This project was meant to start January 1st but the field test were not good. The order was to make a control line model plane that could be used as an electric trainer for groups of kids and offered at a low price. The idea was to make this plane safe enough that the Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs and Church groups would not be afraid to teach kids to fly control line models. The basic idea had been kicking around for about a year before we really got started on it.
By September we had our first test plane with batteries on board; it flew but the recharge time was way to long and the cost was to high. Our second test plane also flew but now the battery was strapped to the pilot and he had speed control. The battery on the pilot proved to be the best idea as it allowed several pilots to fly, one right after another. Our next problem was plane performance, as a trainer the second was OK. But it was not as good as a COX PT-19 so it was not good enough.
We tried several profiles but each had problems. While they were easier to build and cheaper they did not work out. At last we took one of our new gas powered kits, Stunt Trainer, and converted it to electric. This has the large wing, low wing loading, and good looks. A folding prop was added for safty. The plane performs better than hoped for, it can be made to do some basic stunts.
We hope to have this one out in a kit next month with some minor alterations. Stats: ws 21", area 94.5 sq. in. with the brush type motor the cost for the kit, pre-wired, with speed control handle, motor, prop and hardware will be in the $45.00 to $55.00 range. Now we need to make this model simple enough that a beginer can assemble it.
Topic: I THINK WE GOT IT ELEC TRAINER (Read 1306 times)
