AMA Plans Service Showcase
June 2007 97
Lite Bipe “Refined ugliness
is beautiful.”
JOHN HUNTON—the designer of this
odd-looking creation—proudly proclaimed
that it was “Probably the ugliest model
airplane ever designed.” He also said that
it is “an excellent example of ‘form
follows function.’”
The second statement is true. But
beauty is as beauty does, and that makes
the Lite Bipe fairly good-looking.
Originally conceived as a competition
fun-fly design, this model plays to the
strengths of the biplane configuration with
high drag and low wing loading. It features a
thick airfoil section and can maneuver in
small, tight spaces without stalling.
The low-aspect-ratio layout enhances the
roll rate to the point of absurdity. Hunton
likened this design’s rolling capability to a
“whirling dervish.”
Unusual throughout, this model even
sports a Band-Aid can muffler. With a 37-
inch wingspan, the weight should not
exceed 3 pounds, 5 ounces. The built-up
and trussed balsa construction will help
you attain that weight.
An O.S. .40 SF engine powered the
original model, but many other engines on
the market will do as well. This aircraft is a
candidate for conversion to electric power.
As the late and legendary Bill Winter said
of this design, “Refined ugliness is beautiful.”
The Lite Bipe was featured in the
August 1992 MA and is plans set 718C.
Full-size plans on two sheets are available
through the AMA Plans Service. (See the
ad on page 199.) MA
06sig4.QXD 4/20/07 1:47 PM Page 97
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/06
Page Numbers: 97