Bolkow Phoebus (oz5465)

About this Plan

Bölkow Phoebus. Free flight glider model. Slope soarer, a small solid-scale, but airworthy glider by the old Professor, Walt Mooney. Plans were a full 2-page spread.

Quote: "This time, the old professor has a switch with his free flight flying scale machine. He leaves the rubber power out and the propeller off and just slope soars for quiet effortless flight. Walk up to the nearest cliff and let it go. Bölkow Phoebus, by Walt Mooney.

Did you ever wish that your solid scale models would fly? They will, if you select the model carefully, and presented here is one that is a sucessful selection. The Bolkow Phoebus is one of the new breed of high performance sailplanes. Made of Fibreglass to meet the Standard class regulations, it has a superb finish and performance to match. The German designers incorporated a high aspect ratio wing, a smooth canopy and a T tail to get the utmost in aerodynamic efficiency. About the only improvement would be a retracting wheel, but this is forbidden by the regulations.

As a model, the T tail and the high aspect ratio wing make a distinctive solid scale, and besides, one that flies. The model is an excellent slope-soarer and can also be used with the high start technique. The model deviates from scale in that the horizontal tail has been enlarged and the dihedral has been increased. The canopy shown in the photos is not absolutely necessary and could just be painted on the fuse-lage if desired.

Start construction by cutting out the three pieces for the fuselage. Cut these to the sideview shown on the plans noting that the two outer ones need only extend back to section E-E. Note also that the wheel well and the ballast box should be cut out of the center piece. Cement the three pieces together and set them aside to dry.

Cut out the other pieces that make up the model, Make sure you allow the extra inch between the break marks in both the right and left wings. (The break marks in the fuselage just connect together.)

Now carve all the pieces including the laminated fuselage block to approximately the sections shown on the plans and then sand to the final sections using 200 and then 400 sandpaper. The above sentence puts a lot in one place, and a few suggestions are in order to insure a quality job..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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