[snap a saurus]

Bill Hempel takes another GIANT leap in giant scale RC, after the introduction last year of the 50% Edge and Extra 260, he surprises everyone this year with his new project, a 50% clipped wing Cub. Here is Bill to tell us more about it, take it away Bill

Hello everyone!

My name is Bill Hempel and I love BIG R/C airplanes. I have produced 2 very successful 50% aerobatic freestyle and IMAC capable aircraft so far. The Edge 540 and the Extra 260 have been a great success! My 3rd attempt at designing has resulted in the aerobatic version of a J-3 Cub. I wanted to design a large 50% airplane that all people could buy and not have to spend $3000.00 for an engine and exhaust system! The Clipped Wing Cub is the perfect answer. Being a Clipped Wing version the airplane has a shorter, more manageable wing that is a lot easier to transport. The shorter wing also increases the roll rate of the airplane making it easier to perform rolls and snap rolls. Each removable wing panel measures 33x 82”, this is still big but you can still handle it solo when assembling if needed.

Everyone has got to love a Cub, correct? I sure do. This was the choice of airplanes when a lazy fun, no-stress flying was called for. I remember when I was younger and flying a ¼ scale (big?) Sig clipped wing cub at my high school. This was one of the most fun planes I ever had!

Most of my flight testing is now complete on the 50% version. I have temporarily grounded the airplane until after the AMA show in California to make sure I have something to take there. I would hate for an accident to happen prior to everyone out there having a chance to see this plane.

Construction: Well, most of this airplane is made from ply-wood and balsawood. The cowling and dummy engine is fiberglass. The landing gear is made from aluminum and welded together. The entire aircraft is covered in Oracover Fabric and has painted black stripe on top. The ailerons are made just like my Edge’s and Extra’s; pre-installed “pocket style” hinges. The ailerons come pre-installed on the wings already. Only things the wings need are aileron servos installed with the linkages and they are ready for flight. The wings could be ready within a couple of hours work.

The horizontal stab is removable and has (2) stab tubes that hold the stab in place. The flying wires are where the strength comes from though. There are also (2) screws on each half that hold the stab to the fuselage.

The rest of the plane is just like my other ARF’s; pretty much just assembly work, no real building required. Everything is pretty much done. The motor box will come with the aluminum mounting stand-offs and a pre-marked firewall for the 150cc engine. The windshield and all windows install in minutes with a bottle of canopy glue. Windows are pre-molded and pre-cut and ready to install!

Performance: take offs in 3 feet. In a light wind it will land to a stop in about 10 feet. Very aerobatic; TR’s may be possible with the lighter production planes. Fun, Fun, Fun!

Conclusion: This is going to be a real winner. Even if nobody buys one, I am thrilled because I have one and a lot of spares, lol. This is a really cool (Bad Ass) plane. It will draw attention from anyone. The classic looks of the Cub and the clipped wing version makes this a super fun aerobatic plane! Top speed is about the same as the real clipped wing cub. Time to order as only 15 will fit into a container!

Bill Hempel