In 2000 the first QFI magazine article I ready was one by Mark Passingham on making your own F3F model. Although my first attempt fell well short, the seed was sewn.
The original RG15 shape may have been lost in the sanding and the wing joiner stretched to a 45cm monster but the result has delivered a remarkable wing and the DF01 (Dam Fast 01) section.
An early prototype model and mold.
The broad wing cord gives the Merlin a large ‘belly’ to point into the lift energy, whilst the model’s easy handling is maintained by the aggressive wing tips- designed to take full advantage of Schumann efficiencies. The Wing’s cord is tucked away behind an ultra low incidence- ensuring she goes just where you point her in all conditions- the Merlin is a model I have flown on the most extreme on days.
The Next Chapter -Harrier and Falcon
It could have been
the hours of lockdown but 2020 made me think about what I want out of a
model. Zhou and I set ourselves the
challenge of producing 2 new models of top quality construction, including a
step up in performance to match the developments of 10 years. The emphasis of the models would be focused
much more on fun than many other models available. The CAD work was again done with Mike Francis, who has helped to share my design philosophy of practical performance and manages to turn my sketches and notes into the stunningly crisp molds being used.
Like many pilots I
do much more flying to have fun than to race but when there are other pilots on
the hill-it’s quite nice to have the model that’s flying the best. Design, construction and the ambitions of my
manufacturing partner have moved on massively over the 10 years he has been
making models. This has given the new
models some significant advances and the end result have been a revelation to
me.
By having a model
that you enjoy flying, you will fly it more and you’ll fly it better. By designing a model with a forgiving
planform and large controls, a model will have the capacity for being thrown
around as well as a large speed range that can be exploited with confidence.
The performance
envelope of both the Harrier and Falcon models has been made deliberately
wide. From a light thermalling day to
flying in the most ballistic conditions, our aim was to make the model your
best option.
The Falcon was a
model that I immediately had a connection with. I love 100 inch models, it’s a model size
I’ve always flown, the Falcon has proven to be the most fun model I can
remember flying. The broad wing has a
real turn of pace combined with the wing area to be forgiving. The Falcon’s strength and stability was
proven to me very early on. I cannot
think of conditions where I would stand on a hill and not be happy to fly the
Falcon.
When I have raced
the Falcon it has proved to be a consistent performer, it’s balanced nature has
allowed me to experiment with a number of different set ups and styles. Although smaller than many of the other
models it has been a great demonstration that knowing your model counts for a
great deal.
Racing performance- the Saker
In 2021 I decided to
produce a model focussed more on racing and to introduce some additional
innovations to the design- The Idea for the Saker was born. A 3m semi elliptical wing is by no means a
radical wing shape. I am a firm believer
in the mechanical strength provided by a slightly larger fuselage and having a
model that s easy to build and is robust, keeps you flying more often.
The sculpting of Air flow inducers to shape the airflow over the fuselage’s profile is aimed to actively control the airflow. This gives the effect of reducing drag and increased lateral stability- not a bad combination.
In the air the Saker has
lived up to the aims of the design, easy to fly and fly fast. With an improved wing lay up giving better
handling the Saker has been more than I hoped for. After a year in production the Saker has proven itself to be more than competitive in F3F races. Producing a truly competitive race model whilst maintaining my philosophy towards design has been a dream achieved and watching my designs winning rounds is one of the best feelings in flying.
Fantastic read - thank you! Very inspiring and an absolute credit to Zhou's work! My next model might have to be a Willow 2 or a Harrier! ������
ReplyDeleteVery enthusiastic comments from the designer! I expect to receive my Harrier soon to experience first hand the flight of this bird. I will be sending some pictures to share with you all.
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