Radio Control: Combat
Greg Rose 3429 Elmy, Orion, MI 48359
Introduction
I wish I lived by a good slope — RC slope-soaring combat is really taking off, and I haven't had a chance to try it yet!
A set of rules has been put together for slope-soaring combat that not only covers current interest but allows room for the sport to grow. The new slope-soaring rules are based loosely on the AMA 704 Combat event.
Classes
- Class A — WWII Slope Glider Combat: requires a recognizable replica of a combat aircraft with an approximately scale military finish. Minimum fuselage width: 1.25 inches.
- Class B — Jet Slope Glider Combat: also requires a recognizable replica and the same minimum fuselage width.
- Class C — Open Design Combat: no dimensional requirements, but models must meet the same two-pound weight limit as the other classes.
All three classes have a maximum flying weight of two pounds.
Rules and Safety
- No propulsion is required for slope soaring, so prototypes (jet, prop, multiengine) can all be modeled easily.
- Safety considerations are built into the rules: controlled spectator placement, preflight inspections, and a maximum-allowable flying weight.
- Unlike AMA 704, which uses a streamer cut by a propeller, slope combat uses lightweight Mylar streamers that have almost no effect on performance. Since cuts aren't possible, scoring is based mostly on streamer "strikes" rather than cuts.
Sources for Kits and Plans
- Dave's Aircraft Works
123 Avenida Buena Ventura, San Clemente, CA 92672 Tel: (714) 498-4478
- Five Class A-type kits for WWII slope combat (P-40 Warhawk, P-51 Mustang, Ki-61 Tony, Messerschmitt 109, Focke-Wulf Ta 152).
- Wingspans: 30–36 inches; flying weight approximately 14–18 ounces.
- Designs feature precut foam wings using the Selig 3021 airfoil.
- K & A Models Unlimited
13819 Winter Wood Way, Albuquerque, NM 87123
- Three very scale Class A-type kits in epoxy-fiberglass construction: P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-51 Mustang.
- Aerotech
411 Beach Park Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 Tel: (800) 573-9363
- Dominates Class C with the superb-flying Anabat Combat (comes as a two-model "Combat Pair").
- Also produces a Class B-type kit, the A-10 Warthog, reported to fly well.
- Gus Morfis Plans
4709 Green Meadows Ave., Torrance, CA 90505 Tel: (310) 378-5679
- 1/12-scale Class B jet plans: F9F Panther, F-86 Sabre, MiG-15, F-84 Thunderjet.
- Offers two dozen AMA 704 designs that could be used for the WWII/Class A event. Some designs (Me 262, Me 163) could fly in Class B.
There are many other kits and plans that could fit into one of the three classes. Interested builders can convert many AMA 704 (powered) kits into slope soarers.
Copies of the rules are available from Dave's Aircraft Works, Aerotech, Gus Morfis Plans, or by writing to the author at the address above.
Events
The Palm Beach Aero Club is hosting its Second Annual Southeast Regional Wild Weekend R/C Combat event, scheduled for March 30–31 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Last year the meet was a one-design event for the "Wild Thing" and was a great success. This year it is open to other designs of similar layout.
- Engine/weight rules: plain-bearing engines of .15 cu in (or less); model weight 1.5 to 3 pounds.
- Contact: Jay Gardner — (407) 689-7664.
- The meet offers lots of prizes, including $1,000 for first place.
New Kits
- Zigg's Originals
3822 Hoover Dr. #4, Madison, WI 53714 Tel: (608) 249-4480
- New 704 Combat kit: Grumman F6F Hellcat. Wings and fuselage are hot-wire-cut; canopy and cowl vacuum-formed. The prototype is large, requiring microservos to stay within the 2.2-pound weight limit. Zigg noted the prototype's large size and plans to produce something smaller next.
Scratch-built Highlight
- John Barton's Westland Whirlwind (Snohomish, Washington) won scratch-built "beauty of the month."
- Powered by two O.S. .10 engines; dry weight 35 ounces.
- Construction: sheeted-foam wings and a fuselage described as "a box with rounded corners." Nacelles are set parallel to the fuselage; without a rudder, John handles engine failure by immediately throttling back and cutting both engines.
- John reports the model is easy to launch, very maneuverable, and an all-around fun airplane to fly. He is building an improved model for the 1996 combat season and has become fond of twin engines for their authentic WWII sound.
Closing
RC slope combat is growing in popularity, helped by a balanced set of rules focused on safety while retaining the fun of slope flying and avoiding one-design/manufacturer pitfalls.
If you haven't already done so, give RC combat a try. Don't forget to check your skis!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
