CO2 Bee (oz9609)

About this Plan

CO2 Bee. Radio control sport model for CO2 power.

Quote: "Long before the CO2 plane described in the August 1970 issue was flying, plans were being mulled over for an R/C plane driven by the tiny Brown Jr CO2 powerplant. Experience gained with the pusher gave an idea of lengths of engine run, props to use etc. When actual design on the R/C plane began, there were several facts of life to be faced; first, the complete powerplant would weigh around 1/2 oz, with two CO2 tanks and a commercial nylon prop. Second, the complete radio installation would weigh about 3/4 oz. This total weight of necessities could only be trimmed slightly; one could carve a wood prop to save some weight, and the radio slide switch (by World Engines, R/C Craft) could be replaced with dress snaps. Probably a lighter battery holder might be devised. However, the decision was to go deluxe all the way, hoping to keep the airframe weight reasonably low. The latter is just about impossible for this builder - there's always the urge to beef that part up a bit - and make this section a little stronger.

Final plane weight totals 2.8oz. Far better would be 2-1/2oz and if one could keep it down to 2-1/4oz the plane could fly far longer (because the motor could be slowed down to conserve fuel).

The glide turned out to be quite good, though on the fast side; engine has plenty of power to pull the craft along in a steep climb, but this eats CO, in a hurry. At this writing, best flight has been a big one min. three sec! It's felt that one of the keys to better performance is a more suitable propeller; Top Flite's 5-1/4x4 does a good job, though, and it can be had most anywhere. Much of our test flying has been done in cool weather. CO2 works much better on hot summer days, so it seems possible flight time can be extended somewhat.

Design is simple and there are no startling tricks; final plane looks quite a bit like a line of shoulder wing R/C planes we've been flying for years; a somewhat Mooney-ish shape was utilized for rudder and stab, to alter appearance a bit. The sweptback nose gear is fairly effective in preventing noseovers, should plane touch down in a steeper than normal glide. Actually, it often lands with the engine still turning at low speed, which gives a very flat glide and really greased landings. Trike LG was ruled out due to increased weight. However, with the LG as shown, ROG takeoffs are beautiful and there is seldom a ground loop. Wingtips were given 1/16" washout - probably fortunate in view of the plane weight. Flight is very stable..."

CO2 Bee, MAN, October 1970.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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