Rocky is a small electric glider of all-wood construction, designed for beginners and for quiet flying between the more intense sessions. The model is supplied as a ready-built, uncovered basic airframe.
All the builder has to do is apply the covering, install the power system and the receiving system, and it’s off to the flying field!
Aeronaut have a reputation for producing thoughtfully designed model planes. Rocky appeared in spring 2006 aimed at the first time builder, who is concerned about complex building, but who prefers a traditional wood build model. Rocky is supplied with the big components pre-built and traditional building method was used, but it is not assembled or covered. So you have to finish it. This makes Rocky an RTC model (ready - to - cover) as opposed to the more common RTF (ready - to - fly)
Aeronaut are to be commended on the selling price of 79 euro as this is a good challenge against polystyrene, EPP and other foam and plastic cheapie models.
There is a deal package where you get your Rocky, the electric motor, folding propeller, and two colours of iron-on Oracover covering to finish off the model. This is good value at just over 100 euro.
| Specification: | |
| Wingspan | ca. 1.100mm |
| Length | ca. 760 mm |
| Wing area | ca. 18,15 dm² |
| Weight | ca. 550 g |
| RC-Functions: | |
| Elevator | |
| Rudder | |
| Motor throttle | |
| Suitable drive: | |
| Motor Race 400 7,2V | Order no. AN7000/40 |
| Luftschraube 6x3" | Order no. AN7235/05 |
| Battery | 8 cells 1100 mA nimh |
| KAN 1050 or GP1100 |
The Rocky has a three-part rib wing with pine spars, a gracefully shaped box fuselage with weight reducing cutaway recesses and wood sheet tail.
A description of the kit as you receive it out of the box.
The first impression you get is that everything is very nicely
made...I'm referring to the parts here.... the spars, ribs,
trailing edges, leading edges, frames and outer sheeting.
In addition the steel wires and small articles for the rudder
linking as well as a canopy with quick-locking mechanism are all
included in a little fittings bag. An A3-size drawing with
building references and a detailed building instructions should
answer the questions a beginner model builder thinks up.
Even if each building step is done slowly and carefully, the completion of the model should still be a thing of just a couple of afternoons.
The recommended drive set for Rocky is a direct drive 7.2 volt version Race 400 motor which provides sufficient power for this light model. However we fitted a pack of eight 1300 mAh NimH. These batteries are low cost and very tough. We used the faster revving 6 volt Race 400 in our test model, and the added power achieved means that we can fly on just 1/3rd to 1/2 throttle, while our Rocky still does full speed, but the fact we are only on 1/2 throttle doubles our flight duration!
The noseplate is drilled for the Race 400 motor which simply screws on.
The propeller is an Aeronaut 6" x 3" folding design which fits onto the motor shaft with 2 grubscrews. The spinner is white and an integral part of the propeller.
Fully loaded for flight Rocky has
under 500g flying weight. With the battery onboard, verify that the centre of gravity and rudder/elevator movements are according to instructions. Now, after few hours of construction work Rocky is ready for the first flight.Open the removable canopy so the flight battery can be inserted. Take care that that the battery leads do not obstruct the seat of the battery or canopy.
Flying Rocky: Get the engine running, and launch with a firm smooth level throw and your Rocky is instantly in its element and begins a climb. Any veer to right or left must be corrected with slight rudder to keep a straight climb.. The climb gradient goes with the speed, accellerate on the level and Rocky will climb all by itself.
After sufficient speed is achieved even more climb can be got by adding a little (not too much) elevator. The effectiveness of the rudder is unexpectedly direct and lets the small model turn in an extremely agile way. The beginner flier should add about 40 per cent of exponential or make to servo movements reduced wile getting used to Rocky, before reverting to the full settings.
It takes 15 - 20 seconds for sufficient height to be reached and the engine is now switched off for the time being. At this point during the transition to gliding flight Rocky puts her nose down and dives slightly, this lasts for a few meters then Rocky enters into a slow gliding flying style. The glide has a lovely stability and smoothness. The rudder turns work nicely, but don't make them too tight or you will force a wing tip down. the trick is to put a tiny amount of up elevator in at the same time as doing your rudder turn, so as to get the best results..
When you have got the hang of Rocky, try putting it into a dive (not too steep) and watch the speed build up. It gets very fast. Then gradually pull out of the dive and let her swoop back upwards, using the speed as energy to climb almost back to the height the dive was commenced from. Energy retention is good.
The first flight with Rocky
should be on a wind free day. And then you have a fair chance to
get your trim adjustments just right. Later with the correct
trims, flying can be done on more windy days, and the Rocky's
limits can be explored..
So Rocky can fly in varying
weather. Engine on it is a nice motor plane, engine off it
glides very well. The wood frame can be repaired easily
with glue in case of a bad landing. The wood also suits a
beginner model builder who wants to try some building, without
getting in "over their head". Later on, some aerobatic
flight is possible, like loops & stalls, stall turns, etc.