B-2 SpiritStealth Bomber - 2004/03

70 MODEL AVIATION
THIS AIRCRAFT CAUGHT my fancy
after I saw the full-scale B-2 fly at the
Northrop factory in Palmdale, California. I
was so impressed that I knew I had to build a
model of it.
I have been playing with different power
sources of late, and I decided to power my
new Stealth with electric. I happened to have
a Hobbico Ready-to-Fly Spitfire kit laying
around. I took the motor, battery pack, and
switch from this product and decided to try to
power the B-2 with it.
A wingspan of 42 inches seemed right, so
I set about drawing the model using the
Squadron/Signal booklet about the B-2 for
reference. I photocopied the three-view up to
42 inches in wingspan and drew the model’s
plans over it. I always consider wood sizes
since I know the importance of building Free
Flight models light.
The full-scale B-2 has no vertical fins or
dihedral; my model does. I felt justified in
making these two changes in scale fidelity.
Someone commented that the full-scale
aircraft needs computers onboard to make it
fly, and I feel that the dihedral and fins are
necessary to make the model airworthy as a
Free Flight subject.
CONSTRUCTION
Wing: After pinning down the 3⁄16-inch square
leading edges (LEs) on the wing and the 1⁄8 x
1⁄2-inch trailing edges (TEs), cut the 3⁄32-inch
square midribs and cement them in position.
Cut the 1⁄32-inch sheet spars to size and glue
them to the top of the midribs. (See plans.)
Cut the top ribs from 3⁄32 sheet balsa. (Cut
around a .020-inch aluminum template for the
rib arcs.) Cement each rib at the wing LE and
onto the top of the number-one spar. Using
small weights to hold the ribs against the
spars, attach the ribs to the top of each
succeeding spar and finally to the front of the
TE outline (after trimming ribs to the correct
size). Cut and glue in the wingtips using
trimmed-down TE stock.
When you have completed this part of the
wing construction, lift the wing from the
plans, turn it upside down, and build the
bottom part of the wing while holding it in
your hands. Cut the bottom spars to size, and
cement each one in position to the underside
of the midribs.
Cement the bottom wing ribs in at the LE
and the number-one spar. Attach the ribs to
each spar. Trim and cement the ribs to the TE.
Using a #22 X-Acto knife, cut away the
midribs in the center open areas where they
are not attached to the front or rear of the
wing ribs and spars.
Cabin: Measure and cut the top bulkheads to
size and cement them, in the positions shown
on the plans, to the wing ribs on either side of
the center rib on the top. Put in lengthwise
stringers across the top of each bulkhead,
front to rear, and cement.
Cut the bulkheads for the bottom of the
fuselage and cement them in position. Add
1⁄16-inch square stringers across the bulkheads
on the bottom of the model, front to rear.
Complete the front of the cabin area as shown
on the plans.
Final Assembly: Carefully sand the wing
along the LE and TE and across each rib.
B-2 SpiritStealth Bomber by Ken Johnson
The author’s lifelong modeling friend Richard Baria gives us a
feel for the size of Ken’s B-2 before flight testing.
Ken launches the B-2 on its maiden flight. This model presents a
dramatic profile and planform in the air.
America’s most sophisticated bomber
makes ideal electric-powered FF sport
Scale subject
Sheet the center of the nose area top and bottom with 1⁄32 soft balsa. Fill
the open front end of the nose with 3⁄4 scrap balsa.
Install the motor and battery box/switch as shown on the plans. No
side thrust or downthrust is needed. Fill in the area around the switch
with soft 1⁄16 sheet balsa. Cut and lengthen the wires from the motor aft
to the batteries. Notice where the center of gravity (CG) is located on
the plans, and make sure your model’s CG is the same.
Add the gussets on the wing, as shown, where the elevons will
attach at the rear of the wing. Add the wingtip gussets as shown.
