
.
It was a V-8 in configuration and was made to be very light, at 110 lbs. Rated at 50 hp, this engine produced an admirable
power-to-weight ratio of 2.2 lbs./hp. For perspective, this power-to-weight ratio was not to be generally exceeded for the next 25
years! If the engine had any faults, it was primarily the fuel injection system. Even the tiniest speck of dirt would foul the
injectors causing the engine to stop. Nonetheless, the engine was a commercial success and was used by many early aviation
pioneers in their designs.
Eventually, Levavasseur was asked by the owners of the company to
design an aeroplane. His first two efforts were not very successful.
Levavasseur’s third aeroplane met with limited success in that it was the
first monoplane in the world to carry a passenger aloft and make a
complete circuit of the field before landing. It was also one of the first
aeroplanes to use dihedral in the wings, a concept which was not widely
accepted at that time. Subsequent versions of this airplane featured
beautifully paneled wood fuselages with "boat prow" noses, sail-like tail
groups, and even a central rigging "mast".
The Antoinette IV was flown in early 1909 and was immediately at the
forefront of aviation performance. Flown by French aviator Hubert
Latham, the Antoinette IV narrowly missed beating Louis Bleriot in the first
flight across the English Channel. Subsequent versions of the Antoinette,
variously powered by V-8, V-12, and even V-16 engines, were seemingly
everywhere in competitions and record attempts.
Hubert Latham turns his Antoinette around the pylon
in a speed event in 1909 at a blistering 48 mph. That
same year, Latham set world records for endurance
(1 hour 7 minutes) and altitude (512 feet) with his
Antoinette.
The SIG Antoinette is based on one of the more famous versions, the
Model VII. The signature top and bottom rudders, triangular elevators,
and boat prow fuselage are all faithfully incorporated into this unique
piece of aviation history. The model itself is remarkably stable, easy to fly,
and really looks the part in the air! The airplane is capable of extremely
slow flight and is likely, very close to scale speeds. When built to these
instructions and properly detailed, the SIG indoor R/C Antoinette is very
believable - on the ground or in the air.
Building your Antoinette has been made easy with the supplied laser-cut parts. The included profile pilot has been used in all of
our Antoinette models, giving the airplane a more realistic look as well as a scale size perspective. Detailing your Antoinette is
covered fully in these instructions. The scale-like plastic V-8 engine is easy to assemble and is a nice addition to the model. The
elastic rigging lines and rigging swages likewise give the finished airplane a wonderful look. Between flying sessions, you may
enjoy displaying this intriguing and historically significant model in your workshop, office, or den - it's a real attention grabber!
This kit is not intended for beginning modelers. However, most intermediate modelers with average building skills will find the
Antoinette easy to build and fly. These instructions assume that you are aware of the importance of using the correct type and
amount of glue, how to make proper wood joints, and how to fly R/C models.
Motors And Propellers
We've chosen the well-proven GWS "R/C Indoor Power System" motors
and gear drives to power the SIG Antoinette (note that Maxx Products
also markets these exact same power units under their "MPI" name).
These motor and gear drive systems are very easy to use, widely
available, very inexpensive, and are of good quality. These systems are
currently available in eight different gear ratios, capable of swinging
propellers from 6" diameter all the way up to 12" diameter. GWS also
produces a good selection of propellers to fit all of their gear drive
systems. During the development of the Antoinette, we experimented with
different gear ratios and propellers.
We found that a very good combination for this airplane was the GWS "DX-B" system (same as Maxx Products "EPU-7") which
has a 7:1 gear ratio, along with the GWS 10 x 5 propeller. With a 7-cell 350mAh Ni-Cad battery pack (Sanyo P/N N-350AAC),
this combination has provided good power margins, scale-like speeds along with very good flight duration.
Содержание Antoinette 1909
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