Question: single-axis gyro in forward-swept flying wing(?)

Feb 25, 2004 2 Replies

Hi all. This is a re-post under a better heading. I'm flying a swept-forward FW similar to the XBow and Bird-o-Prey series. Being extremely short coupled in pitch, it is very 'labor intensive' to fly. I've temporarily installed extended tail booms and a horizontal tailplane which tames it in pitch. But it detracts from the 'kool' look. Being an old coot in denial and clinging to the juvenile 'kool factor', i want to keep the plane tailless for the looks. I'm certain it would benefit from a pitch gyro in the elevator channel. Here's the deal- The swept-forward wing has full length elevons and an onboard mixer for aileron-elevator mixing. I want to insert the gyro (single-axis, plane-only, not heading-hold type) in the elevator channel, between Rx and Mixer. The gyro's action *should* then register correctly on both elevons. I've been told this will not work, but can't see any reason 'why' it won't work. So before purchasing the gyro, I want to run the idea by the collective wisdom of the NG. Thanks in advance. Bill(oc)



P.S. Adding expo has been suggested, but this plane would not benefit from expo. The gyro is specifically what i'm interested in.



I can't think of why it wouldn't work, either. In fact, with elevons, I don't know how else I would want to do it.

| The swept-forward wing has full length elevons and an | onboard mixer for aileron-elevator mixing. I want to insert the gyro | (single-axis, plane-only, not heading-hold type) in the elevator | channel, between Rx and Mixer. The gyro's action *should* then register | correctly on both elevons. I've been told this will not work, but can't | see any reason 'why' it won't work.

I think it'll work fine. If you didn't have a mixer in the plane, it wouldn't, but you do, so it should be fine.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required