There are combat planes that look nothing like the ripper. A ripper is a high dollar aircraft that that is at the top end of the quality and performance chart. Now remember that these things will most likely end up deep in the dirt when the contest gets a little wild. For a newbie there might be a more economical aircraft. First I'd suggest .15 SSC ClassA airplanes. Slower, more maneuverable and it costs a lot less. You can get more “pilots” in the air due to minimum investment. The contest is just as rewarding as open class “B”. (And you have a lot more time to think)