I'm always looking for a unique build idea and came across an article/pictures in the 1982 Model Aviation magazine. Shown are pictures of an "Ascender." It is mentioned that the name is a play on words for "A** Ender" resulting from the pusher design. The two pictures show Don Lowe before a test flight and I assume Ron Van Putte in the bottom picture. I checked Model Airplane News plans and didn't find it. Just curious if anyone knows of the plane. Is it worth a build? Are plans available?

Curtiss did it first. Here is their XP-55 Ascender. This is where the "A** Ender" nickname started, or so the story goes.

Unfortunatly, I dont know anything about it, but I like it. I bet it would really draw a crowd at a flyin. I hope you can find the info you need to build it. If so please share what info you find and definatly some pictures.

There are a set of plans for the XP-55 out there for free download on one of the sites, but I could not find it for you right now. I have them stored if you want them. I had them printed up and they look interesting. Not a complete set of plans for a model, but do leave a lot for the builders discretion. Much better than a 3-view drawing though. Has the ribs and fuse formers drawn nicely. It is on my list of things to build someday. I haven't seen the one in your article, but it looks like a neat build.

-Will

there is currently a build on this plane over on rcscalebuilder.com in the scratch build section. i beleave he will offer a fiberglass fuse when its finished and flown