Hatchet (oz8768)

About this Plan

Hatchet. Flying wing thermal soarer for 3 function (2 plus auxiliary) R/C systems. Wingspan 97 in. Features split-rudder air brakes.

Quote: "This tailless model originated from a desire to build something different, as a tow-line glider for radio control. I also had an eye on the multi-task rules, and I think that flying wings may have something to offer in this area. Since it was to be an experimental model, I decided to use a 'conventional' wing section, combined with sweepback, as this seemed beneficial when the longitudinal stability is provided by the elevens at the tips. To speed up construction, a nacelle was built to take some of the radio equipment, although it was originally envisaged that all the gear be housed within the wing itself. The fin is integral and the split rudder airbrake, which I devised, is very effective yet extremely simple in construction.

CONSTRUCTION: Nacelle: Construction overall is very normal and quite uncomplicated. As may be seen from the plan, the nacelle is a basic box structure with some block at the nose end to help blend the lines together. It is worthwhile to check for free operation of the airbrake cranks through the nacelle sides before sheeting the rear top part, as this will save a certain amount of fiddling at a later stage in proceedings. The original nacelle was covered in heavyweight tissue, doped on.

Wing: Although basically very easy to build, some extra care is required when joining the two centre-section halves. My method is to make up the main spar assembly first, so that the tongue and box assembly is built in, and the two spars spaced with a few webs. The lower spar is then attached to the lower leading edge sheeting and this assembly now positioned over the plan.

Ribs are added next, gluing them to the leading edge sheet and trailing edge sheet (which must be packed up because of the undercamber), then the trailing edge may be completed. The leading edge is next added, followed by the top sheeting. Capstrips and spar webs complete the basic wing structure..."

Hatchet, Radio Modeller, November 1974.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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