shocks if the model comes in heavily. There is a likelihood that the windscreen then takes some of the shock, but with strong bands, the effect is vaguely similar to a sprung undercarriage and certainly saves some damage to the hull when flown over grass.

There is a false bottom to the fuselage so that the radio gear keeps dry. The whole radio bay, being in the cabin is reinforced fore and aft by tapering fairings built round corners 3 and 4. A hole is shown cut in the latter to accept Elmic Conquest escapement which is connected via usual balsa torque rod to a special 90 deg, crank designed for kick either rudder of a 'V' tail up, in turn.

The same linkage may be used for a pulse proportional actuator of the Septalette type or a geared electric motor used in simple rudder only systems. The V tail configuration can, by use of 'kick up only' control surfaces obtain a touch of up 'elevator and rudder together. This, when control is applied carefully. can assist in keeping the model fairly level in a turn. If the model is trimmed for penetration, blipping left and right quickly will produce climb ; for both control surfaces operate in the "up" part of their arc and contribute to the elevator effect. They simply blow back against stops for the neutral position..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

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