This model is based on the Estes K-57 SkyDart kit from the early to mid 1970's. The 2X version uses 2" NCR tubing (from old NCR shuttle kit), and a custom nose cone turned by Balsa Machining Service. The wing is 1/2" (.55" thick) blue foam sheet, with no reinforcement other than 1" wide 1.5 oz glass cloth to give ding-resistance to the leading edge. Rudder is 3/16" blasa, removeable for transport.

Span 26", area 270 sq in. Liftoff weight approx 11 ounces. Power by E12J reload in a 24mm "RC" casing.

Radio controlled by mixed elevons. Futaba 8UAF Transmitter provides electronic mixing so each servo directly drives one elevon. Hitec 555 receiver and HS-60 servos. 50 mAh nicad battery pack. W.S. Deans whip antenna inside of body tube.

Model was not covered or painted as seen in these pics, to see if it worked out OK in test flights first. Most flights launched at 45 degrees, some at 60 degrees, using a C-rail. Altitude about 400 feet, glide time about 60 seconds.

Servos installed directly into wing by cutting outline in foam slightly undersized. 1/16" balsa scrap glued flush with top of wing, the 1/16" thickness makes up for the difference in thickness of the blue foam and the servo. Opening covered over by package tape. Servo output arm sticks straight down, to drive the elevon directly via a short pushrod. Troughs cut into foam to run the servo wiring. The pic at left shows the bottom of the wing before the wing was glued to the body tube. Servo wiring runs inside small openings in body tube.