AMA Plans Service
Super Bug
D.B. Mathews' adaptation of a classic Walt Good design
Overview
This design pays homage to both the 1948 Rudder Bug and the 1954 Royal Rudder Bug. D.B. Mathews' intention with the Super Bug was to improve on the Royal Rudder Bug while remaining true to the original design.
Design changes
To modernize and improve the model, Mathews made several changes:
- Enlarged the wingspan to 75 inches.
- Added elevator and throttle controls.
- Converted to a steerable nose wheel.
- Reworked the aerodynamics and structural integrity.
Even with the changes and the additional radio gear, the Super Bug weighs less than the rudder-only version of the model he had built 42 years earlier.
Construction
The Super Bug employs Walt Good's "crutch construction" technique for the fuselage. Once the bottom of the structure is complete, preassembled cabin sides and top formers are added. The wings are fabricated using the four-spar method, with both full and half ribs and a sheeted center section.
Power and performance
Recommended power:
- .40–.50 four-stroke engine, or
- .25–.35 two-stroke engine.
According to Mathews, his model was so simple to fly that it rated alongside any modern sport trainer, with a bit of nostalgia added. The additional elevator and throttle controls allowed the airplane to fly gracefully and made multiple takeoffs and landings from his feet possible.
Availability
The Super Bug was featured in a construction article in the March 1998 Model Aviation. AMA members can access the magazine's digital archives on the Academy's website to read more about this design.
AMA Plans Service lists this set as item 849C, available for $15 plus shipping and handling. See page 159 or go to www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx for ordering information.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
