With the design of pattern planes being to alleviate any coupling between controls, I was wondering why manufacturers haven't taken steps seen in other areas of r/c aircraft, especially competition sailplanes.

Obviously, pattern airfoils aren't as design critical as a sailplane's, but a couple features I'd like to see are integrated aileron hinges in the upper wing skin, along with wipers installed on the bottom of the ailerons/stabs. This would totally eliminate control surface gaps and provide much cleaner airflow over the wings/stabs. Of course, this probably would mean composite hollow-molded wing panels.

The sailplane guys can get a top-notch molded open class plane (12'+ span) for $1000-1500 which is in the realm of a lot of the current pattern planes. A lot of these come from Eastern European shops that had to find alternative production outlets for their CNC machines. I'd think that there's at least as much F3A interest in Europe as here in the US, so why aren't we seeing a techno bleedover into pattern?

Any comments from anybody / manufacturers?

There are composite wings available on pattern aircraft with surface hinged control surfaces. The Composite ARF Impact is an example. It doesn't have wipers on the bottom. I added them to mine just in time to see the fuse break in half. But that's another thread (or two....)

Thanks for the info, Bill. I hadn't seen any done that way, so was wondering why not. Guess I need to get out more!

I think that is a great observation, and I believe that it is coming. In fact it is occurring right now. Manufacturers are automating their process because 1) Consumers no longer want to build, paint, and cover a kit, and 2) it is too expensive and time consuming for manufactures to handcraft a ready-to-fly pattern plane. One indication that this will be the future is what you already mentioned. Perhaps nobody would consider scratch building a wooden competition F3F plane. The molded ones from europe far exceed anything an amateur builder could produce. Other indications are currently available, ready to fly pattern planes such as Angel's Shadow and the Abbra. ZNline tried a 3d version of the Synergy I think. PL is almost there with their Onyx. They just need to provide a pre-painted version for less than $2k.

For the same reason nobody designs and builds their own Ford pickup truck, or their own grand piano, I predict that kits will become a thing of the past. It may take five or 10 more years, but for almost all areas of R/C, not just pattern, kits will vanish. At most the consumer will assemble, as in helicopter kits, but construction kits will vanish. 30 years ago there was no such thing as an ARF. Now it is difficult to find a kit that is not already constructed. Likewise, it is becoming difficult to find basic pattern kits that require DIY sheeting.

I think this evolution is a good thing. No longer will you need to invest in specialized tools or flat building surfaces, or concern yourself over the hazards of painting in your garage. Personally, I enjoy building and painting, but I plan to never build or finish another pattern plane again. It is just too time consuming, and there are much better and important things in life to fill the time I spend building.

David

I hope not, I enjoy building and would miss it. Plus not everyone can afford the cost of a full blown ARF pattern plane (I know I can't, I plan to get the kit version of the Genesis, I can't afford the ARF)

As for the original question, you may well see more planes with such sealed hinge lines come out over the next few years.