Packard-Lepere LUSAC-11 (oz8340)

About this Plan

Packard Le Pere LUSAC-11. Radio control scale model American WWI two-seater fighter biplane. Scale is 1/6.

Quote: "Built specifically for scale contest work, this two-seat airplane is of striking appearance, strong and maneuverable. Lepere LUSAC-11, by Floyd E Carter.

Unlike many WWI aircraft, the Lepere LUSAC-11 is ideally proportioned for RC model use. The long nose moment, and large tail surfaces, help contribute to a stable and easily flyable model. An abundance of scale detail items make it particularly attractive for AMA or FAI Scale competition. At a scale of 2 in=1 ft the 1580 sq inch wing and 10 lb. flying weight produce a wing loading of a scant 14-1/2 oz/sq ft. Plenty of control surface all around, including four ailerons, assures good maneuverability at low speeds.

Photos of the Lepere were obtained from the Smithsonian Institution, while other sources produced a detailed cockpit photo. Working drawings for the model were scaled up from available data gleaned out of several publications.

Construction. Most construction articles begin by telling you to start with the wings, or some other part. I will begin by telling you not to build anything! - until you have assembled all the photos, scale three-views, etc. Don't get yourself trapped with a finished model and no documentation.

The sheet metal forming is a real challenge, so it might be fun to start there, as a test of your nerves and stamina. Once the technique has been mastered, metal forming can be a valuable part of your arsenal of construction tricks.

The best metal-forming procedure is to first make a male mold from pine or other soft wood. Next, cast a female mold, using a low-temperature alloy..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 18/01/2017: added article, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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