Vector (oz5311)

About this Plan

Vector. Radio control sport design for .40 power.

Quote: "As for aerobatics, the Vector will do them all Designer's favorite is a double snap roll on top of a loop. If you want to fly from point A to point B and have fun in-between, try a Vector. By Vince Bobrosky.

After flying the Vector and discovering how precise its movements were, this seemed like an appropriate name for my new design. I had a few other names in the back of my mind, but, after the first flight, Vector was the obvious choice.

The first flight was on a Sunday at one of our club picnics. I arrived early with the Vector, not yet named, and old reliable, the classic Aeromaster biplane. I put the bipe on the flight line and the Vector in the shade under our shelter. A few of the guys were already at the field, and the Vector drew their attention. We talked about it some, but I opted to fly the Aeromaster to warm up and loosen the old thumbs.

A few more of the guys arrived later, and we analyzed the Vector some more. They assured me it would fly just fine, and they tried to build my confidence with positive comments. But still, the Vector sat in the shade. My excuse, "W-e-e-ell, I don't think I have enough pictures of it yet and, besides, my wife wants to see the first flight." I don't know about you, but it seems my wife will always join me at the flying field when I have a new plane to test fly. I really don't know what she hopes to see, the first flight go without a hitch, being nothing more than some procedure turns to check things out, or something more exciting, for her, anyway.

The afternoon proceeded on and I took some more pictures of the Vector. Finally, my wife arrived with the picnic basket, lawn chairs, and the family dog. We unloaded the car, chased the dog off the field, and headed toward the flight line.

By this time I had done a range and vibration check on the Vector. I double checked everything else out again and topped off the fuel tank for the first flight. I fired up the 0.S.45 and rolled out onto the field. I did a few high speed taxi runs to check out the ground handling. Everything looked good! I shook myself into position for the take-off and turned to my wife, who gave me an encouraging smile.

I pointed the Vector into the wind and advanced the throttle. The speed built up quickly. She was tracking as if on rails. The tail was up and flying and, as I eased back on the stick, the Vector was airborne. I flew straight out, gently gaining altitude and made a gradual right hand turn to clear the field. Everything felt great. I lined up to make a high pass over the field. As I came overhead, I held the transmitter in one hand over my head and yelled out: Look - it flies!

The Vector flew hands-off the entire length of the field. I proceeded to loop, roll, and do some slow speed testing, all on the first flight. All I had left to do was land this thing. The wind was probably a steady 10 mph. The Vector didn't mind at all. She came in very steadily and settled down without any problems. I taxied to the pit area and shut the engine down.

What a great feeling it is to see your creation fly. And fly it did. So much for bragging, let's strt building a Vector. Study the plans, and read over the contruction details before you start building... "

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 21/06/2016: Added article pages, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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