RV-6F (oz5998)

About this Plan

RV-6F. Scale floatplane. Wingspan 52-1/2in. Saito .50 power. Model # 1233.

Quote: "As a sometime float plane designer, I am constantly looking for full-size float ships to duplicate in miniature. When I saw the float equipped RV-6 on the cover of kit planes, I was hooked - low aspect ratio, lots of dihedral, big floats, and a ventral fin. The prime requisites for any descent float plane model, let alone a scale. ship. Of course, the vacuum-formed canopy, tip light lenses, and glass cowl were challenges to overcome.

After a day with my calculator, I came up with the dimensions and estimated performance. Too high a stall speed for the weight; not to worry, just add a little more wing. Not enough horizontal tail for comfortable tail volume; more tail area. Another check and it's a go.

I elected not to go with flaps to save the complexity and weight. My additional wing area took care of most of that. I selected a side-mounted Saito .50 for its great reliability and performance, not to mention the ease of directing its exhaust underneath. I spent a week making the cowl, canopy, and tip lens plugs; then, another week casting the aluminum-filled epoxy male patterns. Having them pulled successfully really made my day.

My weight came out at 7 lb, dry. I had some reservations about the ship's performance since I had designed it for 6 lbs. Not to worry, the NACA 23015 airfoil allowed me to stall the ship onto the water with the ventral almost touching. In the air, it proved as responsive as I had hoped. If you're looking for a scale float ship with real per-formance, give this one some serious Con-sideration.

RV-6 Construction. Highlights. Fuselage: Construction is open frame with 1/64 plywood covering the sides back to F-4. The rear sides are built to the cross-hatched plan lines to compensate for the shortening which occurs when the sides are drawn together. Additional 3/32 square stock is added to the upper longerons and inset enough to glue the turtledeck flush with the sides..."

Update 29/09/2014: Resized this plan to correct full scale now at 52.5in span, thanks to anon.

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