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While working up my recent XB-70 rocket glider project, I revisited a related full scale project that was designed and reached a full scale mockup before being cancelled. The was the North American XF-108 Rapier, intended to be a long range Mach 3 escort fighter for the B-70. As it became clear the XB-70 would never be produced in quantity as a bomber, there was no need for the Rapier.
I had always wanted to do a profile electric pusher prop jet RC model of the attractive XF-108 Rapier and finally go around to doing it, with the added incentive of being able to launch it on reloadable E6 power. I found a suitable three view and tile printed it to the size needed.
I am on a planned run of five profile Depron RC rocket gliders and this is number four. After this one is complete, the last one of the batch will be the Boeing 2707-200 swing wing SST.
Here is a peek at the Rapier that I knocked up today. Size is based on Frank's well proven formula. I had cut the vertical tail and ventral fins last week. The wing and fuse were cut today and assembled this afternoon.
I think it has lots of promise to be an excellent performer with a lot of wing area and generous vertical surface area.
I like to use a flat 1mmx6mm carbon spar in a lot of my 6mm Depron RC models (and as a reinforcement in model foam RC models) as it is easier to install than a tube. Just slice the 6mm Depron wing parts where you need a spar and laminate the parts back together with the carbon strip in between.
Got a lot done today as it was fairly windy, our DARS launch/contest was cancelled and my normal RC field is under two feet of water.
It is ready for panel lines, vinyl markings and the radio gear.
Now have two and very soon three new RC rocket gliders to maiden... If we ever get to have a launch in a North Texas again!
I had always wanted to do a profile electric pusher prop jet RC model of the attractive XF-108 Rapier and finally go around to doing it, with the added incentive of being able to launch it on reloadable E6 power. I found a suitable three view and tile printed it to the size needed.
I am on a planned run of five profile Depron RC rocket gliders and this is number four. After this one is complete, the last one of the batch will be the Boeing 2707-200 swing wing SST.
Here is a peek at the Rapier that I knocked up today. Size is based on Frank's well proven formula. I had cut the vertical tail and ventral fins last week. The wing and fuse were cut today and assembled this afternoon.
I think it has lots of promise to be an excellent performer with a lot of wing area and generous vertical surface area.
I like to use a flat 1mmx6mm carbon spar in a lot of my 6mm Depron RC models (and as a reinforcement in model foam RC models) as it is easier to install than a tube. Just slice the 6mm Depron wing parts where you need a spar and laminate the parts back together with the carbon strip in between.
Got a lot done today as it was fairly windy, our DARS launch/contest was cancelled and my normal RC field is under two feet of water.
It is ready for panel lines, vinyl markings and the radio gear.
Now have two and very soon three new RC rocket gliders to maiden... If we ever get to have a launch in a North Texas again!
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