Category Archives: Experimental

High Performance Squirrel Model Airplane

April 16, 2006Experimental, GalleryOndrej MitasDarcy

Andy sent me this note on his Squirrel made from condenser paper and other more high performance materials.

Darcy, at last I got around to building the Squirrel. I did some things differently so it took me a little longer; still amazing airplane for the time investment.

I was getting ready to draw a plan, when I realized that a single-letter size sheet wouldn’t be enough, as the wingspan is 12 inches. How inconvenient… you’re right… very little would be gained from having a plan. Glad to see the video on your site. I hope lots of the Small flying Arts guys watch it & build squirrels.

OK, here’s what I did differently – I wanted a Squirrel for the living room. I used the Ikara 6″ (“butterfly”) prop, hanger, and hook. I cut the top off the prop hanger so I could glue it at a steep angle for lots of sidethrust. I used 1/16 sq for all flying surfaces. 3/32 x 3/16, very hard, for the fuselage stick, tapered to 0 over the last 2 inches. I used vegi-bag plastic instead of tissue for covering, it’s lighter (cannot be cut w/scissors). No wing seat on the fuselage, instead the wing rides on 3″ x 1/16 sq piece, slightly off center against torque, taped to the motorstick so wing position can still be adjusted. Otherwise it’s just your Squirrel.

Weight is 2.5 grams.

enjoy,
Ondrej “Andy” Mitas
art, music, airplanes

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Science Olympiad

October 5, 2005Education, Experimental, Gallery, SightingFred Tellier, Kids, Science OlympiadDarcy

Squirrel Spotted at the Science Olympiad in 2005.

This picture was sent in by Fred Tellier. I took this picture of an enlarged squirrel used as a Wright Stuff model at the Michigan State Science Olympiad.

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Building a model airplane in a pub

June 4, 2005Experimental, Gallery, OutreachDarcy

Kathryn Allebone and I were able to prove that the Squirrel is easy enough to put together in a pub. No mess and no damage to tables because the only tools you need are scissors. Staff didn’t mind and look what nice Squirrels we came up with!

Kathryn is going to be sharing the Squirrel design with her church. I’m looking forward to pictures and flying reports from that!

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McNabb Community Center Testing

March 4, 2005Chronology, Experimental, Gallery, OutreachDarcy

I rented McNabb Community Center a few times for testing.

I would invite people to come (without charge).

With the drop-in style activity I was able to focus more on further testing and prototyping.

I made an interesting discovery which I have not published yet. I will publish it some day.

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Crafts for alzheimer’s patients

August 4, 2004Chronology, Experimental, GalleryDon RossDarcy

Back in 2004, I used the Don Ross Canarsie Canarie design for some of my workshops.

I was able to get a volunteer team together and conduct workshops in alzheimer wards and such. We would give two choices: To join the model airplane activity or a singing activity.

We had a lot of fun. Here are a few shots.