Not a bad question at all. [sm=thumbup.gif] I can think of a few reasons why this hasnt occured yet in R/C. Mainly, this equipment would not come cheap enough for a modeler to install on all of his/her planes (or even one for that matter). Though it would most liklely be small, the on-board equipment would add unecessary weight to the model. The airspeed indicator for the pilot would probably be mounted on/near the transmitter, and they would have to take their eyes off of their model to check the speed. Being a full-scale pilot as well, its fairly simple when seated in the cockpit to look down and glance your airspeed, as it should be when doing the 6 main instrument scan. Translated to model, taking your eyes off your plane is usually not a good idea!

Another strong reason is the pure unnecessity of this. I cant really think of any good reasons to know the precise airspeed of my models, except for when landing to make sure not too stall (and you definitely wouldnt want to be taking your eyes of your plane then!), and the scale modelers may want to know if their model is flying at a "scale" speed if in a contest. Other than that, I think the vast majority of modelers would agree that, while this would be cool, its completely not needed. To check your stall speed, we just practice taking a model high up and slowing it down to its stall and get an idea of what it "looks" like when flying right above the models stall speed.


"(I'm also wondering if the guys who build models of airliners install servos that make their flight crews walk around with "On Strike" signs after every fifth landing. Now THAT would be true scale!) "

Only if it were a model of an Air France airliner...

Hope this helps! [8D]