aircraft design

I'm now 42 and just getting back into C/L because of my kids. I'm very keen to design some and build some of my own projects. Trouble is I know squat about the mechanics of the aircraft. Is there a book or website or a source that I could access that could provide some basics re wing area, c of g, airfoil specs etc?

thanks for your help.

Chris Drew

Start by designing something that you will enjoy looking at on the end of your lines. Build it light and straight. Make all the controls as infinitely adjustable as possible. Trim it to fly as best as it can. Even if the plane does not live up to your expectations, you will have learned some valuable lessons. On the next plane, incorporate any changes that you think would make it fly better. Above all else, don't be afraid to experiment. Even a blind squirrel will find an acorn ever once in a while.

Chris,

Kinda depends on your knowledge of aerodynamics. Wouldn't do much good to point you to an aerodynamic design site if you "can't do the math". That said, the easiest way to go about it is to look at what's out there first. Find the elements that you like and use them. Also helps to have a basic game plan. When I started designing the plane I am now flying, I had some basic ideas that I believed in about aspect ratio, moment arms, loading and how they relate to the pattern and my own style. Figuring out what I wanted only came from building a lot of stuff that didnt' do what I wanted and trying to understand why. It's a long road sometimes and much more difficult than just picking out someone else's design and building that. At least if you build a Fancher "Trivial Pursuit" or a Walker "Impact" you pretty much know that if it is built reasonably light and straight and with a proven, dependable power system in it, it will perform. But for some (like me) that isn't at all where the fun is.

I had the same urge but went at it a little differently. I got a kit that I almost liked, but something about it just wasn't right in the looks department. So I looked it over and decided to modify it to suit me. Amazing what you will learn by going over a proven kit and making mods to it. First measure all the "moments" ie: wing span, wing chord, fuselage length, nose to leading edge, trailing edge of wing to trailing edge of horizontal stab, etc. Stay within these paramenters, give or take a 1/2 inch and make cosmetic changes. Move the canopy, modify the fin shape, add 5% to the stab or elevator, little things like this to get your feet wet. Next thing you'll go crazy like I have and get out a huge sheet of paper and 100.00 of hand picked balsa and now I almost have my super duper stunt plane of a Howard Ike done. If it doesn't fly worth a darn, only I will know. But, no matter what, have fun. It's your plane.

You know Chris, none of us really answered your question. I believe in the Brodaks catalog #11, there is a listing of books on how to build airplanes and I suggest you look there or look in the various model mags. I'm aware of Harry Higleys books and years ago Richard Mathis came out with one. I will look through my stuff and see what I have. Later, Ty

There are several books written especisally for the modelor. Some are more useful to free flight and RC, but correct principles are still correct principles.

I often refer to to Martin Simons book, "Model Aircraft Aerodynamics" (ISBN 1854861212) when I want a better understanding.

The guys have given you some very good suggestiond here. Iwould start out with a proven design, and "kitbash" a few planes before going for broke.

Chris,

Perhaps if you explain more about your previous control line/modeling experience and a bit about your aims and goals folks would be better able to suggest something. For instance, it would not help much to know about the moments of a Nobler (copied/altered MANY times) if your main interest is in one of the speed events.
If your interest IS stunt (Oops, Precision Aerobatics) I would suggest joining PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association). Lots of information and contacts.

Hi Chris. Me again. I have looked through my books and they tell you how to fly them, but not how to build or design one. I do have articles I have gleaned from older magazines on how to build and trim and fly stunt (PA) planes, and if you want I will copy them and send you copies. They are:"How to design a stunt model" by George M. Aldrich, M.A.N. June 1958. "What every control line flyer should know about stunt model design." by Bill Hutchison, American Modeler, July 1960. "Which rib?" by Paul Del Gatto, M.A.N. Jan 1957. A five part series from M.A.N. Dec 56 through April 57, by W. F. (Wild Bill) Netzeband on testing, flying, theory and pointers on stunt ships.
I will make copies and send them to you if you want them. Just send me your snail mail address. Ty Marcucci, 304 Rosemont Road SE, Huntsville, AL 35803-2230.

Just one comment, Ty. All of the articles you have there are rather old. Now the old models fly and very well, and much of the information still holds true today. Modern design, however, would generally lean toward thicker airfoils, longer tail moments, and larger tail surfaces. The center of gravity would, also, be moved back a bit on the newer designs. There are also newer materials and techniques available which will help to build the plane stronger and lighter then what was available at that time. In addition we are using a lot more adjustables, such as adjustable leadouts and tip weight boxes which were not yet in vogue at that time.

Still, as I said, the information you have assembled for him will be quite useful. It might be good to recommend he join PAMPA and get a few back issues of Stunt News which will help to bring him up to date. People are always willing to help him on this forum as well at any time and on any question.

Leonard Neumann

I agree. Just wish the folks asking for help would let us know just what their knowledge level is some how. We could help more. Those old articles will help in designing something that will fly, not get into a contest, and should point out areas they need to ask more direct questions about.