Flying Models - Aero-Modeling

Flying models are also called aero-modeling. Flying model aircrafts could range from any one of the below listed groups.

• Free flight ‘F/F’ model aircrafts are created and built in such a way that it allows the aircraft to fly without any attachments to the land. This type of model can be traced back to pioneers like the Wright brothers.
• The Control line ‘C/L’ model aircrafts are designed and built to be flown using cables which are attached from the wing to the pilot.
• There is also another system i.e. the Round-the-pole flying ‘RTP’ model.
• ‘Radio-controlled’ aircraft models contain transmitters operated by the pilot on the ground, sending signals to a receiver in the aircraft.

Some Flying models are smaller versions of a regular aircraft just like most static models are, and some are modeled like non-piloted airplanes. For ex, models of birds or extinct dinosaurs etc. Some companies also cater to some unusual, custom-made models.

Flying models are built differently from those of static models. The patterns and ideas they follow are patterned on vintage aircraft structures. In some models, the frames are built with light wood and fabric. In some other models, the fabric is substituted with thin paper or plastic films.

Heavier and more complex versions of flying models use thick sheets of wood for the exteriors of the wings and tail. The lighter types are appropriate for indoor flights, to be used in windless conditions. Some models are also made with foams and carbon fibers.

Nowadays, there are many flying model kits available in the market which comes as a ready-to-fly assembled kit which even kids can assemble very easily. Also for the hardcore enthusiasts, complex, unassembled models are also available. These kits would consist of a step-by-step instruction manual, materials and how-to-do-guides. Recognizing the growing number of avid flying model enthusiasts, some companies have brought in Almost-Ready-to-Fly ‘ARF’ designs. As compared to the regular designs, in the ARF model, the amount of time, skill and talent required to assemble it is much less than the other traditional models. A regular ‘ARF’ flying model aircraft can be assembled in about four hours as compared to other flying models which would require at least about half-a-day to one day.

The radio-controlled aircrafts have also introduced ‘ready-to-fly’ ‘RTF’ flying models thus considerably reducing the assembly time. This has also given rise to some controversies as traditional assembly lovers consider that the time-consuming assembly models is the most exciting aspect of actually constructing a flying model.

Today, flying models can be made from scratch using various prescribed methods, or assembled from made-to-order kits. Either way, whether it is assembled from a kit or traditional assembly it is time-consuming, labor intensive. Sometimes, the flying models may not come with the necessary parts or tools and if even a slightest mistake is made, the whole thing will have to worked-on again.

Model Airplane Crash

I just couldn't resist putting this on my blog. It's a funny model aircraft crash. Your plane won't last long doing it this way.

A Brief Explanation Of The Internal Combustion Engine

Internal Combustion engine can be defined as, “An engine in which a fuel-air mixture is burnt so that the hot gaseous products of the resultant combustion act directly on the surface of its moving parts.”

Internal-combustion engines comprises of diesel engines, gasoline engines, gas turbine engines, pure jet engines, motor engines and rocket engines. They are further sub-divided into continuous-combustion engines and intermittent-combustion engines. In the first type, the fuel and airflow steadily into the engine and a stable flame is maintained for continuous combustion. In the second type, certain quantities of fuel and air are ignited.

Internal combustion engines are generally used for propulsion in automobiles, equipments etc. These engines are used in jet aircrafts, helicopters etc.

All internal combustion engines depend on the certain chemical processes. The common modern fuels are made up of a hydrocarbon which is a product of petroleum. Fuels such as diesel fuel, gasoline and petroleum gas are part of this. All internal combustion engines should be able to ignite in their cylinders in order to create combustion. Most engines use either an electrical method or a compression ignition system.

There are two main types of model airplane engines. The glow engines and diesel engines.
The diesel engine is an internal combustion engine which is the compression ignition, i.e. when the fuel is ignited; it is injected into air in the combustion chamber that is compressed to certain temperatures and it causes the ignitions.

The diesel engine is generally not used in an aircraft engine. Though it has excellent fuel consumption techniques, it has many disadvantages as compared to gasoline-fueled or turboprop engines.

Some of the characteristics of diesel engines are:

• They need a supply of suitable fuel to work.
• They are heavier and stronger than glow engines, and they last longer.
• They vibrate more and are less responsive to throttle control than glow engines, and so they are not good for operating radio-controlled models.
• They cannot operate fast like a glow engine, and so their competitive value is quite less.
• They are excellent power units for small and medium sized 'sports models’ and certain types of control-line models.
• Diesel engines are available in a more range of sizes than glow engines. Very small diesel engines are quite difficult to make, start or adjust.
• Diesel engines larger than about 3.5cc do not have good performance. So its production is limited to the smaller sizes.

Some Of The Characteristics Of Glow Engines Are:

• Glow engine are more in number popular, faster and powerful. They are suited for all types of model aircrafts and are produced in three categories like standard engines; racing engines; and Radio Controlled engines.
• They need a specific type of ignition plug or glow plug. Frequent replacements are needed as they burn out soon.
• In addition, a battery is connected to the plug for starting, and special expensive alcohol-based fuels are required.
• Glow engines affect the paints and cellulose dope finishes. Due to this reason, model crafts need fuel proof paints.

A Beginners Guide To Buying Model Airplanes

In terms of gifts, especially to a model aircraft fan, an avid collector or a service professional, models of historic and modern air force aircrafts are actually good and well-suited gifts. A collector would like to acquire aircraft models from the different times for his own interest or collection. These models are a collector’s item, treasured and exclusive.

In addition, commercial pilots also own models of planes that they have flown own or aspire to own. So the most exclusive or perfect model is what a Collector would aspire for his collection.

Materials In Model Airplanes
When shopping for a model airplane, it is vital to understand what materials they are made of. Most models are made of wood. High quality models can be hand-carved from mahogany or any solid wood, and then painted and decorated or can be made regular wood and given a shine. The maintenance of these models is nominal. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for proper maintenance.
Plastic model airplanes require least maintenance. These models come with accurate parts and lots of details. Plastic models are available in any pattern and are quite good.

Choosing The Right Model Aircraft
When shopping for a model aircraft, it could be for oneself or to be given as a gift. There are some points that should be kept in mind while selecting the right model airplane. Whether it's the model of a commercial airplane, vintage airplanes, military airplanes, it helps to know about the model airplane. So some basic knowledge is good in this respect. Model aircrafts are made from wood, plastic, die cast, or even chrome-plated. They are low-maintenance. Prices vary depending on the model, material, manufacturer etc.

Following are the steps/tips to buy a model airplane.
• Have good knowledge of aerodynamics principle.
• A basic understanding of something can fly will add to the appreciation of the free-flight hobby.
• Read about the models in the internet and specific websites.
• Check out local free-flight activities. Join a club model aircraft club or organization and check out model airplane activities.
• Start at a basic and a simple level and then gradually move to more complex models.
• Visit local stores and check out their RTF (ready-to-fly models).
• Replicas of any commercial or military model airplanes are available today.
• In-depth reading of literature, user guides and manuals given by the kit manufacturers is very essential.
• When buying a model, we need to keep in mind its usage, whether it’s for outdoor usage or used as an indoor mantelpiece ornament.
• Free flight offers an excellent opportunity to teach youngsters building skills and the theory of flight dynamics.
• Any model that is bought for a child requires adult supervision.
• Free-flight models should be flown in open, un-crowded areas or in an indoor environment.