Sweeper

[Robert Zambelli]

Since there was some mention of this bird in the engine section, I thought I'd post a few shots so people could get an idea of the size.
The approximate numbers are: wingspan 77”, stabilizer span 40”, length 66”, rudder height 19”. For size comparison, I photographed it with a Brodak Nobler. 
Weight is around 125 ounces!    (Check the tire deformation in the picture)
Power? At this point it has an OS .61 but I'm thinking about a SAITO .91 or something along those lines.
The Sweeper had been in storage for around 15 years. I resurrected it and we flew it at the Brodak Fly-In a few years back.

Note something interesting - there is a protrusion just aft of the exhaust cutout. Apparently, it once had some sort of internal exhaust system  that exited at the rear.

Bob Z.

[PerttiMe]

How does it fly?

For various reasons, I like things a bit more compact. But I am all for doing something different ... not even for a particular reason: just "because" is enough.

 

[Robert Zambelli]

It flies extremely well.
The line tension is not as high as you'd expect but it stay out quite well.
The corners are fine.

It's just too darn big for a 70 foot circle.

Bob Z.

[Dalton Hammett]

I got to watch some of the flights at Brodaks,  it is extremely nice to watch from the outside when turning corners..

Dalton H.

[Dennis Adamisin]

I flew it back in 1980.  Windy was letting anyone who wanted to fly it after the official flying ended.  Aside from the obscene pull, it was very docile and easy to fly.

My arm remembers that flight every time the weather changes....


EDIT: Forgot to mention: this bird is Nostalgia-30 legal.  So sacrifice a balsa forest and go build one! 

[Derek Barry]

I flew that plane at Brodak's and man is it a beast. I think there were some pictures of me leaning back at what seemed to be a 45 degree angle. The one that Dad and I built was around 83 oz and it flies AWESOME!!!

[Derek Barry]

Here is the one we built. Dad had to rent a U-Haul trailer to bring it to the contest. A new take apart Sweeper is on my to do list.

[Bill Little]

Hi Derek,

Didn't y'all put a PA .65SE in that one?

(and watching you fly the blue Sweeper at Brodak's was FUN!)

Bill

[Matt Colan]

I flew that plane at Brodak's and man is it a beast. I think there were some pictures of me leaning back at what seemed to be a 45 degree angle. The one that Dad and I built was around 83 oz and it flies AWESOME!!!

Derek,

We have it on video of you flying the Sweeper at Brodak's.  

[Derek Barry]

Hi Derek,

Didn't y'all put a PA .65SE in that one?

(and watching you fly the blue Sweeper at Brodak's was FUN!)

Bill

Yep the PA 65. That was before the 75. If I ever build my take apart Sweeper it will have the 75 in in

[tom_weedman]

Here is the one we built. Dad had to rent a U-Haul trailer to bring it to the contest. A new take apart Sweeper is on my to do list.
I remember that well that was at the king peach at tifton airport it was cold and windy that day that is me to the right of your dad in that photo firing up that beast
Tom Weedman

[PJ Rowland]

Yes, large models are impressive and difficult to fly. At 125 OZ its not messing about - Id expect a .75 should haul it.

Never saw ur sweeper D - But I heard it was pretty nice - and i can imagine the pull - NOT alot of fun for more than 10 fligths.

TA Sweeper with PA _ Why not.

I can think of another model you can build that 115 + OZ and 77" Wingspan.