Build the vertical fins over the plans in the usual way. Sand and
cover them with black tissue. Cut the elevons from 1⁄64 sheet plywood,
sand them, and then lightly spray them with black paint. Cement the
small mounting triangles underneath the elevons at the center. Glue the
bottoms of these triangles to the top side of the wing TE to the position
shown.
Cover the entire model with black Japanese tissue (shiny-side up)
except the cabin area at the front, which you cover with green tissue.
Lightly spray with water from a misting spray bottle. It is important to
warp in 4- to 5° of washout (TE up) at the wingtips. It is good to use a
heat gun if you have one. If you don’t, try a hair dryer.
Adhere the tissue to the frame with full-strength nitrate dope
applied with a #4 soft brush. After water-shrinking the tissue on the
model, use a 50/50 mixture of nitrate and thinner to coat the model.
If you do not have enough washout in the wingtips, you will need
to install extra elevons at the TE of the wings to make the model fly.
Build the engine nacelles off of the plans, cover them, and cement
them to the top of the covered wings on each side. Don’t forget to add
the loop of wire (part of a large paper clip) under the fuselage, as
shown, which will be the handle for launching the model. I filled the
inside of the loop with 1⁄16 balsa sheet and cemented it to the wire.
Draw on the white panel outlines with a white Marvy Gel Excel
ballpoint pen, using a 10-inch length of 1⁄16 sheet balsa as a
straightedge.
Flying: After you have completed and covered the B-2, check the CG.
Add clay to achieve a clean, flat glide. The target weight is 95 grams
ready to fly. If your airplane turns out a bit heavy, add another battery
cell to achieve more power.
Charge the batteries using an eight-pack of D-cell flashlight
batteries. VL Products of Canoga Park, California, markets a handy
charger; call Hank Fasola at (818) 244-1702. Start with a 30-second
charge and check to see if the model is climbing. A slight right turn is
nice. I use a small amount of black modeling clay on the right wingtip
to achieve this.
Add charging time to achieve a longer, higher flight. Have good
flying with your Stealth B-2 model. MA
Ken Johnson
14551 Bledsoe St.
Sylmar CA 91342
March 2004 71
First step in construction is to pin down balsa outline pieces and
glue in first of the ribs. A flat bench is a must!
The 1⁄32-inch sheet-balsa spars are glued to the separator ribs.
Not your normal wing construction, eh?
This is a large model, with a 42-inch span. It’s not for beginners
but is a challenging second or third FF Scale project.
Photos courtesy the author
72 MODEL AVIATION
With top ribs in, bottom ribs are glued in at the front. The rear
end of these ribs will be trimmed and glued later.
Just after launch and during the climbout, the B-2 offers yet another interesting perspective.
The basic structure is shown before the dihedral is added and
the cabin area is built onto the framework.
The B-2’s completed framework, including the built-up cabin
area, has a batlike character, doesn’t it?
