Carrier Deck Flying

Hey Bob Brodack has those bellcranks http://brodak.com/control-line-parts/bellcranks.html?p=1 Eric

Jim (JPvelo) built a carrier model for competition recently. I have always been attracted to these models. The Martin "Mauler" was kitted by J. Roberts for Navy Carrier many years ago.



outerzone plan

Yes, the 3-line handle and bell-crank are available from Brodak. Just for fun.. you could lay-out a carrier-deck with pieces of cardboard on the ground. Use decking screws into plywood blocks underneath to string the arresting-wires. Balance your airplane to include a tail-hook in it's "deployed-position".. and spring-load it to deploy after launching. The throttle-control for the approach-path is the heart of the system. You can use the 3-line mechanical system.. or install a receiver and throttle-servo if you have a radio. What the heck.. the 3-line handles are generally held with two hands.. so what's the difference if you have a transmitter clipped to your belt.. and a throttle stick to play with? The competition models have lead-outs that change position at low-speeds to give the model more line-tension and a nose-high attitude.

The landing gear takes a beating.. so it needs to be strong. If you come in "hot" the plane will slam the deck. A "balloon-bust" is something that could be added just for fun!

We have a pretty good Carrier contingent at the Huntersville contests. It's pretty entertaining to watch, unlike the repetitive stunt circles. The carrier planes are a real trick to get set up so that everything works like it's supposed to. The first time I watched a contest I was amazed at how jaw dropping fast they go... some classes anyway. and they all have to be able to fly slow. And if the wind changes after the deck is assembled, too bad, get over it and fly.

Carrier is a real blast, everyone should have a carrier plane or to. The flight decks can be put together very easy too, locally we have two made of panels we put together at the field and two which are painted on concrete circles and arrest line pinned into the concrete. My boys and I flew carrier contests for a few years together. Great Fun!