I have been a little curious about this for a while. I'm hoping to understand this better. Can you help me out?

I am a former "quasi" professional classical musician. In music history, there are different genres. They all get lumped into the term "classical," and it is accepted by most musicians. For example, there is the Baroque genre, the Classical genre, the Romantic genre, etc. But we mostly lump it all as "classical" music. I am finding the same thing happening here.

Now, I am 34 years old, and I came into RC in 1994. This was on the tail end of what we refer to as "Classic" Pattern. Unfortunately, I did not discover classic pattern until the last few years, and just started to pursue this.

I have heard these terms bantered around, and I'm wondering if I understand them properly.

Here we go:

Classical Pattern (SPA)-

These are aircraft such as the Ugly Stick, Kaos, and previous models. Digital Proportion radios are just entering the market. Aircraft are designed to operate with stability using 2 or 3 channels operated on clicker switches, etc. Tricycle configuration is standard.

Classic Pattern (SPA)-
These aircraft are beginning to be designed with proportional radios in mind. Single stick and two gimbaled radios are coming into their norm with reliability. Engines are primarily baffled, but reliable. Auxiliary channels are starting to be used for retracts. Retracts are starting to be utilized. Examples of there aircraft are the Taurus, Cold Duck, Super Kaos, etc. Tricycle configuration is standard.

Ballistic Pattern-

Engines have become reliable and powerful. Porting has transitioned to Schnurel Porting, and the baffled piston has mostly disappeared from the market (the Pattern Competition Market). Radio Transmitters are switching to standard 72mgz and retracts are becoming a standard feature. Engines are using tuned pipes toward the end of this era. Fuel pumps are being used. Long drawn-out aileron maneuvers are becoming popular, and the knife-edge maneuvers are used competitively. Rolling Circles Baby!!!! Tricycle configuration is normal, tail draggers enter the scene.

2M-
I am mostly lost here. I have observed that retracts are common. The designs have become long, and four cycles have gained popularity, and pumped engines are being designed as factory install. YS and O.S. have really dominated the competition scene. Aircraft are becoming VERY expensive. The common flyer is essentially being pushed out of this end of the hobby because of costs.

1996- New Pattern design. Costs have quadrupled. Designs have eliminated retracts. Tail dragger configuration is the norm.


Please correct me where I am wrong. But I think this is what I’ve learned so far.

Brian