Review by R. Mark Adams
Model photographs by the author
The V22 is the result of cooperation between Bell Helicopter and the Boeing Aircraft Corporation to build a tilt-rotor vehicle capable of helicopter-like takeoffs and landings, as well as aircraft-like forward travel. This was planned to provide a unique capability for rapid self-deployment, coupled with manueverability and reduced landing field requirements. Several branches of the service, including the United States Marines, Navy and Special Operations Command, are planning on using the aircraft as part of their missions. Testing of the aircraft is ongoing and will provide for a September 2005 decision on whether to shift from low-rate to full-rate production. This model represents the Marine variant of the aircraft, equipped to carry a pilot, a co-pilot and 24 passengers at a maximum forward speed of 275 knots, with an effective ceiling of 26,000 feet.
Aircraft: | V22 Osprey |
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Year: | 2002 |
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Country: | USA |
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Wingspan: | 83.3 Feet (rotors turning) |
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Length: | 57.33 Feet |
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Height: | 21.77 Feet (rotors fully vertical) |
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Weight: | 33,140 pounds (empty) 60,500 pounds (max loaded) |
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Speed: | 275 knots |
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Ceiling: | 26,000 feet |
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Range: | 2,100 miles, for self-deployment |
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Powerplant: | Two Allison T406-AD-400 engines | |
Armament: | None |
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Crew: | Two, pilot and co-pilot |
This 1:50 scale model was created by Christian Chua, and can be found on the web here. It is downloaded electronically from the Repapmodels website (for US$5.00) as a set of an encrypted PDF files. when Chippy gets your payment, he sends you the PDF password, allowing you to open and print the file(s). I printed the model onto heavy cardstock using a Lexmark Z22 inkjet printer.
I assembled the model with a Polish white glue made especially for papermodels (similar, but slightly thinner than the latex "tacky glue" you can buy in the art/craft stores here in the US). Some of the formers were glued to cardboard (a shirt stiffener) for strength.
Construction is done primarily with butt-joined segments. The layout follows a sensible pattern, and the parts fit well. Christian provides a good set of instructions, along with plenty of photos illustrating construction. The coolest aspect of the model is the moving engine nacelles, which can rotate from straight up to straight forward, and hold position. I built it so that the rotors turn, too. If you follow the instructions, you can also leave the flaps free to move as well. I considered modifying the model to allow the wheels to retract, but I couldn't figure out how to anchor them.
Documentation and assembly figures are clear and well laid out (8 pages of text, diagrams and photos), as are the parts on the 8 parts pages. (See examples of parts sheet layout and construction diagrams below.) There is plenty of space to work with, which is convenient for cutting out the parts, but doesn't save on your ink and cartridges.
The fuselage is made up of a series of butt-joined sections, with integral formers. Fit was good, requiring little adjustment. I initially tried just using the heavy cardstock-printer formers as they were, but found that they needed to be strengthened by the addition of cardboard left over from shirt stiffeners, about 0.5mm or so. I had to be careful in alignment of the stiffenerssmall marks on the formers and the fuselage skin are provided for that purpose. The sponsons require a small amount of working to get a good fitjust keep fitting and adjusting together until they assemble properly and match one another. The top segment of the fuselage is a little dicey, but it can be made to fit. Make sure to follow the sequence of assembly outlined in the instructions.
Fit of the wings were good, with movable flaps. I found that they needed to be stiffened in order to stand out straight under the weight of the large engine assemblies. I used a pair of bamboo skewers, with mixed success the wings still sag a little compared to either the actual plane or the photographs of the designer's model.
The two large engines each with impressive rotors are great features of the model. The engines are neatly detailed, and can be built with movable rotors. I drilled holes in the formers on each rotor and engine, and fit a piece of piano wire to hold them together. I then glued them to their respective assembles. Since I used a glue with a slight bit of rubber adhesive, the props turn but don't spin. If I were to do it again, I would fit a pair of paper washers, or use another glue for those parts. For attaching the rotor blades to the spinner, I also used short segments of bamboo skewers, painted black. Attaching the engines to the wings is accomplished with a tightly wrapped and glued cylinder of paper. Make sure that the glue is completely dry before assembling the engines and wings, in order to ensure that they can still move.
The tail assembly needs a good jig to ensure that it is assembled straight, but otherwise construction is straightforward. The edges of the tail needs to be painted in order to match the overall aircraft paint scheme, since the trailing edge will be a plain paper edge.
The landing gear is nicely detailed, although I might scratchbuild the wheels next time, in order to make them more solid and realistic. Be careful to assemble the landing gear doors in the correct direction- there is a slight shadow on the inside of the doors. I got them backwards. The way the gear is glued onto the fusalage also gives it a tendency to buckle when weight is applied.
Overall a great model of a rare subject. I have been looking for a V22 model forever, and had even gathered the material necessary for a design project when I found Chippy's model online. Unfortunately, it was hard to find, and many other enthusiasts might never get the chance to build it without some publicity. I am hoping that a review of the model might prompt others with more construction talent than I have to give it a go, and share their results with the community!
Summary
Model: | V22 Osprey |
Kit: | Repapmodels |
Designers: | Christian "Chippy" Chua |
Price: | US$5.00 |
Scale: | 1/50 |
Dimensions: | About 12" Long |
Difficulty: | Easy |
Number of Parts: | Approximately 100 |
Time Required: | 10 Hours (for me) |
Instructions: | Several pages, including photograps and clear diagrams |
Diagrams: | Several and very clear |
Fit: | Good, butt-end construction |
Coloring and Artwork: | Colored, slightly fuzzy but realistic |
Printing: | Printed by the builder (I used a Lexmark Z22) |
Resources: | http://pma275.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm |