Woody (oz9183)

About this Plan

Woody. Control line combat model. Wingspan 36in, wing area 310 sq in, wing loading 7.9 oz per ft.

Quote: "From the Rocky Mountain Region, combat job that licks its weight in wild cats. Sea-level jobs can't touch it - nor anything else - 'tis said. Woody, by Bill Judge.

Here, in the Rocky Mountain region, combat has become the most popular event on the program ever since elimination combat has become the rule rather than the exception. When you reach the finals from a field of more than 32 contestants, you've traveled a hard and rocky road.

Out here in the 'high' country we wish that just once a Nationals could be held at the elevation above sea level that is common here in the Rockies. At this altitude, sea-level models, motors and props, operate at an approximate loss of 20% in efficiency. Less than half of this is recoverable in motor and prop compensation. As a consequence, there is considerable difference in the performance of a model designed for low-altitude work, operating at a high altitude.

On the other hand, the model that performs well in high altitude will not suffer in efficiency when flown at lower altitude. Without that friendly cushion of denser air to work with, mistakes in design or flight show up rapidly and disastrously with the sea-level jobs.

Combat models must be designed for speed, maneuverability and durability. Each feature of the model must have its complimenting part in the person of the contestant. He must have an aggressive will, fast reflexes, stamina and experience. The combination that coordinates the best features of both pilot and model will result in the winning contestant. There are three basic types of combat models: the wing, the fuselage type with the long nose and tail-moment arms, and the compromise between the two extremes, the semi-wing type.

The long fuselage type is best exemplified by the profile fuselage kits on the market. When combat first took hold in the Rockies, these were the most popular combat models. Then the 'wings' took over and the profiles were overlooked but recently the profiles have been making a comeback in a lightened form. The object is to remove all unnecessary and useless weight to bring them down to around 17 ounces of dry weight. This is done by channeling the leading edge, removing a strip from the top and bottom of the fuselage, shortening the nose and tail moment arms to combat proportion, boring holes through the trailing edge or replacing the solid wood with 1/16 in planking..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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