Buzzard Bombshell

Modern RC conversion of a 1940 Buzzard Bombshell freeflight cabin model. Expert build by airline pilot, Jim Miller.

[@johnhess351]

That is what RC airplanes were supposed to be. Planning here to also attempt a hillbilly vulture with retreaded Os FS 56a. Hoping 56 is not too big. Wonder if basic flaps could make it STOL just for fun. Since it is inherently stable it could also be a viable fpv platform even adding adding ailerons&3axs for stability in gusts. Could loiter 'hands off' on station at reduced throttle. Pilot was bot showing off, but I'll bet his plane could do a 'top gun' vertical pull up off the runway at full throttle and go into long and nearly vertical climb. Thanks to pilot and for posting. A Buzzard Bombshell could also be built today even lighter and turned into a screaming sky rocket with a hot .29 glow engine for a 10 second run to altitude with a 6+ deadstick minute glide home. The old designs had to glide well since the old motors were intermittent. Typically, in their day. the old FF pilots would want to claw for every bit of altitude they could at full bore on a CL straight venturi type motor with no variable carburetor. Every landing would be expected to be uncontrolled dead stick, that was the style of the day. With today's advancements, the ol' Buzzard has untapped potential in many different configurations.

[@JesseWright68]

I just came across a set of plans and a copy of the magazine article from the 70's. It's been about 16 years since I saw them last. I believe I've found a great project to build over the winter. I only fly electrics and have an old Astro Cobalt motor that I'll pair with some li-poly or li-fe cells to make a nice flyer. Love the video and especially the fly-by's starting at 4:40.

[@thehozonachannel1288]

I built one of these as a tribute to my father way back when I was just getting into RC. Put a small motor, 20 size, and a very small tank. Flew it until out of fuel and would be in the air over 45 minutes every time. Although mine was radio controlled, I remember my dad's freeflight version. FUN!!

[@johnhess351]

That is great. I was wondering how it would do with a .20 glow engine. With a modern lightweight build and light covering, it might do it with a .15 and float all day!

[@uhrik]

It was originally designed as a free-flight airplane. So far, it has turned out to be challenging on takeoffs due to the main gear placed far forward of the center of gravity and yaw-roll coupling of the polyhedral wing. It is sensitive to rudder inputs in flight. If you were going to add ailerons, you might want to make the wing dihedral instead of polyhedral, reduce the angle of the outboard wing panels to match the inboard panels. Good luck and send me your video when you get flying.

[@thehozonachannel1288]

I built one years ago. 035 motor. The first flight lasted 45 minutes after engine cutoff.

[@AlfredoArbe]

wow wonderful model!!

[@owenp267]

Keeping the dream alive.