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Thoughts on simple, two-axis control aircraft

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Would you consider building and flying a two-axis control aircraft?

  • Yes

    Votes: 6 28.6%
  • No

    Votes: 15 71.4%
  • Undecided

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Yes

    Votes: 6 28.6%
  • No

    Votes: 15 71.4%
  • Undecided

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    21
  • Poll closed .

cluttonfred

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2010
Messages
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Location
World traveler
***Please vote in the related poll above.***

I have long been a fan of simple aircraft designed to get amateur pilots into the air safely and cheaply. Two-axis controls are one solution tried over the years to simplify construction and reduce the risk of stalls and spins. The Henri Mignet's tandem wing designs took a novel approach with both fans and detractors, and Steve Wood's Sky Pup ultralight is a great example of completely conventional two-axis controls, much like an overgrown free-flight model airplane. Of course, the most famous and most successful example of two-axis contrals is Fred Weick's Ercoupe--Ercoupes remain in demand even today, especially the lighter models which may be flown by a U.S. sport pilot.

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I wonder how many here would be interested in a simple, easy-to-build-and-fly, two-axis homebuilt aircraft sold as a kit? I have in mind four-stroke power (probably VW for low cost), laser-cut-plywood-and-fabric construction like a big model airplane (perhaps with metal spars) and tricycle gear. Exact configuration is TBD, but my initial concept is a shoulder-wing design with a forward-hinged, one-piece canopy and wing leading edges, something like a Praga E-114 Air Baby but with more dihedral, no ailerons, the canopy hinged the other way and tricycle gear.

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Pros of the two-axis design are simplified wing folding or removal, safe handling and easy adaptability for disabled pilots. In terms of control layout, I think the Sky Pup's fore-and-aft-only stick for pitch and conventional rudder pedals for yaw would be the way to go, with an option for a yoke instead of rudder pedals for pilots without the use of their legs or anyone who prefers that system. Cons include the possible need for wing flaps,spoilers or perhap a belly-mounted drag flap for glide control (can't sideslip without ailerons) and the fact that that system will simply turn off some pilots.

Thoughts? Don't worry, I have my fireproof underpants on.

Cheers,

Matthew
 

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