Biplane Racing

There are few rules and lots of fun! Biplane racing will continue this year and is open to any member. You can begin racing at any time just come out to the field and join us.

When: 6PM Tuesday Evenings

Where: NMA Field

Plane Requirements:

NMA Biplane

This is what started it all. The plane was designed by Larry and kitted by several members. You will need to build it. There are still a couple kits floating around if you want to build. We could also kit some more if there is enough interest.

WWI ARF’s

If you don’t want to build there you have some other options. The planes below can be purchased through Tower Hobbies for less than $100 including shipping. They often go on sale and include free shipping. A couple are available from HobbyKing.

ElectriFly SPAD XIII	ElectriFly Sopwith Camel
ElectriFly Nieuport XI	ElectriFly S.E.5a
ElectriFly Fokker Dr.1

 

Component Specs:

In order to keep things fair all racers must use the same components in their planes regardless of whether it is a kit or ARF.

Battery
Any 3S 1800 Lipo
Any brand of battery may be used. Almost everyone uses a 40c discharge battery. Some examples are:

Haiyin 3S 1800 40C
Turnigy 3S 1800 40C
Turnigy Nano 3S 1800 65C
Zippy 3S 1800 40C

Motor
Turnigy 2217 16 turn 1050kV

Motor Mount

You have to adapt the Turnigy motor to the airframe. You can make your own mount or purchase one of these.
Custom 3 hole to 4 hole motor adaptor

Servos
Any ~9 gram servo can be used
Futaba S3114
Hitec HS-5055MG
Hextronik HXT900
Blue Bird BMS-375DD

ESC
30 Amp
Any ESC can be used but we suggest the Turnigy AE-30 or Turnigy Plush 30.

Propellor
APC Slowfly 9×4.7
Must be APC. The HobbyKing brand is not allowed. We have asked Hobbytown to stock some of the APC props for us so check there first.

Spinner
30mm Aluminum w/ 3.17 Shaft

 

The Rules:

Total All Up Weight (AUW):
TBD. Last years aircraft weighed between 660grams and 793 grams. We will bring a scale out to the field to weight the planes.

There will be two pylons located at the far north side of the field in line with the east and west ends of the runway. The pylons are 400 feet apart. Pilots will stand along the flight line which will be in line with the south side of the runway. Each heat will consist of racers flying ten laps and the planes will be launched from the runway under their own power approximately two seconds apart. First place is worth three points, second place is worth two points, and third place is worth 1 point. Pilots are penalized for cutting the inside of a pylon. First cut costs one lap and the second cut counts the same as a “did not finish” (DNF) and earns the pilot zero points.