Model Aircraft Aerodynamics

Presents standard aerodynamic theory, as applied to model flight, in a concise and practical form. An excellent introduction to aerodynamics not only for model flying enthusiasts but also for those concerned with full-scale light and ultralight aircraft and sailplanes, remotely piloted surveillance and research aircraft, wind surfers and land yachts, and the designers of wind turbines. Revised and updated to reflect significant developments in model aircraft. 4th ed. Sftbd., 7 1/2" x 9 1/4", 344 pgs., 306 b&w ill.

A comprehensive guide to designing radio control model airplanes. Andy Lennon presents a thorough and comprehensive introduction to the intriguing world of model aerodynamics. Whatever your modeling background, this book will be a valuable reference source in your R/C library and will never be outdated. Fully illustrated.

Build and fly your very own model airplane design. Using clear explanations, you will learn about important design trade-offs and how to choose among them. The latest research and techniques are discussed using easy to understand language. You will discover: The special challenges faced by the smaller models and how to overcome them. How to choose the right material for each part of the airplane. Easy rules for selecting the right power system, gas or electric. When it makes sense to use one of the innovative KFm airfoils. Pros and cons of canard and multi-wing configurations. A step-by-step design process that includes goal setting and flight testing. In-depth discussions of important topics like airfoils and wing design. The sources of air drag and how to minimize their impact. ADVANCE PRAISE "This book is a joy to read! The writing style and wit add dimension in a way that is rarely found in today's reference materials. If someone has considered designing their own airplane and been put off because of complicated formulas, vocabulary and reference style that would bore even an engineer, this will convince them to go ahead and try it. Written with real people in mind and not engineers - and I mean that in a good way. This is a book that will reside along the other favorites on my bookshelf. Carlos really managed to produce a book that will last a long time and become one of the standards for modelers." - Greg Gimlick, Electrics columnist, Model Aviation magazine "RCAdvisor's Model Airplane Design Made Easy is the ultimate model airplane design book for both beginning and experienced modelers." - Richard Kline, Inventor, KFm airfoils "RCadvisor's Model Airplane Design Made Easy is a real contribution to the world's literature on the subject. It provides an excellent bridge between full scale aviation and aeromodeling, showing the relationship between the two, for better understanding of the differences and similarities which should be applied for good model performance. While thorough in detail, the book is also easily readable so that the information is simple to understand. It is a very good combination of theory and practical application. Nicely illustrated, the book is also full of common sense explanations and references to other sources of information." - John Worth, former President and Executive Director of the AMA "Carlos Reyes personably leads the reader through some basic aerodynamics, materials considerations, electric power system planning and a practical application of theory as it is applied to a finished flying model. The background history of various types of aircraft shows the development of aviation and how it relates to the models that we build and fly today, as well as how models have influenced general aviation. It is always exciting to find some 'new to me' concepts and theories, and there were several in this well-written narrative." - Ken Myers, Editor, Ampeer electric flight newsletter "No matter how long you've been aeromodelling, or what your interests are in our great hobby, the greatest thrill of all is standing behind a unique model that you've designed and built yourself, from a blank sheet of paper - or even a blank CAD file - and preparing to make that first take off. So sit yourself down in a comfy chair, read RCadvisor's Model Airplane Design Made Easy and set off on aeromodelling's greatest adventure. Let Carlos Reyes - an aeromodeller of long standing and great talent - take you through the mysteries of how to arrive at the point that every lover of model aircraft should experience." - Dereck Woodward, aeromodeller, designer and magazine writer for the past fifty years