Navy Carrier Applications
Navy Carrier Applications
This section is meant as a guide for the possible applications for the Navy Carrier event for Class I and II aircraft, which are the best suited for electronic control.
For many years the Carrier pilot has had to contend with dropping the hook at either low throttle, or by down or up elevator. The GS Products or JR 3 line handle offers trigger control for the throttle, but everything else must function inside the plane by mechanical linkages "piggybacked" to flight controls or with complicated timmers. Sometime very hard to do in a Corsair or other plane that did not have straight wings.
Now, with the ScaleMaster, you can raise your gear right when you come off the deck for an additional 3 to 5 mph on your "high speed" run. For low speed you can drop the gear, add in flaps and drop the hook all with individual control while you inch in throttle to maintain constant speed. Flaps are proportional and with practice you can find just the right amount of parasite drag to get a very solid low end. Remember your low speed begins when you signal for the low speed run. Taking a few laps to "dial" in your speed should be no problem, with a little practice.
The fact that you have 1 less control line to drag around the circle more than makes up for the micro servos you would use to control the functions. Of course, building the airplane light is still the key in good performance and stable flying.
By "Y" connecting Throttle, Rudder and Aileron together, in the plane, by either separate servos, or one servo to a common bellcrank, you can add in proportional control to keep your plane tight on the line and wings level to the deck.
Micro servos work well for Throttle control as this is a no pressure operation.
Flaps should be 2micro servos, one in each wing for each set of flaps.
The hook alos can be a micro servo, but should be set up so that the pivot takes the load
of the arrested landing and the servo only controls the up and down of the
hook. Air works well for the Gears with a Micro Servo for actuator of the valve or
the HiTec low profile retract servo works well
and are very affordable. All will work from a 4 cell battery pack giving 4.8v.
There are other handles out there that offer 1 to 4 functions, that are well suited for the 2 or 3 that are needed for Carrier, however, the ScaleMaster gives you the extra margin to grow into other planes and competition levels.
No matter what handle you use, or event you fly, Safety is the first rule....Fly Safe and fly well informed. Pick the product that is best suited for your need and study it. Read all of the instructions and take the time to learn. The hobby and sport of model aviation is rewarding in many ways and can be a source of enjoyment through your whole life.
You can read about the AMA rules for CL Carrier by by
visiting the AMA home pages.
Good luck in your building and flying.
Happy Landings....!!!