Ladybird Mk2 (oz6090)

About this Plan

Ladybird Mk2. Radio control glider.

Quote: "For expert pilots, Brian Shaw's fully aerobatic slope soarer.

Ladybird Mk 2 is by far the most successful of a series of four fully acrobatic slope soarers built to date. For several years I had flown rudder and elevator models with lifting section wings, using single channel, then reeds and, finally, proportional.

Early in 1970 Ladybird Mk I was flown and revealed the great possibilities of a low aspect ratio wing of near symmetrical section equipped with ailerons. Mk I was functional with little regard for appearance, but it was easy to fly, being very reluctant to stall, and the ailerons were effective at even the lowest speeds. The span was 53 in.

Mk 2 presented here is larger at 59 in span, the appearance is improved, and the airfoil changed more towards the symmetrical but still retaining a slightly lifting section. Large inset ailerons are used to give a very rapid roll rate, and rudder function is provided. It should be noted that this function may be omitted, the only loss will be in stall turns and spins.

This model has turned out to be very pleasant to fly and it will do any acrobatic maneuver within the ability of the pilot. I believe the Horner tips give smoother penetration in gusty conditions, and the airfoil is quite good in poor lift, but still capable of good inverted performance. Ladybird Mk 2 has been my number one model for over a year, and has probably flown about 2000 miles!

I have experimented with two other designs; a smaller version of 54 in span and a larger one of 64 in span, but neither of these demonstrated the good performance characteristics of Ladybird Mk 2. The smaller model was faster but would stall and snap roll if too great a G loading was applied. The larger model was less responsive. It seems, therefore, that a span of about 5 ft and a loading of 11 oz per square foot is near to the ideal, and this is confirmed by the excellent design 'Phase One' by Chriss Foss, one of our best soarers and fellow member of the Sussex club.

For those who have yet to see this type of model in action, here are some of the possible maneuvers: Consecutive loops and bunts, square loop, consecutive rolls, hesitation roll, vertical climbing roll, inverted flight, stall turn, spins and inverted spins, horizontal and Cuban Eights, and even the double stall turn (if the pilot is sufficiently skilled).

The only change on the plan from the model in the photographs is a slight alteration in the nose shape to permit the inclusion of a transparent canopy as this does greatly improve the appearance.

Fuselage construction: Cut the two fuselage sides from 1/8 in medium sheet, cutting to the chain dotted outline shown on the plan, thus allowing for the top and bottom sheeting. Work as if the cockpit was to be left solid. Glue in position the two spruce longerons, steaming, if necessary, to achieve the curve shown on the plans. The bottom longerons are cut from very hard balsa. Take care to get the two sides identical, and sand the edges as a pair. Use Titebond except where stated other-wise..."

Hi Steve - Here is Brian Shaw's Ladybird Mk2 from RCM magazine issue 07-73. Model # pl-505.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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