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Speed,Combat,Scale,Racing => Scale Models => Topic started by: John Witt on March 12, 2010, 11:11:44 AM
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Suppose the scale rules were to be amended to remove the requirement that man-carrying aircraft are the only allowed subjects for modeling. There are some interesting RPV/Drone aircraft out there now that would make good scale models. Predator, Reaper and Global Hawk come to mind.
Rules could be something like this:
Full scale subject aircraft to have a minimum of 20 ft wing span and model scale to be a maximum of 2:1, ie, half size of the original would be the largest scale model. The intent is to exclude the small drones that are model airplanes to start with.
Prototypes must be actual flying aircraft (same as existing rules)
Weights, etc., to conform to existing rules.
Aircraft must takeoff and land on its own landing gear, no dollies, rail or hand launched allowed.
Drone models allowed in all classes.
Interestingly, there have been many full scale man-carrying aircraft operated as drones. I personally am aware of B-17s (operated at the Bikini Atoll nuclear bomb tests), Hellcats, and most of the modern fighter jets. Kinda of a grey area here, since most all of these retained the cockpit and manual flight controls, just had no pilot when operating. Some used human pilots when being ferried, then R/C for missions.
Regards,
John W
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A model of a model?
It's still 20 days until April Fools Day.
The small size would certainly lead to a minimal scale factor and thus, a "model" superior to real models.
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A controlline scale model of a RC aircraft ---- WOW! y1 All seriousness aside not a bad idea. It should be a class all it's own.
n~
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If you want to make a proposal, it needs to be to the AMA by Monday March 15, which is the deadline for proposals in this 2-year change cycle. Any one AMA member can submit a proposal.
There will be many problems with any rules regarding these things. The size thing has been mentioned. How about winged standoff missiles? They are a form of drone/RPV. How about some of the larger winged vehicles of the past that were lauched from launcers. What kind of landing gear requirements for those vehicles, some with 20 ft span or more that have no LG?
Interesting. Have Fun.
Keith
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Having a requirement for landing and takeoff on scale gear eliminates all the missiles (I think). I had thought about cruise missiles and I've seen a Tomahawk close up, but they launch from rails and are 9 ft. span. Predator variants run from 48 ft to 66 ft span (about the size of a Cessna 150) and Global Hawk is 120 ft span.
I agree, the wording would need to be sorted out, but would probably be easier than the BOM rule and stunt appearance rules. I've seen one R/C park flyer of a Predator -- R/C of an R/C! Incidentally Predators and UAVs of that ilk are not really "flown" as such, but have autonomous flight controls, and are just told where to go by the operator.
Mostly I posted this to spark the discussion and a proposal in a couple of years might be just right. UAVs are becoming widespread in their use, and are operated by several Federal agencies besides the armed forces, so offer some opportunity to expand the model building range, and perhaps increase the number of people interested in scale.
Personally, I like WWI through WWII.
John W
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An UAV is by no means a "model", as in a miniature trying to replicate a "full-size" aircraft.
It is just an aircraft that leaves the least expendable part (human crew) on the ground.
*** maybe a miniature ground control station in the pits should be required ***
(http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/systems/images/tcs_fallon_mtb_large.jpg)(http://defense-update.com/images_new1/advance_cockpit_gcs.jpg)
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They could make a drone the size of a 747 and it would still be just a big drone.
Would this proposal allow small drones to be "modeled" at 1:1 scale?
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Why not Model a small drone at twice normal size? LOL
Clancy
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You could do this four or five times normal size:
(http://www.iai.co.il/malat/MosquitoM.jpg)
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I think the guys have gotten off course a little. But, there have been several full size aircraft that carried a full size real life pilot. I can't remember the name of the one I am thinking of as it was done for the Quarter Scale Group and the wing span was 4 foot(48 inches). He couldn't fly it in Giant Scale as the wing span was not enough. Just make a rule it must be man carrying. Of course the proposal dead line is midnight tonight. S?P H^^