B-2 SpiritStealth Bomber
Type: FF electric sport Scale
Wingspan: 42 inches
Power: Motor package from Hobbico RTF Spitfire
Flying weight: 95 grams
Construction: Balsa and plywood
Covering/finish: Japanese tissue and modeling dope
March 2004 73
Full-Size Plans Available—see page 191
F u l l - S i z e P l a n s
953 USA-1 ..........................................................................................................$11.25
Multiple-award-winning CL Stunt model by Werwage spans 611/2 inches
954 B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber: ......................................................................$7.50
Electric FF model by Ken Johnson spans 42 inches
955 Electric Flash: ...........................................................................................$11.25
Electric-powered RC park flyer by Stewart spans 28 inches
No. 904 Y2K Racer: Sport Electric FF by Charles Fries spans 18 inches A
No. 905 Buhl Sport Airsedan: RC Scale model by Phillip S. Kent spans 72 inches E
No. 906 Grumman Ag-Cat: Rubber powered FF FAC Giant Scale by Rees spans 36 inches C
No. 907 Bristol Brownie: RC Scale by Robelen for geared six-volt Speed 400 spans 44 inches C
No. 910 3Quarters: RC sport model by Randolph for Norvel .074 spans 45 inches B
No. 911 P-47: RC Scale Electric model by Ryan for Speed 400 spans 31 inches C
No. 912 Simple Simone: CL trainer by Netzeband for glow .15 engine spans 36 inches B
No. 916 Piper Malibu Mirage: Rubber-powered Giant Scale by Fineman spans 431/2 inches C
No. 917 Sir Lancelot: RC sport model by Henry for O.S. .61 spans 72 inches D
No. 918 Skyraider: CL 1/2A Profile by Sarpolus for Norvel BigMig .061 spans 29 inches B
No. 925 Bird-E-Dog: Ernie Heyworth and Ed Lokken’s RC Electric Sport Scale model C
No. 926 JoeCat: RC sport jet by Beshar for Toki .18 DF unit spans 37 inches C
No. 927 Kairos: CL Stunt model by Dixon for .46-.61 engine spans 58 inches C
No. 928 Beta Blue Chip Racer: Rubber-powered FF Scale model designed by Tom Derber B
No. 929 Dewoitine D.338: Multimotor RC Electric Scale by Mikulasko spans 781/2 inches E
No. 930 Westland Lysander: RC Scale model by Baker for .25 spans 56 inches E
No. 931 1959 Ares: Champion RC Aerobatics model by Werwage spans 501/2 inches C
No. 932 Wing400: RC Electric flying wing by Hanley for Speed 400 spans 36 inches B
No. 933 Kepler 450: CL speed-limit Combat model by Edwards for .21-.32 two-stroke A
Plan does not include full-size template shown on page 40 of the August 2002 issue.
No. 934 VariEze: FF Peanut Scale canard by Heckman spans 13 inches A
No. 935 Classic 320: 1/2A Classic Power design by Pailet for Cyclon .049 or equivalent B
No. 936 Prince: RC sport Pattern model by Robelen for O.S. .25 spans 51 inches C
No. 937 Clean Cut: RC sport aerobatic model by Sarpolus spans 90 inches E
No. 938 Diamond Gem: Compressed-air-powered FF sport model by Ken Johnson B
No. 939 Project Extra: RC Scale Aerobatics model by Mike Hurley spans 106 inches **$49.50
No. 940 Cessna No.1: RC Electric Sport Scale by Papic spans 321/2 inches B
No. 941 Mooney and Beechcraft Bonanza CL 1/2A profile sport models by Rick Sarpolus B
No. 942 Zenith CH 801: FF Rubber Scale model by Fineman spans 20 inches A
No. 943 Wildman 60: Old-Time Ignition CL Stunt model by Carter spans 59 1/2 inches C
No. 944 Shoestring: Semiscale RC sport Pattern design by de Bolt spans 60 inches D
No. 945 F-86 Sabre: Semiscale CL Stunt model by Hutchinson spans 56 inches E
No. 946 Electric Zephyr: Electric RC Pylon/sport model by Smith spans 40 inches B
No. 947 Chester Special: O.S. .40-powered CL Scale model by Beatty spans 43 inches **$27.00
No. 948 Moffett Reduxl: High-performance Rubber-powered FF design by Langenberg C
No. 949 Scratch-One: Electric RC sailplane/basic trainer by Aberle spans 45 inches B
No. 950 BareCat 650-C: CL sport Stunt model by Netzeband spans 54 1/4 inches E
No. 951 Douglas O-46A: RC Sport Scale model by Baker spans 54 inches E
No. 952 Lavochkin LaGG-3: Felton’s CL Sport Scale design made from cardboard E
Full-size plan list available. A complete listing of all plans previously published
in this magazine through no. 955 may be obtained free of charge by writing
(enclose 78¢ stamped, pre-addressed #10 business-size letter envelope) Model
Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
**Special Price

70 MODEL AVIATION
THIS AIRCRAFT CAUGHT my fancy
after I saw the full-scale B-2 fly at the
Northrop factory in Palmdale, California. I
was so impressed that I knew I had to build a
model of it.
