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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Cliff Henke on June 23, 2013, 10:11:40 AM

Title: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: Cliff Henke on June 23, 2013, 10:11:40 AM
The LHS gave me a 40" wingspan Fox 35 powered WONDER WING yesterday when I arrived to get some supplies. I was shocked, it's old but looks flyable.

Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?

Question is, where is the CG on this plane ? It's 100% nose heavy with one wheel like a Flite Streak.

If I hold the plane about 7 inches on either side of the motor on the Leading edge it will balance. The leading edge swoops back pretty good. No tail section, rudder is located on top of wing with the flaps acting as an elevator.

Will it fly like this ? Is this how Flying Wings balance ?

Sorry for the questions, 
More to come................... Cliff

Up! Up! Up !

Title: Re: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: Jim Thomerson on June 23, 2013, 11:16:20 AM
I would guess that is about right.  Should be no problem flying it with the CG there, then making adjustments, if needed, from experience.
Title: Re: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: Dave_Trible on June 24, 2013, 09:27:10 AM
Sounds a lot like my old Berkley Orbit Ace.  It didn't have any wheels but this is probably close- surely safe to fly.  These were not sensitive or tight turning airplanes since there is very little elevator leverage. Elevron might be a better term.

Dave

Your Fox is about as light as you can get,  I think I had a Johnson Combat Special on my OA so if its too nose heavy you could remove the landing gear and hand launch.  Not sure about where you'd put tail weight here that would help.  Maybe just enjoy you're time period airplane as it was!  I have my Orbit Ace plans and might build another some day.  Probably throw a McCoy on it.  Let us know how it goes!
Title: Re: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: Cliff Henke on June 29, 2013, 10:05:43 AM
Your right Dave it's a B. Orbit Ace. We can't catch a break in the Carolina's lately on rain and lightning. As soon as the weather settles I will see what I got ?  Cliff
Title: Re: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: Bill Little on June 29, 2013, 10:49:33 AM
Hi Cliff,

It should be a ball flying that old Orbit Ace.  With your interest in "Nostalgic" combat models and engines, this one will be a measuring point for one of the lesser capable ones. ;D

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM
Title: Re: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: 55chevr on June 29, 2013, 12:29:12 PM
I have flown a lot of wings.   They are always nose heavy.   I was happy if they balanced at the first lead out.   


Joe
Title: Re: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: Dave_Trible on July 01, 2013, 08:39:14 PM
Your right Dave it's a B. Orbit Ace. We can't catch a break in the Carolina's lately on rain and lightning. As soon as the weather settles I will see what I got ?  Cliff
Let us know and a photo sure would be cool.  Give yourself a lot of altitude for your first maneuvers with it till you get a handle on how it turns.

Dave
Title: Re: Balance of the 40" Wonder Wing ?
Post by: EddyR on July 02, 2013, 06:33:32 AM
Cliff
 There was one big problem with the Orbit Ace. The elivators are at the end of the wing not in the middle. If they are not in perfect alignment the wing will turn in at you. Be sure is wing is turning flat in loops not banking in or out as it turns. Most people changed the kit and used a center elevator like the Half Fast.
Ed