Bluebird (oz9301)

About this Plan

Bluebird. Control line stunt model, for Fox .29 power.

Quote: "The 'Bluebird' is approximately the twelfth in a series of designs of smaller-sized stunt ships - the idea being to use standard size wood and cut costs and required space without loss in appearance or sacrifice in performance. We will give you the ideas that went into the Bluebird, but we do not mean to imply that they will hold true on any stunt ship.

The wing was worked out with the standard 36in length of balsa in mind so no splicing was necessary. The D tube structure was chosen for its light weight and extra strength, which is required to support the landing gear. Oversized flaps were used to compensate for the smaller wing area with the movement cut down to 20 degrees in each direction to prevent stalling. With this method, you get the lift when you need it. We think this gives better results than the larger ship without flaps that has a lighter wing loading, especially in the wind.

We have read that a 25% symmetrical airfoil has little more drag than a 15% foil. In practice, however, the thicker wing ship seems much slower. We use a thick wing section for slower speed and extra lift. We have had no trouble with high, speed, stalling on this design. The taper in the leading edge is strictly for appearance. We have found. that the straight leading edge with blunt tips has a tendency to flop around in a small radius.

The Bluebird was designed around a Fox .29 and a Froom tank. Since then Bluebirds have been flown with 19, 29, and 35 displacement engines. A .23 or .25 should work excellently. You can usually adjust your speed by a change in fuel, prop, plug or needle valve setting. Usually we find it takes two or more changes to make the desired adjustment. If you prefer extra slow flying, we suggest a small spinner or a drag tab on the outside wing tip. If .35 engines are used, add tail weight as necessary..."

This was Charles Mackey's first published design.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article pages.
Parts sheet.

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