AMA Plans Service Showcase-2010/08

THE MIG-3 IS a distinctive
World War II fighter. Part of that
distinction comes from the far-tothe-
rear cockpit location that was
required to help balance the fullscale
version’s heavy engine. In addition,
the white color scheme with its big, red
stars stands out among the aluminum and
camouflaged warplanes of the day.
Dick Sarpolus designed this model to
be simple to construct with the use of cutfoam
wing cores, vertical fin and stabilizer
cores, and front and rear turtledeck
surfaces. Additional construction materials
include balsa and plywood, with a cowl
and canopy that you can purchase from
Fiberglass Specialties.
The intended power plant for this
design was approximately a 40cc, and
Dick ultimately opted for a Cheetah 42 gas
engine. A glow engine could also be used,
and electric power is another viable option.
The completed model has a wingspan
of 88 inches and 1,240 square inches of
wing area, with a flying weight of 16-17
pounds.
According to Dick, if kept light his
aircraft was capable of sporty aerobatic
flight. He also noted that it tended to tip
forward while taxiing, which he quickly
remedied by bending the landing gear
slightly forward.
The MiG-3 was featured in a
construction article in the November 2004
MA. It’s AMA Plans Service listing 967,
available for $38 plus shipping and
handling. You can also order this design as
a set of foam cores and plans, for $165
plus shipping and handling.
See page 171 or go to www.modelair
craft.org/plans.aspx for ordering
information. MA