Penny Ekranoplans

[Zathros]

I have uploaded a Penny flying model of the Lun Ekranoplan. Feel free to modify paint and do whatever you wish to it. They fly really well and I have gotten some incredible distances using a rubber band taped to a yard stick laying on the floor. If adjusted right they fly about 2" inches about the ground for a really long distance. If is fun to watch the ground effect when they slow down and are still in the air. Have fun. They are in the Aviation section under Aircraft/Penny Ekranoplans.

[cdwheatley]

Nice one, thanks!

[willygoat]

I got them! Did you use heavy stock for these? THe lamination process could be tricky if in a rush I would think. Can't wait to try them.

[Phil]

Thanx!...oh, I have a question...where does the penny go? :D

[Zathros]

Use #110 card stock. You want the fuselage to be rigid. Build the model and leave a space under where the cockpit would be, won't apply glue there, the idea being that you adjust the center of gravity by sliding the penny forward or back. Using long rubber bands and a yard stick place on the ground and pull back gently. You have a good flight when it flies between 1 and 4 inches. It should be biased nose heavy or it will really take off and you don't get the fun ground effect. You really have it adjusted good when the last few feet seem to slow for it to still be flying (at the point, tape or glue the penny in place). By adding lightweight paper flaps on the trailing edge of the wings you can play with how the air is caught and released under the wing. The wing end pieces are really important as they prevent air from spilling over to the top of the wing. Thanks for having fun with this. At the Zealot forum when I first loaded them many people made them and had a blast with them. Feel free to Photoshop and do whatever you please with them, including commercial gain. It is my gift to the paper model world (albeit a small one) for all the models I have gotten for free.