Rapier (oz6615)

About this Plan

Rapier. Radio control pattern plane, for 60 power.

Quote: "There is a song that goes 'Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains'. Rogers and Hamerstein didn't have to be modelers to make that observation since it is probably the windiest place in the US (Check the Almanac!). Since I am a member of the USAF, I am subject to assignment anywhere in the world, and so Oklahoma City has been my 'home' for the past two years.

During these two years I finally came up with an airplane to suit the environment - the Rapier. It is a fast and yet docile little ship that flies as well in strong, gusty wind as it does in calm air. It is light at 5-1/2 pounds and a 6O size engine really pulls it along nicely, especially in the Top Hat and vertical Square Eight where brute power is needed. The large vertical fin is very effective, which makes the double stall turn, reverse spin, and knife edge flight duck soup. The wing is a triple taper (LE, TE, and root) but is very easy to build, since it has no dihedral. I will go into this later.

The Rapier was completed only one day before the Witchita, Kansas Spring Rally so it was test flown, trimmed, and proven on its first flight, which was as official! We took second place! It literally flew right off the board! What I am trying to say is that it is truly a fine little ship that is easy to fly. You don't have to watch it every second and I would not hesitate to recommend it to a beginner, providing adequate initial flight supervision was rendered.

I am not of the school that believes in progressive learning via galloping ghost, reeds, props, in that order; and high wing, mid wing, low wing transitional training. The individual, himself, will determine this for himself, however. I believe you will save quite a bit of time and money if you go all the way right off. I have seen student pilots who had never touched a transmitter solo a Quik-Fli after only one lesson. If you have the desire and the money, go all the way. This hobby can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Construction. Fuselage: Cut sides from 1/8 sheet. Cut doublers from 1/16 sheet. Cut slot in doubler for motor mount. Epoxy doublers to fuselage sides. Epoxy motor mounts in doubler slot. With fuselage sides pinned vertical, epoxy bulkheads F3 and F4 in place. Attach nose gear bearings to F2 and epoxy F2 in place, making sure of equal bends at nose..."

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