from “wacka-wacka” to “zip-zip” · circa 1968, handbook of model rocketry, 6th edition ....

NARCON 2008 Presented by Mark “Bunny” Bundick

From “Wacka-Wacka” to “Zip-Zip”

ORBunny’s History ofRadio Controlled Rocket Gliders

(aka “RCRG”)


What’s the story on RCRG’s?

• A Model Timeline• Model Design & Equipment Trends• Competition History and Background• The Future: New Branches to the

“Family Tree”


circa 1968, Handbook of Model Rocketry, 6th Edition


1969 – Skydancer2 Channels / D Powered

• Designed by Larry Renger of Estes

• Flown as demo at NARAM -12 (1969)

• Employs standard RC Airplane construction

• Tried some staged (!) flights

• Aerobatic (!)


1969 – Skydancer2 Channels / D Powered

• D-Box wing with full spars

• Built up tail surfaces

• Kraft RC Gear (lightest available at time

• Box fuselage

• 12 oz. liftoff weight


1969 - Model Rocketry Magazine and Doug Malewicki’s Single Channel


1969 - Model Rocketry Magazine and Doug Malewicki’s Single Channel

• free flight HLG construction techniques

• single channel, rudder only control

• C6-3 powered

•1 – 1.25 oz. glide weight

•Bentert RC Components


Pulse Proportional Radio Systems• transmitter – note single stick!

• transmitter normally 50% on / 50% off.

• electromagnet activated with “on” signal

• moving stick changes on / off ratio

• “wacka wacka wacka”


1970’s - MIT Rocket Society Invasion



• Built their own receivers, actuators.

• Published TONS of plans

• Experimented with structure

• Flew the pods off their models.

• Dominated the field. • Had some success!


Late 1970’s – A Digital Invasion


Late 1970’s – A Digital Invasion

• Cannon sub micro equipment (approx 70 grams of gear)

• Larger models, more like Skydancer

• Started thinking about larger motors!

• Settled on the FSI F7, but

• Lusted for something better!


1982 – FlagshipThe First Widely Built RCRG


1983 - Lust SatisfiedAerotech E6

• Composite engine tailored to RC flight profile: Long burn, low thrust

• MUCH more reliable than BP motors!

• Probably tripled the altitude.


Early 1990’s – Sailplane City• Raven 3 by Bob Parks• Computer generated airfoils•Speed range increased to allow tactical flying• Sheeted foam wings and molded pods designed for drag reduction


1992 - European RCRG’s• Flown from fiberglass

piston.• Internal spring to open

flop wing• Rolled balsa fuselage• Eliminates boost

problems, but• VERY high drag!• A technological dead

end!


RCRG “Dixie” Style• “Solved” boost by adding large pods

• Standard Flagship construction w/ D12 power

• Important because others are experimenting!


1990’s – The Chicago RCRG Mafia


Chicago RCRG Mafia Models• Sheeted wings

retained, eventually moved to foam

• V-Tail for drag reduction

• New solid launcher• Kevin McKiou’s Cuda

and Sting Ray kits


Why All This RC Effort?


Why All This RC Effort?• US dominated World

championships thru early 1990’s

• Individual medals won by Guppy Youngren, Phil Barnes, George Riebesehel, George Gassaway

• US Team medaled in 6 out of 7 World Championships from 1978 through 1992!


Modern European RCRG’s


Modern European RCRG’s• Flagship design

reproduced in Modelarmagazine.

• New designs with various wings start appearing

• Pods slung under wing; HARDER to boost!

• European participation GREATLY influences FAI rules for contests!

• Runway style landing & precision duration added to FAI rules.


What of the Future?American RCRG Growth

• NARAM 38

• NARAM 43


What of the Future?An RCRG You Can Own AND Fly!


What of the Future?RC Scale Models


What of the Future?Projects like “Orbital Sky Dart”


What of the Future?How’s about your own HPR X-15?


What About YOU?•Ask an RC flyer

•Buy an “Aero Ace” from TRU

•Try an Arcie II

•Take the plunge!

from “wacka-wacka” to “zip-zip” · circa 1968, handbook of model rocketry, 6th edition ....

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