I have been playing with different power
sources of late, and I decided to power my
new Stealth with electric. I happened to have
a Hobbico Ready-to-Fly Spitfire kit laying
around. I took the motor, battery pack, and
switch from this product and decided to try to
power the B-2 with it.
A wingspan of 42 inches seemed right, so
I set about drawing the model using the
Squadron/Signal booklet about the B-2 for
reference. I photocopied the three-view up to
42 inches in wingspan and drew the model’s
plans over it. I always consider wood sizes
since I know the importance of building Free
Flight models light.
The full-scale B-2 has no vertical fins or
dihedral; my model does. I felt justified in
making these two changes in scale fidelity.
Someone commented that the full-scale
aircraft needs computers onboard to make it
fly, and I feel that the dihedral and fins are
necessary to make the model airworthy as a
Free Flight subject.
CONSTRUCTION
Wing: After pinning down the 3⁄16-inch square
leading edges (LEs) on the wing and the 1⁄8 x
1⁄2-inch trailing edges (TEs), cut the 3⁄32-inch
square midribs and cement them in position.
Cut the 1⁄32-inch sheet spars to size and glue
them to the top of the midribs. (See plans.)
Cut the top ribs from 3⁄32 sheet balsa. (Cut
around a .020-inch aluminum template for the
rib arcs.) Cement each rib at the wing LE and
onto the top of the number-one spar. Using
small weights to hold the ribs against the
spars, attach the ribs to the top of each
succeeding spar and finally to the front of the
TE outline (after trimming ribs to the correct
size). Cut and glue in the wingtips using
trimmed-down TE stock.
When you have completed this part of the
wing construction, lift the wing from the
plans, turn it upside down, and build the
bottom part of the wing while holding it in
your hands. Cut the bottom spars to size, and
cement each one in position to the underside
of the midribs.
Cement the bottom wing ribs in at the LE
and the number-one spar. Attach the ribs to
each spar. Trim and cement the ribs to the TE.
Using a #22 X-Acto knife, cut away the
midribs in the center open areas where they
are not attached to the front or rear of the
wing ribs and spars.
Cabin: Measure and cut the top bulkheads to
size and cement them, in the positions shown
on the plans, to the wing ribs on either side of
the center rib on the top. Put in lengthwise
stringers across the top of each bulkhead,
front to rear, and cement.
Cut the bulkheads for the bottom of the
fuselage and cement them in position. Add
1⁄16-inch square stringers across the bulkheads
on the bottom of the model, front to rear.
Complete the front of the cabin area as shown
on the plans.
Final Assembly: Carefully sand the wing
along the LE and TE and across each rib.
B-2 SpiritStealth Bomber by Ken Johnson
The author’s lifelong modeling friend Richard Baria gives us a
feel for the size of Ken’s B-2 before flight testing.
Ken launches the B-2 on its maiden flight. This model presents a
dramatic profile and planform in the air.
America’s most sophisticated bomber
makes ideal electric-powered FF sport
Scale subject
Sheet the center of the nose area top and bottom with 1⁄32 soft balsa. Fill
the open front end of the nose with 3⁄4 scrap balsa.
Install the motor and battery box/switch as shown on the plans. No
side thrust or downthrust is needed. Fill in the area around the switch
with soft 1⁄16 sheet balsa. Cut and lengthen the wires from the motor aft
to the batteries. Notice where the center of gravity (CG) is located on
the plans, and make sure your model’s CG is the same.
Add the gussets on the wing, as shown, where the elevons will
attach at the rear of the wing. Add the wingtip gussets as shown.
