RC COMBAT
RCC-09-1 – Clarify rules on variance from scale outline and resolve long-standing disagreement on the rule interpretation.
In section 3.2, for class 2105 replace “No more than plus or minus five (5) percent deviation from overall scale outline will be allowed” with “All deviations from scale outline must be within five (5) percent of each other and within five (5) percent of 1/12th scale. For example, scaling a model’s wingspan up 5% and the fuselage down 5% is not allowed”.
In section 3.2, for class 2610 replace “No more than plus or minus ten (10) percent deviation from overall scale outline will be allowed” with “All deviations from scale outline must be within ten(10) percent of each other and within ten (10) percent of 1/12th scale”. For example, scaling a model’s wingspan up 10% and the fuselage down 10% is not allowed.
Logic:
The current rules are too vague and seem to allow a model to have its wing and tail scaled up 10% while the rest of the airframe is scaled down 10%, leading to a total of 20% variance from scale. This has been a point of contention among designers of scale combat planes for quite some time and needs to be clarified in the rules. Since models with a 20% variance often look odd, it is a conflict with the rest of the rules to allow such models. While the current rules have language indicating that the model should appear similar to the prototype, the existing language is too vague to be enforceable at a contest.
Submitted by: Kirk Adams, AMA #6789
RCC-09-2 – Remove redundant passage related to scale deviation that may be interpreted to conflict with other parts of the rules.
In section 3.2.1, remove “Minor modifications that improve flight characteristics will be allowed as long as those modifications do not alter the basic resemblance to the original aircraft”.
Logic:
The passage to be removed is redundant and vague. Sections 3.2 spell out in detail how much variance from scale is allowed. The passage to be removed implies that any change of any percent deviation from scale is allowed as long as it looks ok. Since appearances are very subjective, this passage can be read to imply that as long as someone thinks the model might be ok, any deviation from scale is allowed.
Submitted by: Kirk Adams, AMA #6789
RCC-09-3 – Specify that colors/markings of models should reflect combat units and not non-combat schemes.
In section 3.2.1, after “Unusual color schemes are allowed when supported with simple photograph or drawing documentation supplied by the pilot of the aircraft”. Add “color schemes must be based on combat units. Colors based on such non-combat activity as target towing, prototype testing, R&D, war weary and civilian uses are not allowed”.
Logic:
Target tugs, research planes and war weary airframes are often painted in odd, high visibility schemes. However, these schemes are out of place in an event that aims to simulate combat. Therefore, only schemes that resemble actual combat markings should be allowed.
Submitted by: Kirk Adams, AMA #6789
RCC-09-4 – Create new section between 3.2.1 and 3.2.2. and remove the text regarding colors and markings to this new section.
Move the text in section 3.2.1. starting with “Aircraft are to be finished….” Through “… with simple photograph or drawing documentation supplied by the pilot of the aircraft” to a new section, 3.2.4 (or 3.2.2 and re-number the following sections).
Logic:
Colors and markings are their own “issue” and should be included in a separate rule rather than be lumped in with the rules on scale outline and deviation of scale outline.
Submitted by Kirk Adams, AMA #6789
RCC-09-5 – Change 2610 engine displacement rules to match Open B.
In section 3.4, change “shall be .26 cu. in.” to “shall be .30 cu. in.”.
Logic:
The smaller displacement limit for 2610 compared to Open B has done nothing to limit the power available in 2610 planes, but has harmed participation in the class by not allowing pilots with existing Open B gear to outfit 2610 planes or share engines and parts between models. Allowing pilots to use the same gear in both classes can’t hurt and should boost the number of pilots in the class.
Submitted by: Kirk Adams, AMA #6789
RCC-09-6 – Change max weight from 4 lbs. to3.5 lbs. for electric models in Open B.
Remove “Electric Maximum Weight” column from the class/weight chart at the top of section 3.
Logic:
Electric models have no limits on the power or size of the electric motor system allowed in Open B Combat. The only limit to how much power is available is from the weight limit of the model. Back when NiCad and NiMH batteries were state of the art, allowing an extra half pound to account for the weight of the batteries made sense. However, with the present and near-future state of the art in brushless motors and Lithium-based batteries, electric systems in all forms of radio control competition have shown an ability to not just meet, but exceed the power-to-weight ratios possible with glow engines. The current higher weight limit is not only unnecessary; it will soon give electric models a significant advantage over glow powered planes. Also note that the scale combat classes currently do not allow for a higher weight limit for electric models. This rules change will also make the rules consistent between Open and Scale events.
Submitted by: Kirk Adams, AMA #6789
RCC-09-7 – Specify a maximum wingspan of 48” and allow models to be scaled up to 48”.
In section 3.1 remove “1/12“ and replace it with “48” inch”.
In section 3.1 after “1935 and 1955” add “Model are to be scaled to a wingspan of no more than 48 inches and no less than 40 inches”.
Logic:
The current 1/12th scale rules give an advantage to prototype aircraft with long wings or high wing area designs. Many well known aircraft are at a major competitive disadvantage. Allowing all models to be built to the same size will level the playing field and allow the return of well known favorite designs such as Mustangs.
Submitted by: Kirk Adams, AMA #6789.
RCC-09-8 - Clarify 2610 scale deviation rule.
At end of Class 2610: 3.2 add “The deviations shall all be in the same direction (plus or minus); it is not permissible to scale some elements up and others down”.
