Span 33 cm / 13 in
Weight 9-10 g / 0.32-0.35 oz
Specifics:
The Switchblade 300 is an American kamikaze drone first seen under combat conditions in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Early drawings and illustrations in the media still far from the real thing gave only a raw impression of this new weapon. One of these early drawings became the basis for our model. For this don’t expect 100% authenticity.
Big vertical surfaces give the Switchblade-like a very stable flight performance despite no wing dihedral at all. As the model is of very light construction it has superb gliding capabilities. It has become one of our favorite indoor gliders.
A note before you start:
Take a close look at the plan. There are two different layouts, A and B, of the Switchblade-like. Make sure you don’t confuse any parts or assemblies. A and B fly equally well.
Building the balsa sheet glider Switchblade-like
Materials
Model A
Fuselage: B 1; fuselage side stiffeners: B 1; wings: B 1; fins: B1; fin support: B 3 x 3 strips; ballast: piece of steel or lead.
Model B
Fuselage: soft B 2.5; wings: B 1; fins: B1; fin basis: soft B 2.5; ballast: piece of steel or lead.
Assembly:
Cut out balsa parts according to plan. Sand meticulously. If desired paint fuselage and/or wings now.
Fuselage. (A)
Cement side stiffeners to fuselage part. Let dry.
Mark position of both wings.
Cement wing supports left and right side of fuselage.
Fuselage. (B)
Mark position of both wings.
Cement wing supports left and right side of fuselage.
Wings. (A and B)
Fix fuselage on so called „third hand“. Cement wings to fuselage at given positions. Visual check from all sides. Use pins to hold parts in place and let dry. (photo).
Fins. (A)
Cement 3 x 3 strips to side stiffeners at indicated positions and let dry. Cement fins just as shown on plan and on photos. Hold with pins. Check symmetry.
Fins. (B)
Cement first only one fin on B 2.5 fin-basis part and let dry, then repeat with second fin.Always check symmetry from all sides. (photo) When this assembly is dry cement it in its place on the rear upper section of the fuselage. Use pins and check symmetry.
Final assembly. (A)
When everything is dry balance at given C/G.
Have pleasant flights! (祝您飞行愉快！)
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