With all of the graphics in place (at left) the major components are assembled and the controls connected. Then once the AJis balanced she’ll be ready to fly. The finished R/C Interceptor next to the original folding wing catapult glider (above) shows the accuracy of the lines in an attempt to keep the R/C Interceptoras true to the original outline as possible.
by the horizontal stabilizer. Align and glue the stab in place, and when dry, hinge the el- evator with hinge tape. The vertical fin is aligned and glued in place last.
To set up the controls, turn the radio on to center the servos in their neutral posi- tion. Make a Z-bend at the tail even with the hinge lines and slip the control horns over the bend. Align the flying surfaces into their neutral positions and glue the control horns in place. Set the throws as shown on the plan, and for good measure, set up a 70% dual rate, just in case things turn out to be a little too spunky on the initial test flights. The only thing left to do now is
mount the prop and battery and balance the model at the position shown. The proto- type balanced perfectly with no additional ballast.
Flying the Interceptor As with any model of this type, calm condi-
tions are a must for the initial trim flights, so pick a calm day if at all possible. Before the first flight, double check the controls to insure freedom of movement, and that they’re mov- ing in the right direction. From there, power up and give the model a gentle toss, slightly nose up. Climb to a safe altitude and trim the model for level flight at cruise power.
Control input is crisp, but overall the model is very docile in flight and is easy to fly. But above all, the model looks great in the air. I was a little surprised however that the glide path at low power is quite steep, so when it’s time to land, carry a little power and fly the model all the way down and you’ll be in great shape.
And that’s all there is to it. The AJ 404 Interceptor is a classic design that flew great in its original form and scales up beautifully for R/C as well. And when you get right down to it, a classic design cou- pled with modern equipment is a terrific combination.
PHOTO: TAMMY REAGAN Even in the present time the classic design of the Interceptor looks great bracketed by a blue sky and flies great with crisp control inputs. FLYING MODELS 23
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