Demoiselle Plane - a Great Model of an Historic Aircraft
Sig kit uses innovative design for a one of a kind scale RC model airplane
Demoiselle RC model airplane build log page 1 2
The Demoiselle plane is an attractive RC model
Welcome to the Sig Demoiselle
Practical electric power systems and the new generation of Spektrum radio 2.4 GHz of micro radio control equipment opened up a new world of indoor RC model airplane flight that could not be accomplished with conventional gas powered engines. The Sig Demoiselle plane is a great example of this evolution. This Demoiselle plane shows what can be accomplished with thoughtful design and electric power for a medium sized, great flying RC model airplane. And, a model plane that you can build.
The original Demoiselle plane bears a striking resemblance to today's aircraft
The Demoiselle design philosophy
The original, full scale Demoiselle plane was designed in 1907 during the very beginning days of manned flight. Engines at that time were heavy and produced little power. The original two cylinder engine of the 1907 Demoiselle plane produced just 20 horsepower. Various design strategies were needed to build a successful aircraft.
The Demoiselle plane took the path of using small size to achieve a light flying weight. The Demoiselle plane small size allowed the use of unique building materials, such as bamboo. The original Demoiselle plane had a completely open fuselage structure to save further weight, with covering on just the wings and tail plane. These design characteristics, similar to the EAA full scale Bleriot restoration, provide the Demoiselle plane with a unique look, unlike any other aircraft of the time. The open fuselage frame provides a challenge to the RC plane plans designer, as there are no obvious places to locate the Demoiselle plane radio control receiver, battery or servos.
Demoiselle fuselage is built directly over the plans
Building the Sig Demoiselle kit
Sig Manufacturing did a remarkable job meeting the challenges of modeling this one of a kind aircraft with their Demoiselle model airplanes kits. The Demoiselle plane kit comes with all necessary parts and accessory items needed to construct a strong, light weight and well flying scale replica of the original 1909 Demoiselle airplane. The kit includes a very complete illustrated construction manual. There are some innovative building techniques for this RC model airplane that I have not encountered in over 35 years of designing, building and flying RC model aircraft. However, the Demoiselle plane kit goes together very quickly and in a logical fashion. I especially like the method of using metal tubes and balsa dowels to anchor the wings to the Demoiselle plane fuselage frame. I use this same technique for my Chickadee and Blackburn RC airplanes. In addition, the two tail plane control servos and receiver are artfully hidden in the upper wing joint area of the Demoiselle plane.
Full size model plane plans for the Sig Demoiselle
As you follow the step by step construction manual, your Demoiselle plane builds fast. The full size plans allow for easy visualization of the Demoiselle’s construction process. The Demoiselle plane kit design usefully mirrors control techniques of the full scale Demoiselle. The most obvious example of this is the full-motion tail plane, combining the functions of elevator and rudder in the same unit. I am not aware of any aircraft flying today that uses this very intelligent control system. By allowing the entire tail unit to move, the Demoiselle plane has a greatly improved control surface effect as compared to the normal stabilizer/elevator, and vertical fin/rudder arrangement. Due to the high drag and slow airspeeds inherent with the Demoiselle plane flight operating regime, the all moving tail provides precise and positive control. It truly makes all the difference for a great flying scale RC model.
RC airplane kit Demoiselle view of pilot seat
Flying the Demoiselle plane
The Demoiselle plane flies and handles differently from just about any other indoor RC electric model airplane. This is the nature of the large, high lift wings and slow flight ability designed into the Demoiselle plane. The Sig construction manual has a thorough discussion of the Demoiselle plane flight and handling characteristics. Do study this section, as all points are spot on. If you are new to learning how to fly RC, the Demoiselle is not a suitable beginning indoor airplane. Fly a few other RC model planes, such as the ParkZone Ember and Cessna 210, before taking on the Demoiselle plane.
Start your Demoiselle plane flight training with ensuring your battery is fully charged, and check that the tail control moves freely and in the correct direction. As you can see in the video, confirm you have plenty of control throw - at least an inch in each direction. With the Demoiselle’s slow fight speeds, you really cannot over control or stall the RC model. For your first flights, just do a series of short hops straight head, with no turns. You will quickly get a feel for how power management has a large factor for altitude control. At full throttle the Demoiselle plane will climb; at a mid power setting the Demoiselle will maintain altitude; and at a low throttle setting the Demoiselle plane will descend. The elevator has less impact on maintaining altitude than with other RC model planes.
Charging flight batteries for the Sig Demoiselle
After your initial practice hops with the Demoiselle plane, you quickly obtain a feel for the handling characteristics of this amazing model. Turns are really quite easy, and the large size of the Demoiselle plane makes it easy to spot in the air. Power is used throughout the flight to control altitude. Elevator control is used to aid initial lift off and to help with the landing flare. The Demoiselle plane handles extremely well in the air. As your Demoiselle plane does a slow fly by just a few feet away, you will be in full control of this remarkable scale aircraft. The Demoiselle plane is one of the truly historic pioneers of flight. Check out the E-Fest airplane show for additional examples of this great flying RC model airplane.
Demoiselle Plane