Giant 60%-Scale J-3 Cub with a 21 ft Wingspan
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Giant 60%-Scale J-3 Cub with a 21 ft Wingspan
Included with the new FS One DLC Pack 4
Welcome to the latest FS One newsletter. In this edition, I'm introducing DLC Pack 4, which lets you fly a 60% scale J-3 Cub in FS One. The download is free and compatible with FS One version 2022.
The 60% size was inspired by a couple of real-life examples - Bill Hempel’s 60% scale Super Cub, weighing just 115 lbs, and NASA Armstrong’s “MicroCub” built from the Hempel Super Cub ARF, but with a higher all-up final weight. These models at 60% scale have a wingspan of 21 ft, which is enormous for an RC model.
This J-3 Cub in FS One doesn’t have flaps like a Super Cub, but I'm considering adding flaps later. The model has large, soft-sprung bush tires for smooth landings and an action camera positioned above the canopy, similar to NASA Armstrong’s Super Cub.
The first F8 camera puts you right on top of the action camera (for 3D flying sites). You can use the ‘b’ and ‘n’ keys to move (trolley) forward and backward from the default position. You can see the black ‘canopy’ cam in the pictures below, along with the overall size of the massive 21-ft span.
The model replicates the unique flight characteristics of real-life Cub aircraft. With the tail held high, this aircraft model can be maneuvered on the ground just like its real-life counterpart. To engage the wheel brakes, simply apply up elevator stick, and use the two-position switch to enable or disable the brakes entirely. Slips can be employed for rapid altitude loss, while rudder turns with opposite ailerons produce flat turns and a tight turning radius. But with too much rudder and opposite ailerons, it can drop a wing and enter a spin!
If you've ever been curious about flying a giant scale RC Cub, this is an easy way to start. Here’s a video of it flying in FS One.
Until next time, happy landings!
About the FS One Newsletter
Subscribers to this “RC Flight Simulation with FS One” newsletter will be among the first to know when new airplanes and new features are planned and released for FS One. I will also discuss some of the finer details that go into RC flight simulation, share tips and techniques for flying, and touch on aerodynamics and flight dynamics now and then. In addition to the usual coverage, keep an eye out for occasional thoughts and ideas on other related topics in RC modeling.