TOPIC: Profile SAAB J 39 Gripen for Rapier L-1 or L-2

Thanks for clearing that up, our thermal soarers used to be around 8 oz/sq ft so 5 oz should be sound. I think I was getting mixed up with grams/ sq/ins, but then I am a bit out of sorts at the moment.

Hi guys,
It's been quiet on the forum of late, apart from reports about Old Warden meetings, and I haven't updated the 'Building' thread for (gulp!) some months. I have, though, been busy behind the scenes, sending off not a few kits and following some promising leads on 'neo Jetex' and a possible Rapier type motor analogue. Progress on these (if any) will be posted in another thread.

Because of all this I have only just got back to building. Below is progress with a new profile Gripen:



This is much more of a 'profile' model than my previous effort (see earlier postings in this thread) and is tissue covered rather than paper covered balsa. This is lighter and easier to apply, but obviously not as opaque. Still, it will look aok from a distance.

The new Lansen too is tissue over balsa and fles splendidly.



I'll post pictures of the completed Gripen in due course. Meanwhile, if anyone wants the Gripen templates, or even a 'part kit' please let me know.

Is anybody out there in building anything?

They look great, thanks for posting.

The second, tissue -over-balsa Gripen has now been assebled:





It weighs a lot less than the more 'fleshed out', paper covered version, though the depth of colour and resolution is much poorer. But, if it flies better at 25-28 grams rather than 37 grams, I won't mind so much. And who will notice when it's up in the air?

The CG is a bit further back - test glides will show if this is sensible, and all the control surfaces are hinged and adjustable.

Here are the two prototypes together:



Hopefully, there will soon be a spell of calmer weather I can compare the flying characteristics of these. The first one needs at least an L-2X. I'm hoping the lighter one will fly with a lower power standard motor or even an L-2 LT. We shall see.

Looking good as is the weight reduction, should go well.