The Fi-156 Fieseler Storch began in 1935 as Gerhard Fieseler’s answer to a German air ministry specification for a general purpose airplane that could take off...
Aviation Week Magazine reported that Russian researchers have flight-tested the SibNIA TVS-2MS, a short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) biplane that uses distributed electric propulsion on its lower wing. The...
This novel wing-building method combines the advantages of foam-core and built-up construction. The root end has a foam-core filling between the spars, and it’s sheeted like...
An old shipwright’s trick: if your plane’s wing or tail tips are made of balsa segments, drill through them as shown, then insert glue-coated toothpicks and...
Hypersonic flight is said to occur between Mach 5 and Mach 10. What engineering constraints do designers of these vehicles face? Electronic components for hypersonic weapons...
As reported June 14 by Guy Norris on Aviationweek.com, the unducted, open fan engine is making progress in the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program....
AviationWeek.com reported that Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles Lindbergh, hopes to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his grandfather’s historic solo transatlantic flight in 2027, crossing the...
If your plane is caught in a sudden shower, an open cockpit might fill with water. A similar risk exists from floatplane spray. To minimize that...
This tip will work well on smaller models, but larger airplanes may need more drastic treatment. Perforate the trailing edge and leading-edge members with a pin,...
Sources of turbulence are varied and include sudden changes in wind direction, wind shear, atmospheric temperature/humidity changes, and air flow disruption caused by mountain ranges. As...
Cut a narrow flange out of thin plywood (A), glue it around the inside edge of the cockpit opening, then glue the canopy or windshield (B)...
Triangle stock is more expensive than square stock, but you can cut your own triangle stock using this simple jig. Glue two triangular balsa “guides,” to...