AMA Plans Service Showcase - 2011/01

January 2011 65
This birdlike model
was inspired by a
WW I military design
Larry Katz drew inspiration for
ITSA BIRD, which he designed for
indoor flight, from the Etrich Taube. Its
design was inspired by a seed leaf of the
Zanonia palm tree, for its gliding
properties.
The construction of ITSA BIRD is
simple, with a focus on materials weight
to keep it light. The wing is constructed
using laminations for the LE and TE. A
1/16 wing spar supports the ribs, and the
wingtip dihedral is set at 30°. The
fuselage and tail feathers are equally
simple to construct.
Larry used Litespan for the aircraft’s
covering. He left the bottom of the wing
and elevator uncovered to save weight.
This 45-inch-span model was
powered by a GWS A geared motor, with
a 10 x 4.7 propeller and an eight-cell,
280 mAh NiMH battery. The airplane’s
6- to 8-ounce flying weight could be
reduced even further with the use of a
brushless motor and Li-Poly battery.
Larry noted that ITSA BIRD took to
the air quickly and easily performed tight
turns and figure eights.
The design was featured in a
construction article that was published in
the July 2004 MA. Its AMA Plans Service
listing is 961, and it is available for $15
plus shipping and handling. See page 175 or
go to www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx for
ordering information. MA
AMA Plans Service Showcase
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