Basics of R/C Model Aircraft Design: Practical Techniques for Building Better Models

I saw in other reviews that the info in this book is dated, but I found the info to be very useful. I admit some of the info is a bit dated, but 90% of it is still current. All of the design info is perfect for the person that wants to design and build an rc aircraft. All of the math is simple and well explained. It goes over all of the formulas without getting to technical.

This book is packed with information, most of it very good for the scratch designer, but it could use some better ogranization and clearer examples. There is also some misprints in the formulas (Ch1 formula 4 is repeated erroneously in Ch 3). The engine info is all given in volume units, making it hard for electric modelers to relate. Static stability could use more analytical treatment.For more in-depth look at aerodnamics see Simon's "Model Aircraft Aerodynamics", a very good read.For really hard core but clearly presented control and stability info, look at Brandt's "Introduction to Aeronautics", and Raymer's "Aircraft Design - A Conceptual Approach"

If you're interested in building time tested design features into your airplane to maximize its performance, this book will certainly meet your expectations. It's not the kind of book you only read once, hence its worth, it's a reference book that you'll keep going back to everytime you undertake a new project.Every chapter holds something useful you wish you had known before. The chapter on ducted cowls-i.e. building a nice, streamlined, good looking cowling- was one of my favorites.A book I definetely recommend for the serious modeler.

I like it, this should not be the only book that you need for design but part.It has practical references to design, no to much maths.

This book is an excellent, time-tested guide to designing radio controlled model aircraft. Mr.Lennon explains everything in a confident and crisp tone. But most people just starting out in designing might find this book a little intimidating owing to the large number of math-like graphs and formulas right from page one. But if you are willing to persevere in your interest to design extremely reliable R/C modelled aircrafts then you should definitely read this book/guide. Thanks.

This book expects some knowledge about model airplane aerodynamics. It covers design and choice of appropraite airfoil, wing planform, fuselage inertia and layout, control surfaces size and shape, canard design, flying wing, reducing drag, ducted cowl design and others.He also explains all of the approaches on particular models that he designed and flew.This book belongs to the library of every serious airplane modeller.

Fun to read.A little simplistic... but a great way to start your RC building career :-)

I have yet to be disappoint with my purchases through Amazon. This book was just what I wanted and its condition is great. It fits into my reference collection nicely. Regards, Pat Willcox-AMA-262

Stunning Book!! Phenomenal!! What else can I say?? Unfortunately it seems to be out of print! (Do not forget Amazon.com! As well as Amazon.co.uk!) It seems that we are using the backlog of remaining copies?? The book arrived very slightly damaged. At some point, water had very slightly damaged it! it was not easy to get but it was worth the effort! Written by an engineer who worked on real airplanes. If you look at a copy you will understand! Sufficient data is offered to design quite workable model aircraft using the ideas in the book as a template before you branch out on your own. Some students have used this as an initial reference for designing "real" aircraft before reworking the design more fully using standard texts and tools. The book is effectively a set of individual articles written over time and combined in a more unified format. The result is a little disjoint and requires readers to go through the book to "get it in your head" so that you will know where to look for details later. Much real design data is offered. Some mathematics and graphs and tables are offered if you are an engineer or perhaps a little too much if not! It is one of the best books in this area. Unfortunately, some graphs are probably best read using a magnifying glass. Unconventional, boats, floats. 3 surface, canard and other interesting formats are included. The approach takes you through most aspects of the design process and stability, drag, airfoil selection, weight and balance are all here. The texts will give the reader the nomenclature to read further if required, I really like this book and have shown it to others who were also quite impressed. Hopefully there will be reprint runs again and perhaps someone else will carry the mantle forward as we need more books of this type in many areas.

I order this book because I wanted to understand the basics in order to build my own R/F Drone or UAV. The 4 stars I give is due to the fact was used with some underlying in a few pages content-wise is very good and is worth its money as used book.It also came on time so 5 stars to seller and the Amazon for delivering on time again.

It is "THE" go to book for practical information. While the book seems a bit dated at first glance, the ideas and practical suggestions remain highly valid. The writing is easy to read and incorporate into practical designs and modifications.

Come da titolo, è un libro fondamentale per chi inizia questo hobby, coloro che hanno più esperienza lo potrebbero viceversa trovare banale.

Very good book but more technical then what I was looking for. Lots of good wing/air flow theory but don't thing I could put lots of the info to use.Still a very good book and worth the money.