Basic Carrier Deck
So what's BCD all about?
Basic Carrier Deck is the beginner's Carrier class. Models are required to be merely scale-like and simple, so they are inexpensive and straightforward to build, and the scoring system emphasises low rather than high speed in order to encourage piloting skills rather than proficiency in engine tuning. Models suitable for use in BCD will generally handle and fly well, are robust enough to forgive most of the hard usage likely to be encountered whilst learning and need only a modest top speed. Beginners are therefore likely to experience success earlier in BCD than in any other class and this can usually be acheived without excessive time, effort or financial outlay.
BCD's rules and contest calendar
You'll find the BCD rules on a subsequent page on this site. The UK/European contest calendar will also be published here as soon as it is available. The rules and calendar are provided in this way so that annual rule alterations and each new year's contest details can be easily incorporated.
What sort of model is needed to fly in BCD?
The BCD rules ensure than models are kept as technically simple as possible. The scale requirement is also very straightforward: a model must be recognisable as a particular carrier aircraft, but beyond this, there is no requirement for any scale accuracy at all. Models must have only the minimum systems that enable them to undertake the basic Carrier functions of high speed, low speed and arrested landing and are therefore permitted only an arrester hook and speed control system in addition to the normal elevator controls. No part of the model may have any other control surface or system whatsoever.
Because of the scoring system's emphasis on slow speed, a model which will fly and handle well at low speeds is invariably the best type to use. Not only will this type produce higher flight scores, a model with a good slow speed capability will also mean that accurate arrested landings are most easily achieved by the novice pilot.All BCD models require the usual 2-line elevator control system for normal C/L flight. To obtain fast and slow speed flight, most BCD models use conventional R/C throttled glow motors controlled by a variety of proper speed control systems, most of which are derived from the same basic design. Only when the model is twin-engined can the simplest 'speed control' system of all be used, in which one motor - usually the outboard - is allowed to run out of fuel before the slow flight starts!
There are a number of different types of proper speed control system that can be used to operate an R/C engine. The simplest is undoubtedly an independent third control line running from control handle to model and directly connected to the engine's throttle by a system of cranks. As this single line can only be pulled in one direction, such a system will require spring loading to obtain movement in the opposite direction. Whilst simple, this has the disadvantage that pulling too hard can reduce or even completely remove elevator line tension.
A far more satisfactory system is the 3-line arrangement first developed in the US as the 'J.Roberts' Flight Control System' and now more widely used, and imitated, than any other. The J.Roberts' system uses a special bellcrank in the model and a matching mechanism within the control handle to give fully balanced and compensated control movements. The system provides full throttle control at the same time as full elevator control whilst maintaining equal tension in all 3 lines, and also allows the throttle to be set and left in any position. Although this very successful commercial system is readily available, it is not inexpensive. This has given rise to a number of variations on the theme which not only are often just as effective, they can usually be manufactured easily by the average aeromodeller and at very moderate costs indeed. See the appropriate section for information on the J.Roberts' system, plus diagrams of all the common imitations and full instructions for the manufacture of each.Modern electronics have also been used to provide multi-function control via 2 control lines! Sometimes known as closed loop telemetry, it is essentially normal radio control but sent 'down the wires' instead of through the air. Some R/C systems can even provide it without modification: special plug-in points actually bypass the unwanted radio frequency circuits so that transmitter and receiver can be connected directly to each end of a normal 2-line C/L system (though, of course, the wires must be insulated) and this will give as many control functions as the system has channels!
Whilst very sophisticated and particularly popular with C/L scale modellers, it is nevertheless very complex and expensive, and rarely used in Carrier. The mechanical 3-line J.Roberts' system and its derivatives are unhesitatingly recommended as the best systems and it is assumed from here on that this is what the Carrier model builder and flier will be using.BCD requires models that fly well at low speeds. Such models are generally characterised by large wing areas, thick wing sections, lifting aerofoils and low wing loadings - or some combination thereof. These requirements can be very easily satisfied! Conventional aerobatic designs or even stunt trainers often make excellent BCD models by virtue of their relatively large, thick sectioned wings, light weight and good flying qualities. Such model designs often need no more than the provision of a throttle control system, local undercarriage strengthening to cope with heavy deck landing impacts and the addition of strong arrester hook mounts.
It is therefore perfectly possible - and has already been successfully achieved on a number of occasions - to modify an existing model in this way. In fact, if you are unsure about committing yourself, modification of a suitable but redundant old model is undoubtedly the quickest and easiest way to see if you'll like flying the class of Basic Carrier Deck without the time and expense associated with building a pukka design. You'll find some guidance on how to go about this below. A purpose-designed model will, of course, usually perform better, and all of the BCD design featured on this site are eminently suitable for those who prefer to build their models from a proper plan.
BCD Rules
Convert an old C/L model for BCD
Design your own BCD model
Existing BCD designs
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