Snoopy RE Question

[tippodriver]

I have been given a partially constructed Otto Heithecker (sp?) model called Snoopy. Does anyone remember anything about the flying qualities of this sailplane? I'm sure it's a gas bag, but I don't expect it to be something else. The plans came with one half of the wing completed, and the other framed up. That means most of the tedious work is done, and it seems a shame not to complete it, unless of course it's a dog :D (pun intended).

[ejett]

I don't know about the flying qualities, but I have always been intrigued by that plan. RC Modeler magazine did a construction article many years ago.

Unfortunately, I am not sure what the current status of the magazine/publisher is now.

EJ

[tippodriver]

I have the original plans and the original magazine with the construction article. If I remember correctly, Otto Heithecker was a good designer, but I've never actually seen any of his sailplanes fly.

[raschow]

Otto used to stomp me and my Windfree with it rather regularly back when! Good lift!

[tippodriver]

Thanks for the feedback. Any memories of it's behavior in the air? Good penetration? Floater? Do you think spoilers would be a worthwhile addition?

[B.Welwood]

I flew a Snoopy for a season during the 70's. The only problem I had with it was turning. It needed more dihedral for better rudder response. I'd think about either adding more dihedral or (maybe better) ailerons. The aft fuselage right behind the wing was weak, I ended up sheeting it for more strength. It has a thick, flat bottomed airfoil that made it float along much like the Aquila. Spot landings were a bit problematic given the low wing loading and sluggish turn response.
Hope this helps.

[tippodriver]

I appreciate the tips. Had thought that spoilers would be a good addition, since I've been a little frustrated nailing landings with my other RE sailplanes. Since one wing panel is already built, I've been hesitant to cut into it to build ailerons. Based on your feedback, maybe I should rethink that. Just don't know how to do so without screwing up the structure. How would I know if the size of the ailerons is appropriate? Any ideas? If not I'll do another post and ask the forum folks.

Given when this plane was designed, I expected that it'd be a floater, and you just confirmed it. It will still be enjoyable to fly.

The tip about the weak spot on the fuselage is greatly appreciated. I've got a two meter ship now that has that problem, and I've had to repair it many times now. Don't want to add to the existing sheeting or glass it, because it's heavy enough now, and those additions would be behind the cg.

[B.Welwood]

It would require major surgery to retrofit ailerons, perhaps make them large enough to incorporate flaperons for better glidepath control in landings. Given the wing area involved additional weight gain of ailerons would not adversly affect the overall performance. If you don't want to go this way, see about cranking in double the amount of dihedral for better rudder control.
I won a couple of local thermal duration contests and placed second in a national postal contest with mine. It always launched well and with its size, height gain in thermals were "big-time".

[tippodriver]

Thank you very much for your information. Do you know if anyone has tried using spoilers for roll control, ala the ww-II black widow. That kind of retrofit wouldn't be difficult from a physical standpoint. Not sure about the radio mixing for that combination though. I think I'll pose that one as a new thread.