Existing Class 1 designs
Build a Class 1 model using one of the designs from this site
All these plans have been scanned at 200dpi at A4 size, and will download as roughly 78k .gif files which will magically expand in your browser to about 3.6Mb. These will take a bit of time to print, and although you won't be able to build a model from them, you WILL be able to see what the model looks like, the degree of complexity, and the detail of the plan.
Full size plans are available from Andy Housden at the address on the Carrier Home page.Martin AM-1 Mauler
This model was published in the US magazine Model Airplane News in April 1964. It has a wing area of about 158 sq.in., plain flaps (split across the wing's dihedral break), a kick-over rudder and a single dive brake below the fuselage. The flaps are quite generous and have already been enlarged by the maximum +5% tolerance allowed. In 1964, it was quoted as being capable of 90mph for the fast run and 20mph for the slow, using a 'non-stunt' .35 engine. It should be quite capable of this performance with a modern R/C .40. Plan
Douglas TBD-1 Devastator
This model was published in the US magazine American Modeler in May/June 1965. It has a wing area of about 158 sq.in. and no slow run systems at all. Plan
North American P51-D Mustang
This model was published in the US magazine American Modeler in June 1967. It has a wing area of about 118 sq.in., plain flaps and a kick-over rudder. In 1967, the magazine's construction article suggested that with a powerful .40, fast speeds of over 100 mph and slow speeds of slightly less than 30 mph would be possible, with a weight of about 30oz. Mustangs were never used as operational carrier aircraft, but a single P51-D was navalised and made a number of arrested landings on the USS Shangri-la in 1944 - and that makes the prototype eligible! Plan
Bell XFL-1 Airabonita
This model was published in the US magazine Model Airplane News in December 1967. It has a wing area of about 142 sq.in. and plain flaps. In 1967, the magazine's construction article stated that with a powerful .40 (probably with fuel metering, an exhaust restricter and 25% nitro fuel), the fast speed was 103 mph and the slow speed 29 mph, with a weight of about 27-30oz. Much like the navalised Mustang, the Airabonita was a one-off. It was based upon and developed alongside the superficially similar Bell XP-39 Airacobra, but with a tailwheel undercarriage and redesigned tail surfaces. Since the XFL-1 made arrested landings on board a carrier - it's legal! Plan
Martin MO-1
This model might look rather odd, but don't be misled. It's been one of the best performing Class 1 models of all time! It was published in the US magazine American Aircraft Modeler in August 1969. It has a wing area of about 150 sq.in. and ailerons. The prototype was flown from carriers in 1924 and never used flaps; the thick high lift wing made flaps unnecessary. The weight should be about 24-26oz. Plan
Short Seamew
This model was published in the British magazine Aeromodeller in March 1970. It has a wing area of about 205 sq.in. The prototype had fairly large slotted flaps which have been simplified to plain flaps; the model also has a single outboard aileron. In 1970, the magazine's construction article stated that with an OS 40P engine, the fast run achieved was 90mph and the slow was 25mph. This model is the first UK Carrier design published and the one that started Mick Reeves off as the UK's most successful Carrier pilot after the initial introduction of the class from America. Plan
Blackburn Firebrand
This model was published in the British magazine Aeromodeller in May 1973. It has a wing area of about 150 sq.in. The prototype had large Fowler flaps but these have been simplified to plain flaps; the model also has a moving rudder. The engine is mounted radially and particular attention must be given to making sure that the ply engine mount is properly attached to the rest of the fuselage; more reinforcement than is shown on the plan may be necessary. The ply plate to which both the control system and the undercarriage are attached is susceptible to being torn out during hard landings and, again, extra reinforcement would be prudent. Plan
Douglas A-1E/A-1H Skyraider
This model was published in the US magazine Model Airplane News in February 1977. It has a wing area of about 125 sq.in. and plain flaps. Whilst small, it has had a good competition record in America. Plan
Douglas SBD Dauntless
This model was published in the US magazine Model Builder in August 1977. It has a wing area of about 180 sq.in., plain flaps and dive brakes. Plan
Vought OS2U Kingfisher
This model was published in the US magazine Flying Models in April 1983. It has a wing area of about 178 sq.in. and a line sweep. In 1983, the magazine's construction article stated that with a K&B Torpedo 40 using a fuel metering system and exhaust flap, a 9x7 or 9x71/2 prop and - wait for it - 50% to 79% nitro (!), the fast speed was 108mph and the slow speed was 18mph. This model in fact holds the current US Class 2 record (for engines between .40 and .60 cu.in.), fitted with a .46 engine. Work that one out! Plan
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