zipper

(Rapier) Stiletto Builders Notes

The Rapier first appeared as a Balsacraft model and was then re-issued by Ripmax. It has been kitted with die cut parts and also sold as an ARTF. There seem to be two versions, one with a flat topped fuselage and one with a rounded top, both with a black moulded canopy. (this canopy is still available from Carbon Copy, see drawing) Either version produces a fine model, needing 3 servo's (a throttle & two wing servo's ) plus a 40 - 60 size engine plus Rx & battery. The performance is sparkling, with a 60 up front it was ballistic, and could be launched vertically. Its performance was in large measure due to its light weight, all the ribs and spars being cutaway to reduce weight with a covering of lightweight Solarfilm and no heavy undercarriage. Sadly this model was withdrawn some years ago and secondhand models are eagerly sought after whilst good examples can fetch a premium. If you are lucky there are still some unbuilt kits around.

There never was a plan, even with the kitted version, as it fits together like a jig saw and came with very comprehensive building notes. However you can now build your own Rapier, or for copyright and design reasons, a very very close version designed by Doris Pimblehorn called the Stiletto. As a plan was ever issued it is impossible to copy a drawing that never existed. Some changes have been made, the design is in metric units, the aerofoil is the NACA 0010 thinned 22%, this is not the same as the original but is as close as makes no difference, being very similar to the Avro Vulcan Bomber, Fin shape is slightly modified & the angle of the Delta is different.

Builders Notes:-

This is a surprisingly difficult model to build as the original used die cut parts (before laser cutting) so it was designed to fit together more or less as a large jig saw puzzle. This means that the parts need to be cut VERY accurately otherwise it will be out of true. It is best to cut the ribs and then cut the spar slots together including the fuselage sides. Build the wings first, make sure you do a Left & a Right hand and then build the fuselage so it fits the wing joiners. Cutting all the lightening holes is a real pain but not really necessary as the saving in weight is minute, however it does look fantastic through a transparent covering. If you do use Solarfilm it is a bit vulnerable as there is no U/C. Cover the top & bottoms in different colours, it is hard to see which way it is going and it flies very very fast. So far (Nov 2008) my Wing set & Fuselage have been completed to Issue 05 drawings so these are now ready for use.

Take care with the wing leading edge as you cannot buy a pre-slotted section, you could modify the design, but this unusual LE is part of the "slot together" design. Before the Leading Edge is fitted the wing is relatively weak so you are strongly adsvised to shape it BEFORE fitting.

Set the both Elevons with about 3mm UP to give a slight reflex to the TE.

Note you will need a Transmitter that can mix Ailerons and Elevator, usually known as Elevons. No moving rudder is fitted. Some versions had separate Ailerons and Elevators. This version need 4 servo's but no mixer.

The photo below is of my model made to Issue 05 drawings, Click on the image for a full page photograph.

Download 3 .PDF drawings of the Stiletto (1) General Layout, (2) Ribs, (3) Formers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright holder. Except for private & non-profit use.