Hello:

Can anyone help me to find a way to construct a rubber powered airplane to get a far distance!
I have been using balsa sticks for the wing and balsa sheet for the elevator and rudder. How can i improve it?

WOW I havent delt with this one since the Sixtys. use st5icks tor the tail fethers and cover with tissew. don,t use dope to titen use light spra of distilled water let dry the light coat of hair spay. the less waight the better.

You know what?

The thing is that this is the first time I am doing this. I had never had any experience building something like an airplane. I don't even know if it is going to take off the ground, but well, I'll try!

If I can ask why are you doing this?

I am taking an intro to engineering class, and we have to build the airplane as a final project for grading. Also, we will have a competition between the different teams, so that is my reason though i am kind of enjoying doing it for i had not done something similar!

How far have yu gotten? Do you have plans or is it your own design?

Here is a link for tissue that is not bad.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_21...tm.htm#2149101

As you know it needs to be lite. It also needs good flying characteristics. I don't think you can get this from sheet balsa without excessive weight.

Well, I have not got any special plans. I bought a rubber airplane from the internet, and it is made only of balsa wood. I am trying to follow the same patterns, but slightly different since i am using the balsa sticks and the tissue paper for the wings.

Tell me something, if I have covered the wing with tissue, can I still spray wiht water, or does it need to be done first?

You will want to wet the tissue paper first and then glue it on. As it dries it will shrink.

Aside from airframe tuning, a simple power plant "tweak" is to lubricate the rubber band with castor oil -- it lets you pack in many more turns than you can with an unlubricated rubber band. More turns = more fuel. Also, lubricate the prop shaft bearing with light oil.

Hello:

I really do not understand how to wet the tissue and then paste it. Will the glue adhere to the wet paper, or do i have to let it dry to be able to use the glue to paste it?

I have bought a lubricant called Armor All for the rubber band, is it ok?

How does the size of the rubber band affect the number of turns, well I know it can't be too small, but does it have to be tight when I put it on the hooks, or doesn't it?