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Old 05-21-2008 | 10:07 PM
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victorzamora
 
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From: Greenville, SC
Default RE: Plane Specifications

I'm not sure what you're asking...but I think I get it. I'll just cover every one, regardless of what I think should be obvious:

-wingspan: the distance between the point farthest to the left of the wing and the point farthest to the right of the wing.
-wing area: the total amount of area, normally in square inches, of the wing, as seen from the top (or bottom).
-weight: what the model weighs
-wing loading: the weight of the plane divided by the wing area, normally in ounces per square foot. Foamies get as low as 5oz/ft2. Warbirds can get up to 30oz/ft2. A good sport model will normally be between 18 and 23 oz/ft2.
-wing incidence: the angle of the wing relative the centerline of the plane. 0* means it's perfectly even, this is generally found on aerobatic planes
-stab incidence: the angle of the horizontal stabilizer (the elevator and what it's hooked up to) relative the centerline of the plane. 0* is common for aerobatic planes.
-engine: is the angle of the thrustline relative to the centerline of the plane. 1.5* down and 2* right is very usual. It's used to counteract a plane's natural tendency to yaw and roll to the left with power added and to climb with added power.
-Center of gravity: the point at which the entire object can be represented. Forces acting upon the whole plane can be simplified by treating them as if they were acting upon just that point. It's the balance point of the airplane, so if you hold it at that point...the plane should be even. The CG is critical because it determines where the force of lift created by the wing is acting upon, and if it's not within a specific range, the plane can fly poorly because of it. A forward CG is for more forgiving flight...up to a certain point, while a more rearward CG is for better 3D flying...up to a certain point.
-control throws: the amount each control surface should move from its neutral point (straight with the wing) under certain circumstances. 3D planes, because they're stalled so often, need huge amounts of throw to maintain control. Faster planes need less amounts of control. The more throws, the more sensitive, but the harder it is to control.

I don't know if that's what you wanted...but that's what you got. I'm tired, but please ask me if you didn't get something or tell me if I didn't actually answer what you were asking.