De Havilland DH-9  #545EL 

History:

Designed as the logical replacement for the DH-4, The DH-9 never completely lived up to its anticipated billing.

The DH-9's airframe was simpler, quicker to build, and apparently would have improved performance over the DH-4. However, never ending engine problems plagued this aircraft until the wars end.

Even the designer, Jeoffrey De Havilland, writing to the Air Board warned that the performance of the DH-9 would be inferior to that of the DH-4. The biggest issue was the aircraft's lack of power to carry a bomb load at more than 15000' altitude. None of the engines chosen that would fit the airframe were reliable and/or predictable enough to provide the needed horsepower. Regrettably the Air Board locked in production on the DH-9 notwithstanding.

Incredibly, announcing that operational choices were: The Siddeley Puma powered DH-9 or nothing! Nevertheless there were pilots who preferred the DH-9 over the DH-4. When obliged to fight the DH-9 gave a good account of itself. The back to back position of pilot and gunner ensured maximum cooperation. After dropping its bomb load it was possible to tight turn a D-VII into a power stall and beat the Hun at his own game.  One rear gunner from No. 49 Sqd., E. Simpson, accounted for four attacking German aircraft on one mission.

Production commenced in Jan. 1918 and by war's end over 4000 DH-9 aircraft were completed. Twenty six RAF bomb squadrons were assigned DH-9s serving on the Western Front, in the Middle East,Macedonia, and Russia.

The Model:

Never the less, in spite of its checkered past, this aircraft, in model form, is a true performer. The model's long nose, simple, light fuselage structure, generous stab and large wings make this model truly a biplane wakefield.

My model, of which I have built two over the past ten years, has been a constant, reliable performer whether entered in WW1 mass launch, Jumbo Scale or Rubber Scale events.  The model placed in the money in WW1 mass launch at Geneseo in '90, '91 and '92. First place at the Cactus Sqd. meet in 1990. First place in Rubber Scale, at Alamo Scramble in 2004. 3rd place in Jumbo Scale at Outdoor Champs, Muncie 2005.   Available Nov 9, 2005.  Pre-Orders Today!

 Sopwith Triplane  #544EL

another "true scale" design from Mike Midkiff.

This new kit features all laser cut parts, as do all Dare designs.  It can be build and flown as electric radio control, free flight electric or as a rubber powered model.  All the wheel parts necessary to build the wheels as shown in the picture are included in the kit.  Also included are the vacuum-formed dummy radial engine and the Vickers machine gun.  We include Dare covering material, full-size plans and instructions, rigging material 1/g wire and the best balsa you'll find anywhere.

This is a stunningly realistic model and an outstanding performer.  It will be a welcomed addition to your fleet of Dare Design models.

 Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter   #553EL

Mike Midkiff Design

Specifications

• True Scale

• All Laser Cut Parts

• Wing Span:  29"

• Length:  21.75"

• Wing Area:  277 sq. in.

• Wing loading (R/C): .025 oz./sq. in.

• Weight (R/C):  7 oz.

• Power:

• (R/C) GWS 6.0:1 Electric w/ 7.2V 110 mah batteries

• (Elec. F/F) 2 - KP02 motors

• 4 loops 1/8 FAI Rubber power

• Scale, shock absorbing landing gear

• Functional rigging material

• Large, scale stabilizer

• Contest rubber prop layout

• Light, ply core wheels

• Wire reinforced cabane struts

• Basswood interplane struts

• Detailed flight trimming instructions

• Doped linen colored tissue