new generation in lightweight electric R/C, The

Model Airplane News, Sep 1999 by Baron, David C

Unique small models from Area Fifty-One, Hobby Lobby and WattAge

Nothing intrigues me more than an unconventional flying machine. It doesn't matter whether the model is an autogyro, a vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) or short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) craft, miniature, monster or tailless, has variable sweptwings, variable camber airfoils, vectored thrust, full flying wings or full flying tail surfaces; if it's different, I'm interested. For the last five years, we have been extremely fortunate to enjoy multiple revolutions in our hobby, all of which have contributed to the emergence of a new generation of micro-size models.

NEW MATERIALS, CONTROL SYSTEMS AND RADIOS

The first wonderful expansion was in the use of non-traditional building. The balsa tree still has a wonderful future in R/C, but think of how much lighter and better we build our models now using Kevlar, carbon fiber, fiberglass, molded foams, plastics and more! We used to build for strength and would add weight to achieve it. Fortunately, we learned from our mistakes, i.e., how to incorporate the new materials into old designs. But more importantly, the new materials changed the way we design model aircraft. We now build as light as possible to enjoy longer, safer and much more realistic flying models.

The second revolution to arrive in our midst is the miniaturization of most control components. Probably the most important progress has been made in the miniaturization of our airborne components. What's amazing is that the price has stayed reasonable. We now enjoy miniature receivers, servo and speed controls. Heavy gyroscopes that used to consume so much power have now been replaced with piezo gyros, which have no moving parts and use barely any current. It is now as natural to find a piezo gyro in a plane as it is in a helicopter!

The third revolution rides on the heels of our computer generation. Think of the progress in computer radios: multiple model memories allow us to bring eight or more different models-but only one transmitter-to the field. Programmable radios allow mixing and slaving of channels in ways that used to require outrageous bellcranks, mounting hardware and bearings.

FLYING UNCONVENTIONAL MINIATURE MODELS

The best advice I can give is to consider the weight and speed range of your model before you fly. These models will not groove like pattern ships and will fail if flown too fast. The speeds that are realized for safe indoor flight should be the benchmarks for safe outdoor flying.

All of these planes climb well. But you need to bear in mind that drag plays cruel games on a model that weighs only S ounces! If you haul the nose up (a high angle of attack is a tremendous amount of induced drag), the model has no inertia and relies on its thrust to keep it heading in that direction. There is almost no stored energy in these models. The flip side of this is that they bounce when they crash. It is the logic of the ant falling off the table and falling to the floor and then continuing on its way as if nothing ever happened. It has virtually no weight, therefore no inertia, so it never impacts with enough velocity to inflict damage.

These unconventional micro machines put to best use the newest R/C flying ideas: computer-radio flexibility, nontraditional materials and miniature components. I can't wait to see what's next!

*Addresses are listed alphabetically in the Index of Manufacturers on page 134.