Fike Peanut
With a duration of 60 to 75 seconds indoors, this model has about 10 more square inches of wing area than the popular Lacey. For those who scream "Ban the Lacey" or want to build and fly WW-2 fighter planes for peanut scale ships, you might as well go on to the next article, cause you ain't gonna like the Fike Model "E". For those who want to "Beat the Lacey," please stay tuned to this article, because the Fike is the most likely candidate capable of the task. This super-low aspect ratio homebuilt, monowing lightplane is the brainchild of Wm. J. Fike who resides in Anchorage, Alaska. Mr. Fike is a retired airline pilot whose theory is that thin sectioned, lightly loaded, low aspect ratio wings are desirable features for climbing above mountain ranges, prevalent in Alaska. In actual practice this proved to be true, and other benefits accrued, such as increased cruising speed and range due to less drag of the unbraced wing, along with improved landing characteristics.
Roll Out
WHEN YOU BRING to mind that hand-launch gliders were used as test beds for the first flying machines as long ago as Leonardo da Vinci, and that thousands upon thousands of designs have been flown since, it is difficult to convince yourself that there is much new in layouts that have not already been tried. However, if contest results are any indication of a good performing hand launch, then Roll-Out has in its two-year development period established an enviable record. It has rarely failed to finish in the money and has been outright winner in about 50% of all meets entered.
How to: Mold Filament-Reinforced Props
USING PROCEDURES developed by serious Control Line and Free Flight fliers, this is a description of how to make reinforced plastic propellers using a split mold. This procedure has been refined in recent years to the point where consistent, reliable results can be produced without great difficulty. A propeller with tip-to-tip fiberglass and/or carbon fiber (hereinafter referred to as FG/CF) rovings or tows is almost a necessity if you are using one of the high-revving, Schnuerle-ported engines turning at a speed approaching or in excess of 28,000 rpm. It is important to maintain both the blade pitch (for efficiency) and structural integrity (for safety). Even at lower rpm, the forces on a blade of some propellers-in both outward and twisting directions-can cause blade shedding, failure usually occurring in the hub area; this can endanger the operator and others within a 30-ft. radius.