Build the vertical fins over the plans in the usual way. Sand and
cover them with black tissue. Cut the elevons from 1⁄64 sheet plywood,
sand them, and then lightly spray them with black paint. Cement the
small mounting triangles underneath the elevons at the center. Glue the
bottoms of these triangles to the top side of the wing TE to the position
shown.
Cover the entire model with black Japanese tissue (shiny-side up)
except the cabin area at the front, which you cover with green tissue.
Lightly spray with water from a misting spray bottle. It is important to
warp in 4- to 5° of washout (TE up) at the wingtips. It is good to use a
heat gun if you have one. If you don’t, try a hair dryer.
Adhere the tissue to the frame with full-strength nitrate dope
applied with a #4 soft brush. After water-shrinking the tissue on the
model, use a 50/50 mixture of nitrate and thinner to coat the model.
If you do not have enough washout in the wingtips, you will need
to install extra elevons at the TE of the wings to make the model fly.
Build the engine nacelles off of the plans, cover them, and cement
them to the top of the covered wings on each side. Don’t forget to add
the loop of wire (part of a large paper clip) under the fuselage, as
shown, which will be the handle for launching the model. I filled the
inside of the loop with 1⁄16 balsa sheet and cemented it to the wire.
Draw on the white panel outlines with a white Marvy Gel Excel
ballpoint pen, using a 10-inch length of 1⁄16 sheet balsa as a
straightedge.
Flying: After you have completed and covered the B-2, check the CG.
Add clay to achieve a clean, flat glide. The target weight is 95 grams
ready to fly. If your airplane turns out a bit heavy, add another battery
cell to achieve more power.
Charge the batteries using an eight-pack of D-cell flashlight
batteries. VL Products of Canoga Park, California, markets a handy
charger; call Hank Fasola at (818) 244-1702. Start with a 30-second
charge and check to see if the model is climbing. A slight right turn is
nice. I use a small amount of black modeling clay on the right wingtip
to achieve this.
Add charging time to achieve a longer, higher flight. Have good
flying with your Stealth B-2 model. MA
Ken Johnson
14551 Bledsoe St.
Sylmar CA 91342
March 2004 71
First step in construction is to pin down balsa outline pieces and
glue in first of the ribs. A flat bench is a must!
The 1⁄32-inch sheet-balsa spars are glued to the separator ribs.
Not your normal wing construction, eh?
This is a large model, with a 42-inch span. It’s not for beginners
but is a challenging second or third FF Scale project.
Photos courtesy the author
72 MODEL AVIATION
With top ribs in, bottom ribs are glued in at the front. The rear
end of these ribs will be trimmed and glued later.
Just after launch and during the climbout, the B-2 offers yet another interesting perspective.
The basic structure is shown before the dihedral is added and
the cabin area is built onto the framework.
The B-2’s completed framework, including the built-up cabin
area, has a batlike character, doesn’t it?
