X-Craft (oz5769)

About this Plan

X-Craft. Single channel (ailerons only) radio control sport model.

Quote: "Your FREE full site plan! X-Craft, by Ron Fuller.

X-CRAFT with aileron control has a performance similar to a combat or stunt control line model without the lines. It will stunt continuously and can be kept 'in close'. This is an advantage if you fly (as I do near Sevenoaks) in small tree-lined fields. Aileron control makes turns and manoeuvres smooth without the jerkiness sometimes apparent in rudder controlled models. Perhaps the most interesting thing about X-CRAFT is its ability to roll - the fuselage being the Centre point of rotation, X-CRAFT will roll anywhere - halfway through a loop, in a climb or dive, even just after launching. This, of course, only applies if the engine performance is up to scratch. The model will do its stuff with a Cox Babe Bee or muffled QZ but a Cox TD 049/051 or DC Merlin makes for more exciting flying. On a worn Babe Bee X-CRAFT becomes a docile 'trainer' type model.

Construction is conventional with the emphasis on strength. However using wing fixing bolts means that the model will not stand excessive cartwheeling or crashes where the wing hits the ground first. To avoid this means good radio contact (no glitches) and pilot ability. If you are unsure of either then mount the wing using dowels and rubber bands - details are included in the plan for this. The engine is mounted on sheet aluminium which is attached to the fuselage with rubber bands. This is a convenient form of mounting because. it means that the engine can be easily removed for cleaning, also if using a PVC foam anti-vibration strip the sidethrust can be adjusted by tightening up the rubber bands on one side and loosening the other. It is recommended that the building sequence is followed as this makes for easier and quicker construction.

Wing: Start with the wing. This is built conventionally over the plan on a building board. ignore the aileron construction - the ailerons are cut out after the wing is finished. Pin down the bottom 1/16 sheet trailing edge and bottom 1/16 mainspar putting piece of 1/16. sheet packing underneath to bring it level with the trailing edge. Glue the 1/16 sheet wing ribs in place and angle the two centre ribs going by the dihedral angle. Glue the 1/2 in square leading edge and 1/16 sheet webbing pieces in the centre of the mainspar and trailing edge. Glue the 1/16 in. top mainspar in place.

When dry, remove the wing from the board and sand down the leading edge. Cut the 1/16 sheet top and bottom leading edge sheets to size. Use Evostick Impact glue on the mainspar and leading edge and in the corresponding places on the leading edge sheets. When the impact glue is touch-dry, position and stick the leading edge sheet to the mainspar. Don't stick it down to the leading edge yet but put balsa cement on the wing ribs where they will touch the leading edge sheet..."

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