Satellite Saucer (oz9682)

About this Plan

Jetco Satellite Saucer. Control line sport model.

First published in Mechanix Illustrated, Dec 1957. Then later kitted by Jetco.

"Originally featured in Mechanix Illustrated magazine, Jetco's new 'Satellite Saucer' launches a daring new trend in model plane kit design. In spite of its unconventional appearance, this disc-shaped model by Paul Del Gatto is both easier to build and to fly than the average wing-and-stab type, thus making it ideal for beginners. Interlocking parts plus exclusive 'Superspeed' construction combine to make this rugged hard-to-damage flier. The kit contains 72 die-cut balsa and plywood parts, strip balsa, hardwood bearers, bent wire parts, plastic spinner..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "I obtained a control line Jetco Satellite Saucer from Douglas Models in Salt Lake City sometime in the mid '80s. I built the plane while I was in high school. The design was originally done in the early 1950s by Paul Del Gatto and published in Popular Mechanics (or similar magazine). It was kitted by Jetco later. I have pictures of my worn and broken plane which needs some repair and re-covering [more pics 003-007]."

Update 22/11/2021: Added article, thanks to Pit.

Quote: "Stunt and combat flying of model planes has enjoyed a real upsurge of popularity in recent years. This growing interest has tended to focus attention on many new model designs that lend themselves admirably to a variety of exciting maneuvers. One of the most radical (and ideal) configurations in the stunt-and-combat field is the circular wing - commonly referred to as a flying saucer.

The dynamics of this design are such that the entire surface of the model contributes to its lift. As a result, the plane can be compactly made and still incorporate a generous lifting surface.

Excellent performance can be obtained with engines of .075 to .099 cubic inch displacement. A model of conventional configuration would require a 35-inch wingspan with about a six-inch chord to achieve effective lift comparable to this saucer of slightly less than 15 inches in diameter. Also, the weight - as well as the building time - of a saucer is often less than half that of its conventional counterpart. Finally, because of its compactness and its lack of fuselage and tail surfaces, the saucer will withstand greater abuse.

A newcomer to the sport of control-line flying may tend to shy away from such a model. However, once attempted, he will find that we have really under-stated the advantages to be derived from saucer configurations.

Test flying such a model always presents thrills and excitements for both spectators and flyer as it is fast, quick to respond to controls, and has ample power to fly through the most intricate maneuvers. In brief, it is the model with which the average stunt or combat flyer can compete for top honors with the most experienced flyers.

Constructing the saucer without the assistance of a kit represents about four evenings' work. Building from the kit's prefabricated parts will cut down the time to a little more than two evenings.

Assuming all the parts are to be hand shaped, begin by cutting all the ribs and spars to size..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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