The Inside Loop - 2010/12
Little by little I’m learning the history of the elements that make model aircraft work. For instance, I don’t know who invented the gyro, but I do remember my week at Space Camp (don’t laugh), where I sat in a contraption and spun in every direction until my eyes and my lunch popped out.
Not knowing or remembering how a device came to be doesn’t mean it’s not appreciated. I do know that the lessons learned from that multi-axis trainer helped create the elements that make helicopters work so well today. You’ll find out in this issue of MA just how much they can help aircraft, too.
This isn’t to say we should totally rely on technology to do our bidding. For goodness’ sake, doing such a thing has tremendous backlash potential.
Just look at what happened to the inventor of the Segway, Jimi Heselden—he died while riding his gyro-stuffed transportation system. It’s true; look it up! I don’t own one, but I think the Segway is amazing—especially the off-road version that a friend of mine, John Zankl, lets me try now and then.
Where one gyro in a helicopter was good, today three gyros working together are exponentially better. Take a look at our coverage of the IRCHA Jamboree by Mark Fadely. Of note is not just how many electric helicopters there are compared with engine-powered variants, but also that the whirring mechanics have lost a lot of parts.
Flybarless systems are all the rage and poised to dominate the world of RC helicopters. Of course, this means the expense of our giant weed whackers increases a little—for a time.
Aside from that negative, the positives include:
- Easier-to-fly machines (yes, a little learning is involved to understand the technology).
- More powerful machines because mechanical drag is lowered.
- Longer flight times for the same reason.
- Improved capability for pilots to perform more aggressive aerobatics.
This forward leap reminds me of a discussion not that long ago about foamies (loose talk, not in print), which at the time were a sacred break in the tradition of model building. After putting my tube of Ambroid down and building one, it became very clear to me how a lighter wing loading, high power-to-weight ratio, and giant control surfaces could enhance my appreciation for aeromodeling.
However, if tradition is more your thing (not that that’s at all bad), I’d like to thank my Sensei Guru of RC sport, Dick Sarpolus, for his simply beautiful G-FAST giant-scale construction project. As Dick mentions in his article, it’s all about having fun!
It’s fun that he has, and the giant Moki 1.80 cu. in. glow engine stuffed into the front end of his G-FAST helps. That engine is literally bulletproof in the sport arena and the least expensive glow-fuel-burning engine of its type. It will run on anything, but it really likes 0% nitro fuel.
The high-aspect-ratio wing of the G-FAST has me appreciating the lines of the model most. As with the Q-40 racers flown in AMA and FAI competition, which have a similar slick look, the G-FAST can really scoot yet slow to a crawl for landing.
Have a close look at the wing construction method used for this design. MA Editor Emeritus Bob Hunt pioneered the Lost Foam technique, and our look at it is merely a hint of how brilliant a marriage of foam and wood can be.
If you really want to impress your friends at the flying field, make dead-straight takeoffs and landings against a crosswind. Did you feel that? The entire aeromodeling community shuddered at the thought of such an accomplishment.
The pilot skill set required for such a feat is equal to a doctorate-level degree. Thanks to Ben Lanterman; he has an idea that will help you hone that skill set with an in-house clue.
Ben’s trick includes melding his experience learning to fly a helicopter with the needs of becoming a better airplane pilot. It is possible. I’m going to go try it now.
Have fun; go fly!
MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
