Last years build project changed from an Orlik 2 to an Orlik 3 then John realized that the Orlik 2 did not have a wheel so towing it off the ground could be a problem for low powered tugs. Luckily the only difference between the Orlik 2 and 3 is the fitting of a wheel so the model was modified during construction.
The model was finished in time to the 2008 summer and some very memorable flights were achieved including 2 thermal flights of over 2 hours each at the Interlaken aerotow meeting in Switzerland.
The construction of the model is closely following the full size and is skinned in 0.8mm ply using the same panel layout as the full size.
All the parts for this model were drawn by John in Autocad and cut out by Alan using the team’s CNC cutting machine. This was the first time the team has produced model parts this way but consider it is the way for the future.
The model originally flew on 35 mhz but has recently been converted to Futaba FAAST 2.4 ghz using an FX-40 transmitter and 6014 receivers.
Specification
Span  7.5m
Length 3.6m
Weight 29kg