Last year, I put up a thread "Whats the Next Big Thing?"

https://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/...g-thing-7.html

and got tons of responses. It was really interesting seeing what everyone likes, dislikes, etc.

In addition to that thread, I have been looking through 25yrs of Sport Aviation magazine and checking out the great aerobatic airplanes that have been built through the years. Seeing the first coverage of the Ultimate bipe in a mag and other greats has been fun.

Reading those mags, it really shows that the Stevens Akro and the Lazer really are the godfathers of modern unlimited class aircraft in the West. Leo broke ground with them and finally wrestled the competitions from the Pitts and its variants, while also taking competition up a notch.

That got me asking myself - Why not build a Laser for 3D? The airplane has good element alignment overall, as well as nice planform and area distribution. With a little 'adjustment' here and there, a good 3D airframe should be possible.

So tell me, why would a Laser not be a good subject?

I believe you... do it.. do it...

good!

I had this same thought run through my head about a month ago. I am going to draw one up once I get going on my 38% selfdesigned SU-26. The one thing I have not decided on is the flat tail or go ahead and change to an airfoiled tail on tubes for easy removabilty. I will start with a 1/4 scale and use a Lanier cowl I have here but am looking at doing a 40%. The wing and stab are all pretty much on the thrust line so no real changes needed there plus it has a good amount of side area.

As soon as I can find the time I am going to order up a Lanier 33% Laser kit. Back in the day we were flying these with Brison 3.2s or G-62s, most were in the 18 to 19 pond range and they flew well. Now with current battery technology and a DA 50/ cannister set up I am sure I can get one down to 15-15.5 pounds. I built a 1/4 scale version years ago and it was one of the best airplanes I have ever owned in that size. This one was powered with an OS 108 and weighed 7.5 lbs


Shawn

I have a 1/3 Godfrey Laser 200 with a 3W 75 for power, and it is a good 3D'er. The only exception is it needs a more effective rudder and ailerons to 3D. Here is a video of me flying it in a 3D demo........
https://www.flyinggiants.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7420&what=allfields&name=Fearl ess%20Flyer&name=Fearless%20Flyer

How does the extra high aspect ratio effect high alpha flight?

From the legendary Laser guys...

http://bobflies.com/33_laser.html

Their new stuff is real nice. I am 3/4 done with one of their 260's...

I've had a couple of 33% Lasers over the years that provided many hours of fun. I also have thought of going to a larger scale. The thing that stopped me was the flat tail surfaces, mainly due to all the required and functional flying wires. They would make removing the stabs for transport/storage and real PITA. I think there was a 38% being offered years ago, but I haven't seen it advertised in a few years. I never saw one offered bigger than that.
On my last one I stretched the fuse a view inches and added a boost tab to the rudder. Power was a 3W-70 twin. If I did it again I would make the ailerons larger. The picture makes me wish I hadn't sold it a few years back to fund a larger airframe....

I was thinking the exact same thing during that original thread. The lazer is a fantastic airframe. Add some modern 3-D sized surfaces... and it should be a real monster!

i know it wouldnt be exactly scale but couldnt you make airfoiled tail surfaces!

I have a Lanier 1/3 scale Laser that I competed in IMAC intermediate. What great plane. At that level it easily competed against the expensive planes. I have a BME 100 in it. Awesome power. High alpha knife edge, hover, and the prettiest flat spin you will ever see. A 40% would be a lot of fun.

I love Lazers. They snap like nobody's business, but are pretty lacking in the knife edge department. I've had several and they all flew really well, but not close to what we have now. Maybe some SFG's? I really liked the snaps and rolls,but that's where it ended for me.

The laser is a pretty old design, but with some small changes I'm sure it could be a real competitor. Larger control surfaces for sure, and some additional side area and the knife edge capabilities should improve

Anyone have any opinions about the very high aspect ratio and its effect on 3d flying?
I predict that precision would be excellent, but harriers and such would be very difficult to slow down.