It was a little more than 50 years ago that combat flying entered the arena of aeromodelling. Memories of exciting dogfights between German Me 109s and Spitfires inspired aeromodellers to build balsa wood control line scale models of these and other fighter planes of WW II era.
A model plane with wingspans ranging from 36 inches and above powered generally by a 1.5cc to 2.5cc engine, using wire control line, which controlled the ailerons would be flown by two 'combat pilots' standing next to each other. Each aircraft had a long streamer attached below the tail plane.
The object of the 'combat pilots' would be to cut off the opponent's streamer, using the propeller of his aircraft. Each 'pilot' maneuvered his aircraft to get behind his opponent's plane to cut off as much of the streamer as possible. The 'pilots' developed skills to maneuver their aircraft using every tactic as in the normal combat flying, to get into position to hack his opponents streamer. The victor was the one, who was able to cut off the maximum amount of the other plane's streamer.
The sport of model airplane combat has, over the years, undergone a sea of change. Besides growing exponentially, control line has given way to radio controlled models. Competitiveness has increased, leading to development of skills, in handling transmitters for intricate maneuvering of the aircrafts for cutting off the opponent's streamers, using the 'armament' of the fast revving propeller, as well the wing, wherever possible.
Stronger material than balsa wood has replaced the material for model airplanes, such as Foam and SPAD, as 'combat pilots' endeavor to achieve the position of 'Top Dog'. Combat Clubs can be found in almost every country and almost every aeromodelling club has specialists in 'combat flying'. Rules and regulations have been framed, to make competitiveness fair. Categories of 'combat flying' have become more stringent, depending on the experience of the flier, the size of the aircraft intended for the 'combat'. Accordingly, power of the engine, pitch of the propeller, weight of the airplane and in instances, even the shape of the fuselage, are considered. Categories have been demarcated in such a manner that they include beginners to experience 'combat pilots' and every category in between.
For each category, the rules vary, but in each instance, the primary consideration is the skill of the 'pilot'. Stipulations as in one class, the combat must last at least 5 minutes; the engine must be 150 cc capacities and the weight of the aircraft should be no less than 2.5 pounds. There are no limitations on the wingspan in this category, but the wing area should be 400 square inches. The maximum rpm of the engine should not exceed 17,500 at take off.
You can take your hobby as far as you can, as the excitement you can derive is unlimited. You can get into modeling full time and enjoy the benefits, while you experience the exhilarating world of model airplane combat.
The whole vista of combat model aircraft flying is an exciting one; challenging, competitive with endless possibilities. Go and explore it!
Author Resource:-
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model planes and model helicopters. You can find the best marketplace for model planes and model helicopters by visiting the best sites for model planes, model fighter planes, and model helicopters.
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