Gnome 2M (oz6872)

About this Plan

Gnome 2M. Radio control sailplane. Wingspan 77-1/2 in, 628 sq in area, for 2 channel R/C. For slope or thermal, suitable for hi-start or winch.

Quote: "Enlarged from the Midway Models 60 in hand launch Gnome (oz6773) which proved so successful, this 2-meter version has proven itself also. Gnome 2M by John Lupperger.

Unlike many designers who go on about the many years they have put into their masterpiece of design, my Gnome 2M is really only an 'up-growth' of my R/C HLG (that's hand launch glider) the Gnome.

The Gnome came about from an idea I had for an R/C hand launch contest which was sponsored by the Inland Soaring Society (Riverside, California). In that case, all models were restricted to a maximum span of 60 in, and the Gnome was designed to both fit the size requirement and to look good doing it. Not only that, but it flew very well to boot. In fact, it flew so well, and received so many good comments, I decided to blow it up to 2-Meter size.

In the technical department, the Gnome 2M sports an Eppler 205 airfoil thickened to 12.5%. In practice, I have found that this gives it a much gentler stall than the stock 205. And since the thickened foil gives more lift, it allows the 2M to fly very slowly. On the other hand, it has better than normal penetration for a 12% foil and, when ballasted up, will give a good account of itself in a speed run. Furthermore, the thicker foil offers greater wing strength through the fact that the spars are farther separated from each other. Heavy duty hi-starts and winches are no problem, and moderate zoom launches will produce a good altitude gain.

The Gnome 2M offers generous tail volume and ample dihedral. These make her a very stable and easy to fly model. However, these same qualities that make it a good choice for the novice sailplaner, make it an excellent sailplane for the more experienced pilot. It thermals very well even in light lift, and if you are a sloper too, it is great fun there also. If you really like to have fun, put some extra throw in the control surfaces and it will do rolls and even spin.

It hasn't yet won the World Cup, but on its very first outing, it got me a second place in the Inland Soaring Society's monthly contest.

So, get out the plan, and build it. But, before you start, read through the instructions carefully, and be sure you understand all the steps.

Fuselage. With the plan on the building board and covered with wax paper, lay up the two fuselage sides..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 02/08/2018: Added PDFvector plan tracing and CAD files, thanks to AlanSinclair.

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