Sig Manufacturing’s EP-49
A classic balsa airplane in electric R/C clothing!
By Peter Serafini PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER SERAFINI S
ig Manufacturing began in the ear- ly 1950s when Glen and Hazel Sigafoose started cutting balsa parts in their basement. Although
it appeared then as a freeflight model pow- ered by rubber bands, the Rascal began flying shortly thereafter. It’s hard to imag- ine any product that was designed in the 1950s being relevant today but, as we have seen many times in the full scale aviation world, some of those early designs are tough to beat. The Cessna 172/182, Beechcraft Bonanza, Piper Cub, Aeronca Champ, and many others were designed more than 50 years ago. Not only are they being flown, most are in production even today.
Speaking of rubber bands, the Rascal has
had its share of different power over the years. It has seen glow, gas, brushed electric, as well as the aforementioned rubber power. Having once flown a smaller, 3-channel ver- sion that was powered by a small brushed di- rect drive motor and Ni-Cd batteries, it’s safe to say there was room for improvement in the electric power system. Highlighting one of the improvements in the Rascal EP-49 is the in- cluded power system; a 2410-09 brushless
26
outrunner, an 18-amp ESC with a built-in BEC, and an 81⁄2–8 propeller, all of which are included. Sig recommends a 3S Li-Po pack, between 850 and 1400 mAh. As ARFs go, this one is very complete
right out of the (very well packed) box. All that is standing between you owning a Sig in Rascal EP-49 and flying one is: (1) a few hours of pleasurable assembly; (2) a simple 4-channel radio with a micro receiver; (3) four mini servos (HS-55s are recommended); (4) two, 6-inch servo extensions; (5) a bat- tery connector for the ESC; (6) a small 3S Li- Po pack. No special tools are required; how- ever, a covering iron will come in handy in case of any wrinkles and a battery connec- tor of your choice needs to be soldered to the ESC.
Another significant change for this Rascal
over the previous 49-inch version is hidden in the wing. Two of the four required servos are for the ailerons. There’s one servo in each wing half with just the arm peeking through the pre-drilled hatches. With the addition of the ailerons, less dihedral is needed in the wing. More power, less weight, ailerons, and less dihedral; that doesn’t sound too bad.
AT A GLANCE Type:
Construction: Wing span: Wing area: Airfoil: Length: Weight:
Wing loading: Motor: ESC:
Battery: Radio:
Manufacturer:
R/C sport
balsa and ply 49 inches 324 sq. in. flat bottom 32.5 inches
22–25 ounces 9.7–11.1 oz./sq.ft.
2410-09 brushless outrunner 18-amp
3S 850–1400 mAh Li-Po 4 channel
Sig Mfg. Co., Inc. P.O. Box 520
401-7 South Front Street, Montezuma, IA 50171-0520 641-623-5154
www.sigmfg.com
SEPTEMBER 2012
Rascal
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