Originally Posted by
combatpigg
What's the purpose of this event if ARFs are allowed in any way, shape or form..?
I would assume that a video build log would be required to authenticate the entries.
That said, in the hands of the best pilot the race can be won with the slowest model...so I do not understand what is learned from this as an engineering exercise...?
We have not disallowed them previously because the rules were written as such that an arf or off the shelf plane would not be the best solution. This last year was the first time an arf could have been competitive. I fly for both OSU teams so they have an equal footing for pilot. Both of the OSU teams beat the Q500 plane we put together for comparison. I flew all 3 planes and all 3 had the same engine. We have not set the rules for next year yet but I am sure that next year's payload and rules will make it very hard for an off the shelf plane. A couple years ago a team showed up with an off the shelf plane and they got beat handily by purpose designed planes.