The Ancestors of F3B Models

Today, carbon-fiber composites can be found wherever performance is required: from the Alinghi to the latest Boeing 787, which is said to contain 50% carbon fiber. Piccard’s solar project is also designed to use these modern materials. The traditional materials used in aviation—wood and aluminum—are increasingly being replaced by these new materials.

Once again, comparisons with the F3B World Championships in Emmen. In our minds, we saw a wing of an F3B model and a plywood performance model from the 1940s in half. This is by no
means realistic, but imagine it this way. The results would be completely different, and then there’s the stark contrast in wing profiles. While today’s thin laminar profiles—with their high-precision, mirror-smooth surfaces—combined with sophisticated aerodynamics represent a top-of-the-line product, a cross-section of a wing from the plywood era looks quite modest. But even back then, with materials like plywood and pine strips, performance was the goal. Albeit without remote control. In addition to performance, the designers of that era also had to focus specifically on flight stability.

In addition to the versatile and complex sport of model aircraft flying—ranging from F1D microfilm indoor models to jet models—model aircraft flying is evolving into a popular recreational sport. This includes the numerous small RC helicopters and those with two propellers

RC electric model aircraft are impossible to miss. In China, these model aircraft are produced in enormous quantities. The demand is literally overwhelming the manufacturers. This begs the question: Is this what model aviation is all about today?

The Swiss Aero Revue is a comprehensive reference work covering the entire
history of aviation, from its beginnings with hot-air balloon flights to the present day. The history of model aviation is also traced in great detail from its very beginnings. During World War II, model aviation grew in importance. The influence of politics and the military was also impossible to overlook: “If you don’t fly, you’ll be left behind,” and many other such sayings were common at the time. During this period, a “model aircraft general” was also appointed in the form of Senior Expert Arnold Degen. What took place during this era is truly impressive. And today, vintage model aircraft enthusiasts revel in this golden age. What was on offer in the 1930s and 1940s must not be forgotten. Thus, efforts are being made to revive and recreate the pioneering spirit of that era.

In the 1930s, Gottschalkenberg was the site of pioneering achievements in model aviation. Then Arosa came to enjoy its legendary history of model aviation. That is why it is so meaningful that model aviators are once again gathering today on this historic Tschuggen.

With great effort, these wooden relics of ancient times are recreated according to old blueprints. It’s wonderful to see these historical artifacts flying again, though today they’re mostly remote-controlled. The enthusiasts of this traditional culture are well aware: what our ancestors accomplished in the past is still admired and honored today.

So, let’s head back to Arosa next year on June 21–22!

Information and contact:
Alfred Genther, Gumpisbüelstrasse 35, 8600 Dübendorf, 044 821 04 34.
To order blueprints for plywood model airplanes:
Ms. Viviane Keller, Stettbachstrasse 5, 8707 Zollikon, 044 391 90 81.