Three Nite P-30 Rubber Powered Model Airplane with Plastic Film Covered Wing and Stab

This is a trim flight of my latest Three Nite P-30. Its wing and stab are covered with Microlite plastic film. The flight took place at Washoe Lake, Nevada on September 6, 2022. The airplane was launched at 5 inch-ounces of torque on a 10 x 1/16-inch rubber motor that weighed 9.8 grams prior to lubing. The flight lasts 116 seconds which is 4 seconds less than the two minute max under the P-30 rules. However, in competition this model would be launched at 6 inch-ounces of torque. The video was taken with a cell phone camera so the airplane is not visible during the later stages of the flight. A laser-cut short it for this model is available from Volare Products.

[@FreeFlightDigest]

Awesome flight!

[@calgoddard8677]

The roll stability comes from the tip plates on the wings. They effectively provide dihedral.

[@shmaknapublar]

Where does the roll stability come in on a model with no dihedral? I've seen indoor models with zero dihedral but how does the model do in turbulent air? Thanks. Looks great!

[@calgoddard8677]

Tip plates on the wing tips effectively provide dihedral. This P-30 handles turbulent air as well as a P-30 with traditional wing dihedral.

[@calgoddard8677]

Tip plates on the ends of the wing provide effective dihedral. This P-30 handles turbulent air as well as a P-30 with conventional dihedral.

[@calgoddard8677]

The roll stability comes from the tip plates on the wings. They effectively provide dihedral.

[@robinboucherwonderfulflight]

Very nice flyer. What thickness mylar did you use? Thanks

[@calgoddard8677]

The wing and stab of this Three Nite P-30 are covered with Microlite plastic film which is made in England. It has an adhesive coating. You need to remove the clear backing before applying it to the framework, and then adhering it to the edges with a heating iron. The same iron is then used to shrink the plastic film. Do not over heat the plastic film. You should keep the iron under 195 degrees F. when adhering the Microlite plastic film to the perimeter of the framework. Keep the iron at around 230-250 degrees F. when tightening the Microlite plastic film over open framework. I don’t like to use adhesives such as Balsaloc or Balsarite. Ditto for thinned Velcro cement. They contain chemicals that I don’t want to breath. I could not find the thickness of this product anywhere on the Internet or on the instructions. I think the film is ½-mil in thickness with the clear backing removed. The instructions say that Microlite plastic film weighs only 0.6 oz per square yard.

[@robinboucherwonderfulflight]

Thank you very much for your detailed response. I truly appreciate it.

[@calgoddard8677]

one half mil