Cheechako (oz5928)
About this Plan
Cheechako. Free flight rocket glider model.
Quote: "Here's a delta-winged glider for rocket power. Build from these full sized plans, make a launcher from next month's article, then fly it straight up. Cheechako, by Larry Renger.
Cheechako is a 'boost-glider' - a model airplane which uses a high thrust rocket motor to achieve altitude, then glides smoothly for a landing. This model will use 1/2A6-2 size Estes, Centuri or equivalent model rocket motor. Bigger engines will provide a more spectacular climb, but are not recommended for the Tenderfoot.
A 'Cheechako' is a tenderfoot in Canada and the northern fringes of the United States. This model was specifically designed for this magazine's series of easy to build and fly models. It is not an 'off-the-shelf' design which sort of fits the slot. The design goals which were set up before pencil hit paper are:
(a) no critical shaping or carving
(b) alignment and trim
(c) warp-proof construction
(d) no moving parts or critical tolerances
(e) good performance
In other words, try to design an AMA Delta Dart (oz7931) for rocket power, only more so.
Cheechako meets all these goals and even manages to look sharp as an added feature. The use of a flat construction, delta planform wing with preshaped trailing edge stock is the secret to the success of this model. I went through (and I mean THROUGH) several prototypes to get the trim to the 'off the building board' stage. if your model is built exactly to the plans and balanced where indicated, it should fly too.
Construction. The basic construction sequence, shown on the plans, is self-explanatory, so we will just hit a few details here to help make your model perfect.
Cut each stick slightly oversize, then trim down to fit its space smoothly. Fit and trim till each part is right; don't hesitate to throw out a part if it is cut too small..."
Larry Renger's Cheechako from American Aircraft Modeler magazine issue 02-72.
Direct submission to Outerzone.
Supplementary file notes
Article.
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-
(oz5928)
Cheechako
by Larry Renger
from American Aircraft Modeler
February 1972
10in span
Glider F/F
clean :)
all formers complete :)
got article :) -
Submitted: 13/09/2014
Filesize: 246KB
Format: • PDFbitmap
Credit*: theshadow
Downloads: 2915

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User comments
Steve, I didn't know you had rocket glider plans on your site. I build and fly them often - usually vintage designs from the 60's. I actually built the Cheechako last year and have flown it. I've attached a photo [see more pics 003]. Some notes: I don't know how the original was built, but if you are a capable free flight stick and tissue builder, this model will be comically nose heavy as shown on the plans. My model weighs 5.75 gms. I had to reduce the engine size to 1/2A and shorten the nose cone. It will go almost out of sight on one of these engines and glide at just over floating speed. Establishing CG is very sensitive, as with most rocket gliders, but in dead air, it will be up for at least 90 seconds every time ...Great site, thank you as always,DavidWagner - 30/09/2014
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- Cheechako (oz5928)
- Plan File Filesize: 246KB Filename: Cheechako-AAM-02-72_oz5928.pdf
- Supplement Filesize: 404KB Filename: Cheechako-AAM-02-72_oz5928_article.pdf
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Notes
* Credit field
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Scaling
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