Foam RC Model Airplane Prototype

By John Crisp

I have built two new plane versions with different wing dimensions on one with a 64 mm fan and a larger one with a 90 mm fan – both should be in the 100 mph+ range. It is a Blohm & Voss P-212/215 project that was under development in WWII and these would have flown in 1946.

The planes are a mix of Blueboard foam, EPP and EPS for the wings – I am trying different options. They are fast – the prototype that is in the photos below had a 50 mm fan and flew 65-70 mph. I had a longer wing than required to ensure good flying qualities – the two new versions will be much faster and both have much higher power to weight ratios.

I am hoping to use the Styroplast as shells for the wings and fuselage on both models. I am looking for ways to not use fiberglass and hopefully save some weight and complexity.

I have the 2’x4′ Hot Wire Bow Cutter and I use it to form the wings. I use 1/4″ MDF plywood shapes that I screw into the foam and drag the wire around the shapes to cut the wing core. Most of the models I build have wings that are less than 36″ per side so that the overall wingspan is less than 72″ so the cutter works great for these models. I have two other cutters for other elements of the planes – depends upon the need, but I have been experimenting with different techniques to build these unique designs. I am using the actual wing cross sections from captured 1945 wing shapes and they fly great. I’ll keep you posted on the Styroplast results.