Hey Patty,I was wondering if there is anyway to get the correct power to weight in any full size aerobatic plane for the Radio controlled aerobatics known as 3D? I'm just a model airplane guy that does 3d and precision aerobatics.

I remember watching you fly way back in the Leo Loudenslager days at Sussex Airport in NJ. You were both so awesome! Leo was way ahead of the times for aerobatics.

Thanks,
Frank

• RE: 3D aerobatics,Patty_Wagstaff, 20:47z, 08-09-07

Hi Frank

The closest airplane designed for possible 3D akro was Leo Loudenslager's Shark, which is now hanging - unfortunately not flying - in the EAA Museum at Oshkosh. They do a nice job with the exhibit showing that the control surfaces, in particular the rudder and elevator, move to an almost 90 degree deflection. The airplane is super light and Leo used the best and latest technology he could find when designing it. Unfortunately Leo has passed away and the airplane probably won't be flying anytime soon, if ever.

The rest of us struggle with higher power to weight, which along with limited movement of the control surfaces, make it impossible to do the real 3D stuff you are talking about. All necessary of course, given the technology, but someday there will be another leap forward.

Leo used to study the RC modelers so I am sure he got a lot of his ideas and inspiration from them when designing the Shark.

Best,
Patty