PLANES

The models are realistically patterned after actual full sized aircraft.  This particular group of models are of the 40% class meaning they are nearly ½ the size of their real counterpart.  The reliable radio range is typically about one mile which is farther than anyone would want to fly from themselves.  These model airplanes utilize a speed range from 30-100 mph depending on the maneuver.  The construction materials consist of balsa wood, foam, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.  The finish is either painted, or covered using a Mylar type covering.  Each model takes over 100 hours to build.  The total investment is $6,000-$10,000.  The operational cost is $5.55 per flight for fuel and smoke oil.

Airframe specs:
Weight:  38-40 lbs
Wingspan: 120-126 inches (about 10.5 feet)
Length: 110-118 inches (9 to 10 feet)

Power:
Engine:  150 cc Two Stroke, dual cylinder, 16.5 Horsepower.
Fuel:  Standard Gasoline with a 2 stroke oil mixture.  The fuel is held in a 50 oz plastic tank capable of keeping the aircraft airborne for about 15 minutes.
Propeller:  30-32 inches, wood or carbon fiber laminate. 
Engine Speed:  5800-6200 RPM depending on conditions and propeller.

Electronics:

Transmitter:  Digital Proportional, Pulse Code Transmission, 8-10 channels utilizing both the 72 Mhz and 2.4 Ghz frequencies.
Receiver:  Dual Conversion, 9-10 channel (2 per plane)
Servos:  2 to 4 servos per control surface:  Each servo is capable of 18 lbs of torque while moving 60 degrees in less than 2/10 of a second.
Batteries:  High Capacity Lithium Ion batteries.  Each battery pack is 7.3 Volts with a 5500 mA capacity.  A full charge will give each plane over an hour of flight time.
Linkage:  Ball and socket linkage with control push rods of steel, titanium, and carbon fiber.   Some rudders uses steel or Kevlar cables for rigging.

Smoke system:
The heart of the smoke system is a high capacity, variable speed electric pump.  The smoke oil recipe includes components of diesel, paraffin and vegetable oil to obtain a very low flash point. The pump draws oil from the onboard tank similar to a conventional windshield washer pump for automobiles.  The oil is then routed to each muffler where it is injected directly into the exhaust path of the engine.  The result is a heavenly display of thick smoke!   Each aircraft carries a half gallon of smoke oil for each flight.   The electric pumps are activated by the pilot from a switch on the transmitter.