Bump, just as a point of contact:

Triggered by a [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9961187/tm.htm]thread about trimming[/link] in the Aerodynamics forum, I revisited my Brushfire simulator models. Recently, someone had posted a high-resolution plan where all specifications are readable, especially rudder throws. Apart from trying Triangulation Trimming (to no avail for this model), I tried the setup and trim exactly as recommended in the plan and in the build article.

What I noticed only now is the flap setup. It's not at all mentioned in the build articles. The plan shows a flap mixer (a piece of hardware in the late 1970s) in the fuselage. The flaps are beveled for up and down deflection and recommended throw is ±1/2" at T.E. (± meaning up and down) what is only 11.5 degrees. So while I had thought the flaps are intended to give a stable trim and moderate pitch attitude for landing, they really seem to be intended as snap-flaps only.

I'm surprised not by the fact that snap-flaps have been used even in the late 1970s, but by keeping that secret in the articles describing the Brushfire. Was it common to use snap-flaps but kind of a business secret for competition pilots? Or was it just natural for someone interested in a competition model like Brushfire? Seems I'm a bit slow on that, but after all Brushfire had several features not yet common back then.

Maybe an expert here can explain this conundrum or even Ken Bonnema could be so kind again and fill us in on that.

Happy New Year to all!

P.S.: For those owning the Reflex flight simulator, look [link=http://time.fh-augsburg.de/~erd/Modellflug/textDownloads.shtml#Brushfire]here[/link] to download the model.