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Al Backstrom and inspiration from model aircraft

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cluttonfred

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The late Al Backstrom is know as a pioneer in plank flying wing sailplanes in the USA. I was lucky enough to meet him at a flying wing symposium in the mid-1990s and found him to be quite modest, a can-do guy who saw something he wanted to do and just got it done.

Backstrom was also an avid model aircraft builder and designer, and here is one page that pulls together (some?) of his model plans.

https://outerzone.co.uk/search/results.asp?keyword=Al Backstrom
As you might expect, there are a number of tailess designs, both historic and Backstrom's own designs, but also some conventional planes, at least in configuration.
  • Aeromarine Klemm AKL-26-B
  • Born Loser
  • Invictarwing International
  • Kinner Crackerbox
  • Lippisch Stork IX b
  • Mr Malcom
  • Persey
  • Sopwith Bee
  • Watkinson Dingbat
I don't have any deep meaningful point to make here, it's just that looking at this particular collection of Backstrom models fuels my imagination when it comes to homebuilts. There's a lot here, from historic record-setters to fanciful imaginings that could still fly well. Just thought I'd share....

Cheers,

Matthew
 
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