Dyke Delta JD-2 (oz6415)

About this Plan

Dyke Delta JD-2. Sport scale model by Laddie Mikulasko. For OS 26 4-stroke engine.

Quote: "A Very Unusual Home-Built That Makes A Great Sport Scale Model For Either Electric Or Glow Power

I have been a fan of delta wing aircraft for many, many years. Shortly after my wife and I emigrated to Canada in 1969, I came across a magazine called Sport Aviation published by the Experimental Aircraft Association of America. The EAA is an American organization established to promote designing, building, and then flying of full-size aircraft by ordinary individuals.

In the May 1968 issue of Sport Aviation, I saw an article including 3-view drawings of the Dyke Delta. Using these 3-views, I soon constructed a .60 powered scale model of the Dyke Delta complete with the retractable undercarriage. During take-off on the very first flight, disaster struck. A combination of a crosswind gust and my inexperience as an R/C flier, reduced my dream to rubble. I was hoping to break new ground, but this was not what I had in mind.

The damage was extensive, so I scrapped the model but not the dream. Now, some 20 years later, I decided to have another go at it. This one was to be powered with either an Astro geared 15 electric motor or an OS .26 4-stroke engine. I reduced the size of the original plans and made the necessary modifications to adapt these very different power plants. The model was designed to have removable engine mounts so it can be switched between electric and glow power in a few minutes.

The first flight was made with the Astro electric motor humming away up front. The model flew reasonably well but certainly not spectacularly. I used twelve 1700 mA batteries and the take-off was made from a paved runway. After several flights I installed the Q.S. 26 4-stroke engine and immediately the model became much more agile. I suspect that losing 3/4 lb of battery weight was the key to this.

Lowering the wing loading while increasing the power loading had a dramatic effect on the model's performance. I am sure that the electric version can be made to fly much better by using a different gear ratio. The model is a good stable flier with take-offs and landings being straightforward. Although the plane wasn't designed to do aerobatics, it will loop and roll but, as with any delta plane, it will not spin. When stalled it drops the nose, picks up flying speed, and recovers almost immediately. The take-off is only practical using a hard surfaced runway since the scale nose wheel is very small.

If you decide to build the Dyke Delta, be certain to select light wood.

Before you start building the model, you should be aware that the model uses elevons for control. You may use either a mechanical or electronic mixer. On my model I used a mechanical type manufactured by the Logictrol Company years ago; however, the DuBro Company manufactures a different but acceptable style. The easiest installation is the electronic type that is a feature of most newer radios.

Before any construction is attempted please study the drawings. To make building of the model easier, I numbered all of the pieces and will refer to individual parts by numbers.

Construction: The model is built in one piece directly over the plan. The only detachable parts arc the cowl and rear of the cabin. Start by cutting out all the ribs and formers..."

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics, thanks to SRQFlyer.

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