3D Planes.

So, what makes a good 3D plane ?.

This is an interesting question and one that is subjective in answer, mostly due to a lack of experts.

3D flying really made it's public appearance at the 1994 TOC in Las Vagas, where Quique Somenzini used a modified 37% Godfrey Extra 300l to show the world that a plane did not need to be "on the wing" to be flying and in control.
Here is a pic of the tail of Quiqui's 97 TOC plane, a 37% Aeroworks 300l, this should give you some idea of the throw and moving proportions required.

Since then, many have built modified planes to fly in this fashion, some with a good deal of success and some not.

The only plane that I have seen that is really good at 3D with out any mods at all is the Cap-232. It is my opinion that the Elevator and the Rudder are what makes this plane a natural for 3D.

The Elevator/Horizontal Stab is quit small sqin wise for the size of the plane and also has a high ratio of moving to non moving surface, some where around 40%.
The rudder is also large and because the entire elevator is in front of it, movement is not limited by the back of the elevator getting in the way.

For basic 3D, a stock 35% Carden Cap-232 is excellent and probably the best natural 3D plane around ( non modified that I have flown, there are others but I haven't flown them ), it can do any of the basic maneuvers with ease, the Waterfall, the Elevator, the various spins etc.

Once you get past the basic's and want to fly Precision 3D, more extreme control surfaces become necessary as is lighter weight so mods become an issue.

Modified versions of planes are being done by most of the top players in the Giant scale kit business.
Pirate have mods to there Cap and Extra, maybe there 202 as well.
Carden have a lightened series of planes that should be excellent.
Aeroworks have 3D versions of the Edge-540 and the Sominzini Extra 300l is of course that way inclined.
I just received a  40% Aeroworks 202 which I had modified specifically for "Precision 3D", here's a pic that show's the tail and ailerons, it should give you some idea of the ratios needed for "Precision 3D".

It would be easy to say that a modified Cap would be the ideal 3D plane, but the problem with that is that the Cap design has a lot of pitch to the belly with rudder application.
While most of this can be mixed out, you cant mix it out at all speeds and it has a tendency to show up just when you don't want it.
How about lowering the stab and raising the wing ?...Well that would help but it would also take a way the essence that is "Cap".

So, what to do ??..Modify a more neutral design..

The 300l has proved very capable in modified from, the 300s less so.
The 202 ?, I don't know yet as no one that I know of has done a full blown 3D version and mine hasn't flown yet.

To be continued.......

Branwell McClory
06-08-98