Akrobat (oz8355)

About this Plan

Zlin 526 AS Akrobat. Profile scale catapult launch glider.

Quote: "For the Tenderfoot - With colorful trimmings, this profile model becomes almost three-dimensional. Catapult launching gives it long flights even in small hands. Akrobat, by Bill Hannan.

HERE'S A SMALL, simplified model of the famous Czechoslovakian acrobatic aircraft, which has appeared in so many international events. This glider is based on the Zlin 526 AS Akrobat and the information is from a Czechoslovakian aviation publication.

Profile models are easy to build, yet offer a chance to develop techniques which are useful in more advanced models. So 'Czech-out' the drawing, grab some wood and get started!

Construction: This model should be constructed from fairly hard balsa, except for the tailplanes, which should be made from lightweight stock.

Fuselage: Trace the outline of the body onto thin paper which, when cut out, will serve as a pattern. Transfer the outline by drawing around it with a very soft pencil, onto a sheet of unwarped 1/8 sheet balsa. Cut the fuselage to size, being particularly careful to keep the wing and stabilizer openings in their correct positions. The section beneath the wing may be removed, to be trimmed and replaced later, after the wing is in place.

Give the fuselage a thorough overall sanding and gradually taper the aft portion (as viewed from the top) down to 1/16 thickness, where the rudder will be attached. All of the corners may be rounded, except at the top and rear areas where the fin and rudder will be mounted. Cut a slot in the bottom of the fuselage to receive the tailwheel unit, which is cut from thin plywood.

Wing: The wing panels are cut from unwarped 3/16 sheet balsa. Using the pattern system, transfer the outline to the wood and trim to shape. Do a precision job on the notches because they contribute greatly to the strength of the dihedral joint. After cutting the wings to outline, shape them to the airfoil section shown on the plan. A sanding block is the best tool for this operation. Fit the two panels together at the correct dihedral angle. Probably a little trimming and sanding will be required for a good snug fit. Pre-glue each side by rubbing a small amount of glue into the joining areas. Apply a second coat of glue, place the parts together at the correct angle, and put aside to dry completely. A sheet of Saran Wrap will prevent the wing from becoming a permanent addition to the work table..."

Attached is Bill Hannan's Akrobat from AAM magazine issue 09-71.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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