VINTAGE AIRCRAFT ARE popular subjects to model, and flying
vintage RC models in competition is intended to be casual and
enjoyable for the
veteran competitor or
beginner.
Bill Hinnant’s F-5
was first flown in
1973, which makes it
eligible for vintage
RC Aerobatics
(Pattern) competition.
A bonus is the fact that the plans show
retractable landing gear, which is legal to employ.
This distinctive 60-size Pattern airplane looks sleek and
clean, and is remembered for having performance to match its good
looks. The 62-inch wing is built with approximately 1 inch of
dihedral under each tip and has barn-door ailerons to maintain
horizontal stability at low speeds.
The F-5 was designed to use a .61 two-stroke glow engine, but it
would be a good candidate for a modern electric power system. One
benefit of electric power would be to eliminate the muffler
protruding from the side of the aircraft, which would be
in keeping with its sleek styling.
This design was featured in the first issue of MA,
which had a cover date of July 1975. AMA members
can access the MA digital archives on the Academy’s
Web site to read more about it. The F-5 is AMA Plans
Service listing 100C, available for $15 plus shipping
and handling. MA
AMA Plans Service Showcase
Hinnant’s F-5
Hinnant’s retractable
Pattern model
150 MODEL AVIATION
04sig5.QXD 2/24/09 9:44 AM Page 150
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 150