|
|
Flying model airplanes is a sport that integrates science and craftsmanship. The model plane flyer plans and constructs his models and competes with other flyers. Model airplane flying can be divided into three main categories:
1. Free flight models - The free flight models are not steered during any stages of flight, and the competition requirement is a maximum time in the air (up to 3 minutes during 7 flight rounds).
Free models are divided into flying methods:
- Gliders - With a string, these models are elevated to a height of 50 meters. From the moment they are released, they glide freely.
- Free motor models - These models are equipped with an internal miniature combustion engine (2.5 cc), which runs on a combination of methanol and castor oil. A propeller spins at 30,000 rpm's. The engine runs for no more than 7 seconds, and while it is activated, the model rises to a height of 220 meters. When the engine stops running, the model begins to glide.
- Rubber engine models - These models have elastic rubber strips attached to the propeller. The flyer twists the strips before flight. When started, the energy accumulated in the rubber propels the propeller, causing the model to rise to a height of 150 meters. When the model reaches the maximum height, the propeller folds on both sides of the fuselage of the model to decrease friction, and the model glides freely.
- Indoor rubber propelled models - Extremely light in weight (up to 2 grams), these models fly at very low speeds, and are propelled by twisted rubber strips. Competition is for maximum the time in air.
- These models are capable of gliding in the air in a closed hall for up to 40 minutes.
2. Cable driven models - The flyer holds the control handle which is attached to the model by two thin steel cables, about 15 to 20 meters long. The flyer navigates the controls, allowing the model plane to perform various manoeuvres on the outside of a dome with a radius the length of the cables. All cable driven models are propelled by internal combustion engines.
The flyers compete in performing a series of complicated aerobatic exercises (aerobatic model department), in maximum flight speeds (speed model department), swift air battles (air combat model department) or simultaneous 3-model team races in the same circular route (team models).
3. Radio controlled models - These models are radio controlled by the flyer with a hand-held transmitter, receiver and serbos mounted inside the model airplane.
These models compete for performance of complicated aerobatic manoeuvres (radio models, aerobatics), for the maximum time in the air, speed and distance (glider radio models), for performance of a series of manoeuvres by helicopter (radio helicopters).
All the various model plane types also include scale models constructed as exact replicas of existing planes.
Thousands of youngsters and adults actively participate in the sport both privately and through the Aeroclub of Israel. Tens of national competitions are held annually in all of the divisions. There are supplementary courses, and training courses for young counsellors. Israeli aeromodelling national teams participating in international competitions have an excellent reputation, and have achieved many awards, including the World and European champion title.
The Aero Club provides professional training for teenagers, in preparation for the IDF, particularly for the Air Force. After completing their military service, most of the teenagers involved in the club's activities go on to academic studies and employment in the civil security industries.
