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Get ready to read about one of the most exciting models, scratch built from a set of plans, that I've ever flown!
Well it's been a while since I've done a complete scratch built review for the Airborne Plan Service, and I can only say that the ARF's that have been coming my way for review have been great. But it's time to do some really serious building.
The Delstar is a cranked arrow delta wing that is striking, both in flight and on the ground. It represents an intermediate stop between traditional prop planes and ducted-fan or jet-turbine aircraft.
The Super Drake is a large, improved version of the original mini-Drake, first published in Airbourne magazine May-June 1984.
This prototype incorporated performance changes including an increased the wing size to seven feet
Model design with a hint of nostalgia when racing monoplanes were the rage in the 1930's
The Voyager is a futuristic canard delta, it could quite well be the replacement for the FA-18 when the powers to be see this article. Having heard a lot about the flying attributes of canards I have been interested in having a go at flying one.
The De Havilland DH88 Comet is a classic 1930's racing aircraft designed to carry two people. It had a maximum speed of 237 mph and even in model form is easily recognised. The prototype I have built is modelled on the winner of the McRobertson England to Australia air race of 1934 in its famous fire red and white colour scheme with the Grosvenor House lettering.
The Rollason Beta is a single seat sporting monoplane of all wood construction. It was the winning entry in a competition conducted by Rollason Aircraft and Engines in UK in 1964 which specified a design for a small racing aircraft.
The original version which flew in 1966 was powered by a 65hp continental engine giving the Beta a maximum speed of 265 km/h (165mph). Later versions used 90hp or 100hp engines.
Alien Saucer dispells any doubts about the existence of UFOs... this one's for real!
Scramble - - Alert. ‘Williamtown RAAF fighters go on alert! Strange sightings have been reported over Ash Island, Newcastle'. But wait, it's only a new design from Airborne being test flown. It's their Alien Saucer!
The Tornado is a twin-engined, two-seat, supersonic aircraft, capable of fulfiling six major requirements. These are (a) close air support, (b) counter air strike, (c) air superiority, (d) air defence, (e) maritime strike, (f) reconnaissance. The versions in this model are the GR1 strike version (b), which was the first version to enter service with the RAF, Luftwaffe and Marinetlieger in 1979 and the GR1A reconnaissance version (t).
I thought up the Flying Star idea after learning about the "Most Unusual Model" event at the VMAA Trophy an interclub competition held annually in Victoria. The event usually attracts Flying Witches, Stop Signs, Flying Saucers, Porsches & even Flying Lawnmowers as well as a plethora of other non aeronautical devices. I reasoned that if any one of these objects could defy laws of gravity and the laws of Aerodynamics then a Flying 5 pointed star would be a definite possibility. After all, is not a Star a heavenly object ?
The Chapparel is the latest in a line of thoroughbred designs which now conforms with the new 2 x 2 Pattern Aerobatic rules. Apart from the clean aerodynamic and well balanced lines, the aim of this design is to achieve the lightest weight structure to achieve the highest power to weight ratio possible.
It is 62 years since the first prototype flight in March 1936 of the world famous Spitfire. This remarkable aeroplane is almost immediately associated with the Battle of Britain, making the Spitfire one of the most modelled aeroplanes ever built.
The Water Rat is a very distinctive aircraft combining the looks of a pylon racer, sports aircraft and float plane all-in-one. We believe it is one of the most attractive planes available today. The long nose (if you can imagine it with exhaust stacks) even has an almost Spitfire'ish look. Even the floats have that "full size"look about them, giving the aircraft that more "realistic" look.
The Water Rat can easily be adapted to fly off terra firma as well (details shown on the plans).
Is it a jet? Is it a flying wing? Is it the US Navy's latest secret weapon? What is this dashingly different model that's emerged out of Airborne's design department?
It's SONIC BOOM and it's sure to create a "BIG BANG" at the model flying field. Don't be fooled by its complex looks. Sonic Boom is simple to build, can be powered by any .40 -.60 engine, requires 4 channel radio and is very easy to fly ... ... Sounds like the basic requirements for a sports trainer. There's nothing to fear.
The Yak 52 is a two seat aerobatic aircraft derived from the single seat, tailwheel Yak 50.. The Yak 50 was developed in the USSR during the mid 1970's and was a winner at the World Aerobatic Championships in Kiev in 1976.
Its strong, robust airframe powered by a huge radial engine made it possible to perform all manoeuvres with smooth precision.
The Thunderbolt, commonly known as the "Jug", was one of the toughest and most successful single seat fighters of WWII.
It was designed as a rugged, heavily armed, long range fighter with a top speed of over 400mph.
It's the hottest thing since sliced bread burning in the toaster! It's name says it all!
If flying conventional aircraft that perform in a conventional way it is not for you, try hot dogging your way around the sky with our latest Airborne plan. Easy to build ... a blast to fly!
In May 1944 the Luftwaffe released its secret rocket propelled fighter for experimental operations against the allied airforces over Europe.
One of the first combat engagements was by a fiery red Komet from test unit 16, the pilot attacking a flight of P47 Thunderbolts. During the engagement the Komet approached speeds close to 600mph. This brief sortie was a significant moment in WWII history. Despite its short flight endurance of 7.5 minutes powered flight, (extended by gliding) and its short range cannon armament, the Komet gave it's opponents good reason to panic.
For anyone who thought that profile planes were for someone else - try our Profile Funfly Warbirds. You will be converted from the first fly.
