Mirage (oz6671)

About this Plan

Major Mirage (X-103). Radio control sport model.

Quote: "The Mirage... a compact multi... long out of production. The X-103 is the plan and build article as it appeared in a magazine."

Also appeared in Flying Models.

Quote: "Single Channel Galloping Ghost airborne at half the price, flys up a storm on aileron/elevator. X-103, by Nick Ziroli.

Single channel proportional control has, after many years of development and improving, become a truly practical control system. Many of the early RC pioneers used pulsed control surfaces to obtain a form of proportional control. One of the first real boosts for 'Galloping Ghost' as it has come to be known as, came in the 1950's when the 'Simpul Simul' pulser by John Worth was published and later kitted by Ace. This pulser of course, used tubes and was designed to plug into your five watt monster in place of the key.

The actuator was the Mighty Midget motor connected to the tail surfaces with a crank and birdcage affair. Later came the Phelps pulser with more modern transistors and better pulsing characteristics. The pulsers were now being built into the transis-torized hand held transmitters. All types of actuator motors and linkages were used, with varying success.

A lot of fellows tried this type of system, some liked it and some cursed it. The ones that did not take the time necessary to set up the troublesome relays and get everything trimmed out were the ones that did the cursing.

There is no doubt that this type of system offers the most control for the least complexity. To the uninformed bystander it is very difficult to understand how the control surfaces flapping back and forth in apparent wild abandon could be used to guide the model. However, to one who understands the basics of the surface functions it becomes very obvious how it works. There have been numerous articles in all the model magazines on this subject, so I am not going to cover it here. I am only going to say that if you own a GG or plan on buying one, be sure you do understand its operation.

The actuator problem was finally resolved when Rand brought out their LR-3. This gives proportional rudder and elevator with trimable throttle. This actuator together with relayless circuits have made GG what it is today - an inexpensive sport flying system with a high degree of reliability. This has been proven by the wide acceptance it has found. A Sunday at most flying fields will usually bring out a fair share of GG planes. I have heard of clubs that are almost 100% GG.

I feel one of the best uses for this type equipment is the .15 powered Goodyear racers. The high performance obtainable at a relatively low cost should make this a very popular event. Flying a low level circular course with a GG equipped racer is very exciting and completely practical. This has become popular in some parts of the country and will I am sure catch on in other areas.

After realizing the potential of a racing event with these small Goodyear type racers I felt I must try one. Having not had any first hand experience with GG I decided to get some practice and learn the capabilities in a conventional sport plane. In choosing equipment that would ultimately guide my new pylon polisher, light weight and simplicity were important. Hall Companies new 'Hallco 103' system seemed to fill the bill. It is light, a scant 7 ounces, and simple. Four screws mount the integrated receiver, switcher and servo into the plane. Plug in the batteries, hook up the pushrods and go flying.

After obtaining a Hallco 103 system I had it mounted in my wife's Mambo Special (oz6400), flying it in as little time as it takes to tell about it. To keep peace in the family it had to be done quickly. If I should wreck that plane I would never hear the end of it.

About a dozen flights on the Mambo proved the systems operation and that its performance capabilities were beyond what the plane could do. Ailerons were what was needed. I had heard of GG ailerons and elevator but never had seen them in operation. A multi is flown mostly with aileron and elevator, so why not a GG ship?

The 'X-103' shown here is the result. It is not the pylon racer I had envisioned earlier, but rather a fully acrobatic multi type model. Fully acrobatic that is except for wingovers, true spins or any maneuver that requires rudder control. Inverted flight, axial rolls, etc, are all easily performed. A word of warning: don't attempt to operate the throttle while flying inverted close to the ground. If you don't know why, then you don't know the idiosyncrasies of GG. Think about it!

I know that when I do build the Goodyear racer it will have ailerons. The pylon turns they permit, make them very desirable. Aileron pushrods are easily connected to the double sided rudder plate of the LR-3 servo. It was necessary to reverse the actuator action to get correct aileron travel direction. This involves switching two wires on the actuator and is described fully in Hallco's instructions. They also contain reprinted articles on GG operation. Very informative.

The plane was designed to take full advantage of the Hallco system. Other equipment should be checked against the plan to make sure the fuselage is wide anough to accept it..."

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