Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/12
Page Numbers: 134

Ken Johnson first saw the full-scale B-2 Spirit fly at the
Northrop Grumman factory in Palmdale, California. Impressed, he
decided to build an electric FF Sport Scale model of this unique
aircraft.
Ken went to the drawing board using a Squadron/Signal booklet
about the B-2 for reference. By enlarging a copy of the three-view,
he drew plans over it for the 42-inch wingspan model that he
envisioned. Although the full-scale airplane does not have vertical
fins or dihedral, Ken felt they were necessary on the model to make
it airworthy.
The B-2 was constructed from plywood and balsa; the wing was
first completed from the top, then lifted and turned upside down to
build the bottom part. The model’s CG had to be placed in exactly
the same place as what was on the plan, but clay could be added to
achieve a clean, flat glide and gentle right turn before flying.
The model was covered in its entirety with black Japanese
tissue. Ken used a water bottle to lightly water-shrink it, and then
coated it with half-thinned nitrate dope. White trim lines were
added using a gel Excel pen.
The electric motor, battery pack, and switch were all from a
Hobbico RTF Spitfire kit that Ken happened to have lying around.
The battery and switch were mounted with sheet balsa in the fuselage
and braced to the top parts. The back of the motor was 5¾ inches
from the front of the batteries.
Ken’s target weight for the model was 95 grams. He noted in the
feature that if the airplane was heavy, another battery cell could be
added to achieve more power. He rounded out his model with a
launch-loop handle made from a large paper clip and cemented to the
top inside of the balsa sheet on the bottom of the fuselage area.
The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber was one of three construction
articles featured in the March 2004 MA. AMA Plans Service listing
954, the one-sheet plan is available for $9 plus shipping and
handling. See page 163 or go to www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx
for ordering information. MA