Howzat (oz8996)

About this Plan

Howzat. Aerobatic slope soarer for 4 function RC.

Quote: "A look and feel of realism marks this 90 inch span sports/acrobatic glider for four function radio. Howzat, by Chris Williams.

Now, every aircraft is created for a specific purpose, the trick is to be very clear at the very beginning just exactly what that purpose is. Having looked long and hard at the current crop of kippers to be seen on the slopes, it seemed that, to my tastes, something was missing, but what?

The answer is realism. I'd better explain at this point that my main passion is the building and flying of scale gliders, the whole point and purpose of this discipline being the attainment of that elusive goal, realism. Okay, I know you don't see too many full-size aerobatic gliders but the principle remains the same. So, how do we go about it? Well, I'll tell you:

1. More scalish approach to outline, ie fatter fuselage, landing wheel, and a general appearance tailored to be aesthetically pleasing (difficult, that!).
2. Heavier structure (what? yes, I said heavier!). The added weight gives greater momentum for smoother manoeuvres and improved gust stability.
3. Flapperons, to support all this weight at slow speed without kicking up huge divots all over the hillside.
4. Mid-set wings in separate halves for ease of transport.

This story I'm glad to say has a happy ending; that is to say that from this mish-mash of abstract theory, personal prejudice and general cussedness, I actually achieved what I set out to do. So if you want to build an aeroplane that can perform in a reasonably majestic style, is not too difficult to build and helps you to stand out from the crowd, then read on!

Construction methods are fairly standard (no high-tech here!), but it is assumed that the builder has a certain amount of experi-ence under his belt.

Fuselage: Commence by making the fuselage sides. Each side is made up of two pieces of 1/16 ply joined at the solid cut line shown on the plan. (If you have access to 4 ft lengths of wood this joint is unnecessary.) Two similar pieces of balsa are cut and joined at the dotted line; the front piece from 3/8 balsa sheet, the rear from 1/4 in sheet..."

Howzat, R/C Model World, February 1996.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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