Build a cardboard combat model

Model Airplane News, Jun 2000 by Raskin, Jef

You can either affix the radio gear to the underside of the wing using hot glue or double-sided tape, or put it inside the keel by building a cardboard box for it. My favorite method is to cut holes in the keel for the gear, and then attach a servo to each side of the keel just behind the receiver. None of this is critical so long as the WARP 9 balances at the right spot. The control rods should be dead-straight runs. I use old aluminum arrow shafts with short, 1/16-inchdiameter steel-wire ends hot-glued in-fast to build, stiff and light. Pieces of arrow shaft are available at archery shops that make custom arrows. I cut mounting positions for the nylon control horns into one layer of the cardboard, and then hot-glue the horns into place. Putting the horn on the side of the hinge that was cut away makes the surface less sensitive than if you glue it to the other side.

ON THE SLOPE

The WARP 9 is not a high-performance sailplane, nor is it a floater for those light-- wind days. At our flying sites, it needs a good, straight-on breeze to stay aloft. But given some decent wind at the slope, it is a stable, easy-to-fly machine. It will hover like a kite and turn on an amazingly small radius. Because of the rudderon, inverted flight is nearly uncontrollable (we've done it, but it isn't fun). Loops are possible, but they require death-defying dives to get up enough speed. Aerobatics are not the WARP 9's "thing." But combat is another story ....

The WARP 9 loves combat. Its very high maneuverability and quick recovery into straight and level flight from almost any attitude makes it easy to recover from a hit. Keep the models in close because that makes contacting the enemy a lot easier. Because of the WARP 9's turning ability, you can fly several in a tiny area, which can be very exciting.

As I've said, with rudderon control, this model is not particularly aerobatic. But if you use elevons, it heats up a lot. With elevons, WARP 9 rolls require no preparation and are fast. With elevons, inverted flight is as easy for the plane as is upright flight (assuming you have the requisite trained thumbs). These models have low drag and pick up speed very quickly in a dive; because of their inefficient airfoils, they lose speed quickly in a climb, so plan accordingly.

Now, go ahead; build a pair of WARP 9s in a single evening, and fly "cardboard combat" the next day. * The addresses of the manufacturers mentioned are listed alphabetically in the Index ofManufacduers on page 142.