Logic:
Allowing some elements to be scaled down and others to be scaled up has resulted in “cartoon scale” aircraft. An example would be scaling down the fuselage (reducing diameter and length), scaling up the wing (increasing span and area) and scaling up the tail surfaces (increasing span and area). This aircraft would be more competitive because of the reduced drag, shorter moments, increased spans and areas. Limiting scale deviations to a single direction will help balance competition and improve recognition of the models.
Submitted by: Ed Kettler, AMA #3739
RCC-09-9 – Remove event 2105 from RC Combat rules (Event 750) as it has not been flown competitively for over five (5) years.
Delete sections “Class 2105: 3.2” and “Class 2105: 3.4”. Delete reference to 2105 in “Class 2610: 3.2 Any aircraft legal in event Class 2105 shall be legal in event Class 2610.
Logic:
Class has not been flown competitively for over five (5) years and there has been no indication of interest in this class.
Submitted by: Ed Kettler, AMA #3739
RCC-09-10 – Remove size class 1/2A fro Open RC Combat rules (Event 755) as it has not been flown for over five (5) years.
Delete “Open 1/2A” row from table in Section 2.
Logic:
Class has not been flown competitively for over five (5) years and there has been no indication of interest in this class.
Submitted by: Ed Kettler, AMA #3739
RCC-09-11 – Make RCCA SSC an AMA Rule Book Event for RC Combat.
2007 RCCA Rules for Slow Survivable Combat (Provisional Class)
Effective 1 January 2007 for the 2007 Contest Season.
1. Contest
With the exception of the following restrictions, all RCCA A-class rules and scoring will be used. SSC combat rounds will be 5 minutes in duration.
2. Engine
.15 cid engine available from normal retail outlets for a non-sale retail price of $65 or less, excluding taxes or shipping. Engine must be classified by the manufacturer for use in R/C flying model aircraft. Engine must be complete with carburetor and muffler. Carburetor must be fully R/C functional as intended by the manufacturer and servo operated. The muffler must be expansion chamber type with no internal pipe (which would effectively increase its length and there allow “tuning”). The front of the muffler must be closed and “flow through” mufflers are not allowed. The use of electric motors is acceptable as long as the aircraft meets class weight specifications plus 1.5 ounces with batteries in place and meets propeller and RPM restrictions.
3. Aircraft
Flight ready unfueled aircraft shall weigh a minimum of 2 ½ pounds. Minimum wing areas shall be no less than 400 square inches.
4. Power Plants and Propellers
All aircraft will use a non-modified Master Airscrew 8 x 3 prop. Max allowable RPM shall be 17,500 at time of launch for combat. RPM testing to be performed as part of tech inspection.
The maximum RPMs shall be 17,500 measured on the ground with the carburetor barrel and throttle stick full open. Pilots are expected to bring their planes to the meet ready to comply with the RPM limits. Pilots should tach their own aircraft at the contest prior to official RPM testing, and at other times during the contest to ensure conformance. It is the sole responsibility of the contestant to present an engine and aircraft that meet the specifications of the event.
The contest director will determine the frequency of rpm testing. The contest may choose one or more of the following approaches to ensure engine rpm compliance at an SSC Combat contest.
i. The Contest Director of his/her designated technical inspector may test every contestant’s engine for maximum rpm compliance before the first round of the contest. In addition competitor’s engines may be randomly tested during the contest. A competitor may be tested more than once during an event. If, in the opinion of the contest director, engine rpm testing is required more frequently to ensure that all participants are in compliance, the CD may choose to have each engine tested any or every round by the pilot’s judge.
ii. The contestant may choose to have technical inspector or judge adjust the engine’s needle valve to achieve maximum rpm for the check or may elect to have the inspector “pinch” the fuel line to achieve peak rpm. If the contestant chooses the “pinch” check method, the inspector will hold the tachometer on the engine and he/she will “pinch” the fuel line to peak the engine’s rpm ability. If the engine exceeds 17,500 rpm’s, the engine and airplane to which it is attached are declared ineligible for combat and may not be launched for combat.
iii. The contestant is allowed to make changes necessary to meet the specifications. The contestant may change fuels, make adjustments to the carburetor to limit its peak travel or utilize restrictions to the intake or exhaust system which limit the engines performance to that which is at or below the maximum allowable rpm specification. A disqualified engine and airplane may be tested after the pilot makes adjustments to his/her engine to bring it into rpm compliance. Testing may be conducted from “Start engines”, through “End combat” of each round. If the contestant fails to achieve the rpm specifications, the plane is ineligible from combat and may not be launched for combat.
iv. Any engine, which in the CD’s opinion is running over the limit in any round, may be tested at the end of that round.
The changes made above give the CD the option to test once, randomly or every round at his/her discretion and choosing
v. Electric motors shall be tested prior to flight be letting the motor run at full throttle for 10 seconds. The motor shall be tached and the ATV adjusted so that the maximum RPMs are not exceeded.
5. Pink Slip:
By signing the event entry, you have agreed that should you place first in the contest, your engine shall be sold to any other competitor who wishes to buy it for $75.
Logic:
Slow Survivable Combat (SSC) is the most widely flown class of combat in the US. It has been under development for over four years. It has proven the design intents:
• Low cost per plane due to cost constraints in the rules
• Balanced competition due to limitations on minimum weight, maximum RPMs and the use of a specific propeller
• Survivability: with the exception of a direct hit by the engine or prop, most planes are field repairable.
Submitted by: Ed Kettler, AMA #3739