Senior Aero Sport (oz7156)

About this Plan

Senior Aero Sport. Scale biplane model for radio control.

Quote: "Have you ever noticed how realistically a really large scale model behaves in the air? As the model's size increases, its power to weight ratio, wing loading and other aerodynamic characteristics (such as Reynolds number) apparently begin to approximate the full-size aircraft's. So in addition to the static appearance of a real plane, the large model presents the added thrill of handling like the real thing.

The Sport Biplane event, as proposed by Jerry Nelson, seems aimed at capturing some of that realism in Pattern-type competition. The NSPA rules are clearly intended to simulate the barnstorming stunts and aerobatics of full-sized aircraft, as opposed to the AMA and FAI Pattern events, which feature overpowered missiles performing feats that no man or machine could survive.

The Senior Aero Sport is an example of a large model that satisfies the philosophy of the Sport Biplane event. Furthermore, its exact scale outline allows it to compete in the AMA as well as Stand-off Scale events.

I considered building the Senior Aero Sport for several years; however, various obstacles (such as military service) kept me from undertaking the project. Fortunately, I discovered that the designer of the full-sized aircraft, Nicholas D'Apuzzo, lives in my general area. Mr. D'Apuzzo supplied me with three-view drawings of the aircraft and several photographs of various versions constructed by homebuilders across the country. He also provided me with a list of completed Senior Aero Sport projects, including the names and addresses of the builders.

It turned out that two outstanding examples, Jim Frankenfield's N 112JF, and Tom Luckey's N40300, were hangared nearby. An inspection of these aircraft would humble even the most gifted model builder. Tom Luckey's biplane, the aircraft that I chose to model, won the 'Grand Champion Homebuilt' award at the 1968 EAA Convention. Jim Frankenfield's airplane, featuring a beautiful paint scheme, also has won many awards. It is a very photogenic airplane and, consequently, has been the subject of many homebuilt aircraft articles. Tom Luckey's N40300 is now owned by Alvin Levenson, who hangars it at Zahn's Airport on Long Island.

Construction of the model can begin with any of the major components: wings, fuselage, or tail surfaces. I 'II describe wing construction first, as it represents the major time investment.

Wings: Begin by cutting forty-four R4, two R3A, two R3, two R2 and five R1 ribs. Pin and glue the trailing edge stock and the lower rear spar on the lower TE sheeting. The ribs are then glued into position, followed by the upper rear spar and sheeting, the two forward spars, and the 1/8 subleading edge (this 1/8 provides a base for the 1/16 LE sheeting). When completely dry, remove the wing panel from the building board and add the LE sheeting. The LE of 1/2 x 3/4 in soft balsa is then glued into posit ion and carved to shape. At this point, the ailerons can be cut from the wing panel. Use an X-acto razor saw with the stiffener removed; the blade will remain stiff enough to make a fine cut through the trailing edge. After installing the aileron control horns, the wing and ailerons are faced with 1/8 balsa... "

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Steve & Mary - Here's Mark Frankel's 67.5in span Senior Aero Sport from March, 1975, American Aircraft Modeler. I just now posted these to http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=32968895&postcount=117. The plan's just from the magazine page, so not as sharp as I'd like, and sorry the article's so large - that's the best I can do with my software."

Update 27/12/2022: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, scanned from fullsize, thanks to dfritzke.

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