February 2009 65
CAP 20
The Sheperd
Connection
AMA Plans Service Showcase
DESIGNER BRAD Shepherd was looking
for a scale-model subject that offered high
performance in the air. He chose the
aerobatic French CAP 20.
All aircraft in the full-scale CAP series
have beautiful lines and extremely good
aerobatic performance. In fact, they look like
big model airplanes! It’s no wonder that the
entire line translates well to our applications.
Brad’s 57-inch-span CAP 20 offers some
new challenges in building for those of you
who have been following this series in MA.
The semisymmetrical wing is fixture-built
with ribs that have tabs attached. These tabs
support the ribs in proper alignment on the
bench during the building process.
In addition, the fuselage has a number of
balsa blocks that must be carved to achieve
the proper cowl shape. It’s an opportunity to
develop some new skills!
Although Brad designed the CAP 20
around a K&B .40 glow engine, it is yet
another excellent candidate for electric
power. You can read more about his model
by visiting the MA Digital Archives via the
magazine’s Web site at www.modelaircraft.
org/mag. The construction article was
published in the March 1980 MA.
The CAP 20 is plans set 291, available
for $28 from the AMA Plans Service. MA
02sig3.QXD 12/22/08 12:23 PM Page 65
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/02
Page Numbers: 65
