Flapless Nobler flies...

[Scott Hartford]

Today we had a TAG event at the field, and before the kids arrived we got in some good flights. Here's the guys..

Some nice planes (Bill Wilsons Hunter 8 in the front):

Dale Gleason running to the handle as Tom Farmer launches:

Stephen Jeansonne flying his new Chipmunk:

Tom Farmer wringing out my new Nobler:

The weather was great and the flying was good! I have the new Nobler flying and fly it does! It is a UHP G Nobler with no flaps. It has a OS 35S with a tongue muffler spinning a 10.5x4.5 APC prop. It has a 3.5 oz. uniflow tank and the run is excellent. 3.5 oz. turned out to be plenty in a good 2 cycle run. The plane came out at 39 oz. and the big question was "Will it turn???" Simply put; YES! it turns excellent and is very easy to fly. It simply doesn't need flaps. The covering is SLC clear film and Monocote transparant colors. I did not taper the fixed flaps and they have a squared off trailing edge. I think I am going to enjoy this plane...

[Alan Hahn]

The Nobler really looks nice--I like the clear look. Almost appears that you forgot to cover the fin!

I don't know if I would go as far as you (no flaps), but for electric you could fly it "nude". (the plane that is, not the pilot !  )

[dale gleason]

There is a nice article in this month's Model Aviation that explain's the TAG event, it's a great idea by this model club.   

A side note on "running out to the handle" before launching- I've been cautioned about how this might not "present well" in a contest, all I can say is those who walk non-challantly to the handle just never owned an OK Cub .14 in their coddled past!    dale g

Nice pics, Scott!

[proparc]

I am not surprised. The Magician IMHO always flew better without flaps. Flaps are about weight. If your plane is not within that particular weight regime for flaps, then, is no reason why you have to have them. Remember, flaps produce more lift but, the by-product of lift is drag!! Now, that same Nobler at 49 0z. would probably need some additional lift in the way of flaps to keep the party going.

[Doug Moon]

What is a TAG event?  I must have missed the announcement. 

[Scott Hartford]

Take Off and Grow. It's an AMA program to expose kids to model aviation. This time it was Cub Scouts and their families, sometimes the church across the street attends, or the local schools. The kids get to come out and see model aviation demonstrations, RC planes, 3D, helicopters, CL, etc... and then they get to fly. Buddy boxes on RC planes, and Stephen Jeansonne, Bill Wilson, Dave Ek and others help the little guys fly CL planes. I think we went through 3 or 4 planes today, but the kids had a good time and it's fun to watch. It's sorta hard running around behind a young kid and holding the handle with most of them and not falling on your behind! But the kids have fun and it exposes more people to C/L who  have never seen it. I would have had pictures of them but my camera battery died way too soon....

[Doug Moon]

Scott,

That sounds great.  Sounds like you guys really did alot today for some very fortunate kids.

Thanks for your input into the hobby.  That kind of work goes along way. 

[Scott Hartford]

I am not surprised. The Magician IMHO always flew better without flaps. Flaps are about weight. If your plane is not within that particular weight regime for flaps, then, is no reason why you have to have them. Remember, flaps produce more lift but, the by-product of lift is drag!! Now, that same Nobler at 49 0z. would probably need some additional lift in the way of flaps to keep the party going.

That's what I was thinking but I had to try it to see. I am definately not disappointed with the results! I figure I could always wonder if it would work, or just go ahead and find out for sure.