B-2 SpiritStealth Bomber
Type: FF electric sport Scale
Wingspan: 42 inches
Power: Motor package from Hobbico RTF Spitfire
Flying weight: 95 grams
Construction: Balsa and plywood
Covering/finish: Japanese tissue and modeling dope
March 2004 73
Full-Size Plans Available—see page 191
F u l l - S i z e P l a n s
953 USA-1 ..........................................................................................................$11.25
Multiple-award-winning CL Stunt model by Werwage spans 611/2 inches
954 B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber: ......................................................................$7.50
Electric FF model by Ken Johnson spans 42 inches
955 Electric Flash: ...........................................................................................$11.25
Electric-powered RC park flyer by Stewart spans 28 inches
No. 904 Y2K Racer: Sport Electric FF by Charles Fries spans 18 inches A
No. 905 Buhl Sport Airsedan: RC Scale model by Phillip S. Kent spans 72 inches E
No. 906 Grumman Ag-Cat: Rubber powered FF FAC Giant Scale by Rees spans 36 inches C
No. 907 Bristol Brownie: RC Scale by Robelen for geared six-volt Speed 400 spans 44 inches C
No. 910 3Quarters: RC sport model by Randolph for Norvel .074 spans 45 inches B
No. 911 P-47: RC Scale Electric model by Ryan for Speed 400 spans 31 inches C
No. 912 Simple Simone: CL trainer by Netzeband for glow .15 engine spans 36 inches B
No. 916 Piper Malibu Mirage: Rubber-powered Giant Scale by Fineman spans 431/2 inches C
No. 917 Sir Lancelot: RC sport model by Henry for O.S. .61 spans 72 inches D
No. 918 Skyraider: CL 1/2A Profile by Sarpolus for Norvel BigMig .061 spans 29 inches B
No. 925 Bird-E-Dog: Ernie Heyworth and Ed Lokken’s RC Electric Sport Scale model C
No. 926 JoeCat: RC sport jet by Beshar for Toki .18 DF unit spans 37 inches C
No. 927 Kairos: CL Stunt model by Dixon for .46-.61 engine spans 58 inches C
No. 928 Beta Blue Chip Racer: Rubber-powered FF Scale model designed by Tom Derber B
No. 929 Dewoitine D.338: Multimotor RC Electric Scale by Mikulasko spans 781/2 inches E
No. 930 Westland Lysander: RC Scale model by Baker for .25 spans 56 inches E
No. 931 1959 Ares: Champion RC Aerobatics model by Werwage spans 501/2 inches C
No. 932 Wing400: RC Electric flying wing by Hanley for Speed 400 spans 36 inches B
No. 933 Kepler 450: CL speed-limit Combat model by Edwards for .21-.32 two-stroke A
Plan does not include full-size template shown on page 40 of the August 2002 issue.
No. 934 VariEze: FF Peanut Scale canard by Heckman spans 13 inches A
No. 935 Classic 320: 1/2A Classic Power design by Pailet for Cyclon .049 or equivalent B
No. 936 Prince: RC sport Pattern model by Robelen for O.S. .25 spans 51 inches C
No. 937 Clean Cut: RC sport aerobatic model by Sarpolus spans 90 inches E
No. 938 Diamond Gem: Compressed-air-powered FF sport model by Ken Johnson B
No. 939 Project Extra: RC Scale Aerobatics model by Mike Hurley spans 106 inches **$49.50
No. 940 Cessna No.1: RC Electric Sport Scale by Papic spans 321/2 inches B
No. 941 Mooney and Beechcraft Bonanza CL 1/2A profile sport models by Rick Sarpolus B
No. 942 Zenith CH 801: FF Rubber Scale model by Fineman spans 20 inches A
No. 943 Wildman 60: Old-Time Ignition CL Stunt model by Carter spans 59 1/2 inches C
No. 944 Shoestring: Semiscale RC sport Pattern design by de Bolt spans 60 inches D
No. 945 F-86 Sabre: Semiscale CL Stunt model by Hutchinson spans 56 inches E
No. 946 Electric Zephyr: Electric RC Pylon/sport model by Smith spans 40 inches B
No. 947 Chester Special: O.S. .40-powered CL Scale model by Beatty spans 43 inches **$27.00
No. 948 Moffett Reduxl: High-performance Rubber-powered FF design by Langenberg C
No. 949 Scratch-One: Electric RC sailplane/basic trainer by Aberle spans 45 inches B
No. 950 BareCat 650-C: CL sport Stunt model by Netzeband spans 54 1/4 inches E
No. 951 Douglas O-46A: RC Sport Scale model by Baker spans 54 inches E
No. 952 Lavochkin LaGG-3: Felton’s CL Sport Scale design made from cardboard E
Full-size plan list available. A complete listing of all plans previously published
in this magazine through no. 955 may be obtained free of charge by writing
(enclose 78¢ stamped, pre-addressed #10 business-size letter envelope) Model
Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
**Special Price