FUNCTIONAL SCALE RIGGING
Model Airplane News|April 2020
Wires, struts, and attachment points explained
JOHN GLEZELLIS
FUNCTIONAL SCALE RIGGING

Before the 1930s, it was common for full-size aircraft to feature various forms of rigging wires and support struts to maintain structural integrity. Today, rigging is more commonly found in both experimental class homebuilt planes and light aircraft. This feature has also transitioned into the scale RC world, and chances are that if the full-size aircraft needed them, so does your model! Let’s look at a few examples.

There are conventional high-wing airplanes like the Piper J-3 Cub and Pilatus Porter, where struts are used to connect the wing to the fuselage, and all for good reason. Without the wing struts, the wing can break off in flight. In the case of biplanes, interplane struts are designed to attach the upper wing to the lower wing; they are often located close to the outer wing panels. Then, the cabane struts connect the upper wing to the fuselage and the wing rigging (often referred to as “flying wires”), and are used to increase strength and tie the wings to one another as well as to the fuselage.

UNDERSTANDING AIRCRAFT FORCES

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Model Airplane News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Model Airplane News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MODEL AIRPLANE NEWSView All
Model Airplane News

Legend Hobby / Seagull Models - Cessna Grand Caravan 208

The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is a legend in aviation circles. A single engine utility aircraft that punches up with capabilities that rival many twin engine aircraft in its class. Its seemingly simple configuration belies its near extreme utility.

time-read
8 mins  |
January 2022
Model Airplane News

PROPER CG LOCATION FOR AEROBATICS

If you are getting into aerobatics and are starting to perform more advanced maneuvers, it is time to discuss ways you can not only become a better pilot, but how you can also improve the flight characteristics of your airplanes.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2022
Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1
Model Airplane News

Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1

This famous multi-mission single engine observation aircraft served from 1950-1974. From calling out target locations to providing intel/recon information, the Bird Dog was a valued asset in both the Korean War and Vietnam.

time-read
1 min  |
January 2022
EARN YOUR WINGS
Model Airplane News

EARN YOUR WINGS

10 Tips for First-Flight Success

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2022
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
Model Airplane News

Old School Model Works Fifty Six

The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.

time-read
1 min  |
January 2022
Model Airplane News

FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy

Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2022
HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS
Model Airplane News

HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS

Four easy steps to increase performance and reduce vibration

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2022
PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL
Model Airplane News

PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL

I’m a sucker for shop stuff. I buy tools I will probably never use just because they are cool, or I might need to use them someday. When Glen from RC Plane Stands reached out about a review, however, I knew as soon as I browsed their website that I would be receiving something I would use a lot, maybe even daily.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2022
Model Airplane News

SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER

A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2022
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
Model Airplane News

CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS

The secret to a plane that flies well

time-read
6 mins  |
July 2021