Squirrel Design Choices. Why is the Squirrel a Better Model Airplane?
Extensive research and testing has created this highly improved free-flight model. It's the best flyer in its class, yet it's so simple! Powered by an elastic band it's safe and fun! It is such an excellent flight performer, so is loved by expert flyers as well. The best choice for classrooms, Cub Scouts and just plain fun!
What's so special about the Squirrel free flight model? Here are some of the differences with explanations. I'm sure that existing free flight and model airplane enthusiasts will appreciate these innovations.
- In order to remove the need for music wire, wire cutting, bending and
fastening, the traditional wire hook for the
rear motor hanger has been dropped. A toothpick is used instead. This works
extremely well and serves as an anti thermal device since the elastic drops when
unwound.
Leading Edge Only (LEO) for stabilizers. This simplifies construction drastically and forms a rear bumper. When the plane hits the wall or the dog and falls, the rear stabilizers don't break because the rear motor stick hits the floor before the stabilizers. (Photo's courtesy of Rolf Christophersen, Germany).
- Dihedral and polyhedral were dropped in favour of winglets. This system is remarkably easy to assemble and is surprisingly robust because the tissue paper enforces the winglets. A dab of hobby or white glue and the winglets can be glued while other work is in progress. The winglet joints are not exposed to lift stress and the right angle is easy to set.
- Build Onto Tissue (BOT) consolidates steps. This idea was borrowed from the famous AMA Cub design by Frank Ehling in 1967. (AKA AMA Racer, MAAC Cub). The Squirrel is simplified a step further by using only right angles so that no printed plan is needed. It takes about 1/3 or 1/4 the time to build a Squirrel.
- All parts cut out of 3x36" sheet evenly with no waste. All parts are straight so cutting is fast and easy. Workshop preparation is trivial. No cutting is required during workshops because all parts are easily pre-cut. No cork board, wax paper, pins, knives, pliers or other traditional building tools are needed.
- It is very stable and looks very unusual when its flying because of the strange winglets. It has proven to be a show stopper.
- With its removable wing it is not only adjustable but several can fit in a shoebox. This increases the survival rate of the model amongst children and pets.
- The wing is covered on the bottom to speed construction. The leading edge therefore acts as a turbulator and appears to increase the efficiency.
Young child demonstrates Squirrel. - The use of a glue stick as well as white craft glue speeds construction considerably without adding any toxic chemicals. Also the glue stick doesn't add water to the leading and trailing edges (like white glue) and it is less prone to warping and does not need to be pinned to a building surface!
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