Prancer (oz6808)

About this Plan

Prancer. Radio control sport model, a low wing .35 - .40 power sport/trainer design, with flaperons.

Quote: "The Prancer is a unique looking aircraft and will do all the good things you are looking for.

Lightweight, super sleek, economical, acrobatic all these terms describe the Prancer, a five-foot low wing design that flies nicely on a .35. The Prancer floats like a sailplane and flies as well inverted as it does upright. The plane is designed for 5 channel operation, the fifth channel being used for flaperons.

Since the Prancer was my first low wing plane - my only other RC flight
experience was with a Falcon 56 Mark II (oz6155) - and I had no trouble handling it. I guess I could safely classify it as a low wing trainer. This was also my first attempt at design, so I played it safe by using a flat bottom wing, and by keeping the construction light. I flew the original version for a year before deciding to build another and write this article. Although the planes look alike, many subtle changes have been incorporated into the new model. Nothing major; just all the little things my 20/20 hindsight told me should have done differently.

When I built the original version I owned only a 4 channel radio, so I tied down the rudder (which I had never learned to use anyway), and used the fourth channel for the flaperons. Nosewheel steering was accomplished via the aileron servo, with the nosegear mounted on a forward extension of the wing.

Construction. Build the wing panels over the plans and let the glue dry. Note that the center portions of ribs 1 and 2 have been cut out. These should be inserted after the wings have been joined and the dihedral braces are in place. Be sure to use 1/16 capstrips if you use foam ribs. These add strength and act as heat sinks, allowing the use of iron-on coverings. The ribs on the plans have been undercut for 1/16 wood all around.

Cut out the fuselage panels and 1/16 plywood doublers. The doublers go from the nose back (F1) to former F3. Score the insides of the doublers lengthwise, in the area from former F2 to former F1. The plywood must be able to follow the contour of the nose, which matches that of a 2-1/2 in spinner. Using contact cement, glue the fuselage doublers in place, remembering to make a left side and a right side..."

Supplementary file notes

Article, thanks to hlsat, JHatton.

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