I’m working on a collection of projects but one that seems to be surfacing is this flying banner project. The working name is “Voice”.

I have a working model without the intended tail. I am very pleased with its flying characteristics. I did a couple of test flights in a constrained area then damaged it (I didn’t glue it properly or wait for it to dry). But it’s pretty clear this thing has roll and pitch stability.

The next experiment will be a 12×24″ (30x60cm) version.

I felt that reflex was tricky so I did something different (that I’ve been thinking about for a while). I raised the first 2.5 inches of the leading edge. Sort of like the opposite of reflex. My friend Michael suggested I call it “Preflex”. I like it.

There is a small collection of issues to work out but I’m excited about this project.

Rubber-power is a great way to power small planes. If you just use the elastic band as-is, it will work great. But if you want to get some really far out flights you can lubricate the rubber band.

There are a variety of materials that work for this. I have been giving it as prizes to kids and I have prepared another batch.

I think this is a great way to reward kids that attend model airplane workshops.

Balsa is tricky business.

It varies in weight and structural characteristics. Also the wood can be warped or even brittle. Sometimes it’s so dense you can’t cut it. Sometimes it’s lighter than foam and if you bend it, it shatters like glass.

Balsa companies cut it with varying degrees of precision. They cut with different grain orientations.

I’m am exploring some other materials to be used in conjunction with balsa or to replace balsa.

They include paper, foam, depron, tissue, cedar and other woods. I’m looking at some plastics as well.

I’ll be sharing my adventures with materials here. Stay tuned!

I was just cruising around the internet and came across this interesting plane. It grabbed my attention because it has Squirrel winglets on it. 🙂