Steve Bage DH-108

DE HAVILLAND DH-108 SWALLOW

The de Havilland 108 "Swallow" was a British experimental aircraft, designed in 1945 to test the characteristics of swept-winged flight.

Only 3 prototypes were produced and sadly all three were lost in fatal accidents.

This kit is a laser-cut version of a plan produced by Steve Bage and inspired by D P Golding's design for Jetex 100, published by Aeromodeller in July 1952.

Construction of the model from this kit uses the traditional method of "stick and tissue", that consists of a built up balsa wood skeleton (framework), covered with a tissue skin. The balsa frameworks are built over a plan that is printed at the exact scale of the model, which is in essence a real engineering drawing.

The Jetex motor that would have been fitted to this model is no longer available. Rapier jet motors from the Czech Republic also fit the kit and may be available at model aircraft shows but their supply is unreliable. Some modellers have had success with electric ducted fans (EDF) but again supply can be tricky. Designed for free flight means just that - once the model is launched, it is on its own. It must follow a predetermined flight path established when the model is initially adjusted for flight or "trimmed".

This type of traditional building technique and flying requires a degree of patience and skill, but is extremely rewarding.

This is a kit suitable for experienced modellers only.

KIT CONTENTS

2 sheets of laser cut balsa wood parts
Laser cut strip wood
Vacuum-formed canopy
Tissue to cover the model 
Full size printed plan with instructions