They are simple to build and just magic in the sky. Also there are four to choose from. P-47, Spitfire, ME-190 and a Hellcat.
Ghost Singer was originally designed in 1986 for the proposed 2 metre rules which were to include a speed task. The model was influenced a great deal by Sean Bannister's Algebra which was kitted by Ripmax in UK. It not only makes a fine competition model but can simply be flown for sporting fun. It flies like an arrow with an excellent glide angle and is great on the slope. This model has 2 channel functions: - rudder and elevator.
The straight lines of this all Australian utility aircraft makes AIRVAN an excellent sport-scale model for that spare .25 engine.
Just when you thought all Australian General Aviation manufacturers had gone to the same place as the Tasmanian Tiger, along comes Gippsland Aeronautics with their Airvan. As the name suggests this is a utility machine designed for no nonsense hard work in the less developed parts of the world where a payload may include all manner of hardware, from 200 litre drums to a fridge and, it's all made in Australia.
The Jet Ray is a
sport model delta which is loosely based on the Douglass
Skyray, an American interceptor fighter of the 1950's.
The style is categorised
as "stand off scale" as the similarity to the
Skyray is remote. Nevertheless the Jet Ray is a
strikingly different model in its own right. This
tail-less aircraft with swept back wings and and
extremely low aspect ratio will certainly draw attention
from all modellers from Old Timers to the ducted fan
fraternity.
RAZOR:- this word
brings many different ideas to mind, e.g. sharp, cutting,
dangerous, etc. Is this plane called Razor because of a
play on words so that it sounds like Laser, or because it
is designed to be a super sharp performer?
A good
model for novice slope soaring pilots who wish to advance
from a simple rudder/elevator type aircraft to an aileron
type. It provides enjoyable slope soaring without being
too stressful. Its scale like appearance looks good on
the slope especially when silhouetted against the sun!
The CA-15 is a real
showpiece model which will attract a crowd wherever it
flies. The model flies quite fast, very quick in fact.
Take off runs will be long, allow plenty of speed to
build up first before pealing away to the delight of the
crowd that has now developed around you.
A high wing
sports/trainer that floats around the sky on low power
but on full throttle becomes a very fast aerobatic hot
rod. The 'PICCOLO' - a model that is easy to construct,
looks like the real thing, and flies like a trainer on
low power. But when you put the pedal to the metal so to
speak, it becomes very lively and aerobatic.
Highly
aerobatic sportster incorporating sleek looks and
spectacular performance. You won't find a better .60 to
.70 size aerobatic model! If performance is what you want
then the Extra 300s is your next aircraft.
Dominating the sky
with our semiscale F-111This prop driven 'Jet' is
set to impress add this to your squadron and go
supersonic!
The Red Arrow Hawk is a semi scale jet look alike
for prop drive. A .46 will really set this little beauty
up for some really quick flying. All built up
construction, excellent flying characteristics &
great looks make the Red Arrow Hawk a fantastic model to
build and fly.
The Chandelle a 40/46 size low wing sporster with
beautiful lines and great flying characteristics. The
Chandelle has impeccable manners when landing yet can be
thrown around the sky for all your favourite manoeuvres.
If slow and gentle is what you want then throttle back
and take it easy. Either way the Chandelle is happy.
The
Winjeel is not a beginners model but it is an ideal
project for a first scale model for builders with a bit
of experience.
A product of Airborne's in house plans department the
model Winjeel retains true to scale outlines but
simplified structure including use of strip ailerons
makes it a sport/scale type.
Gently
puttering around in the sky, coming to grips with primary
control functions is what the Wallaby is all about.
If the
full size aircraft is an ultra-light then the model is an
ultra featherweight. In a light head wind you can fly the
model Skyfox along at walking pace!
The
hottest delta in the sky featuring a unique mid-wing
engine with pusher prop.
Slow
flying, safe stable, 3 channel sport trainer that's ideal
for beginners to R/C modelling.
A superb sport scale
aircraft that lets you do all you would expect from a
high performance jet style aircraft, yet is docile enough
to land like a trainer.
A vert
stable & predictable 2 metre hand launched thermal
glider that thrives on very light air. Wingspan: 2m,
Radio: 2 channel radio control.
3
function powered model that is a totally new concept in
model flight training - in three stages the Transformer
evolves from a simple two function glider into a four
function aerobatic sports model! The perfect introductory
aircraft.
A near to scale 1/5 size PIEL CP90 Homebuilt sports
aerobatic model with flight characteristics which can
only be described as a "Dream Machine". Type:
Low wing sport/scale aerobatic, Wingspan: 1.4m, Engines:
.45-.60, 4 channel radio control.
....Ever seen a Jumbo Jet take off, stop in mid air, then
climb away BACKWARDS? If the answer is NO you¼d better
take a good look at this one!
Super hot, super scale model of one of the world's finest
aerobatic biplanes ever. It "flies on rails"
but is very responsive and predictable in all controls.
Wingspan: 1.15m, Engines: .46-.60, 4 channel radio
control. Only $60 within Australia
All other countries $125
NOTE: All prices are in $AU.
$1.00 Australian Equals Approximately 0.53 CENTS US at November 2000
(for example US$5.30 equals AU$10 Australian)
Airborne Magazine
PO Box 30
Tullamarine, Vic., 3043,
Australia.
We can be reached by phone on 61 3
9333 5100 or fax your orders
to 61 3 9330 3751
Or E-mail us (for
subscription and plan order only please)
airborne@interdomain.net.au
This page was last modified on the 01 November 2000