The JU87 Stuka.  Details of 2 World War Two RC Warbirds.

The JU87 Stuka and how to build 2 different versions. An ARF RC Airplane and a model built from RC Airplane Plans.

This version by Black Horse Models, represents a Stuka that operated in Austria in 1943.

RC engines of 1.20 cu.in capacity are recommended and details are included for the use of an outrunner brushless motor.

The construction is of lite ply and balsa with a printed film covering. This covering includes the panel lines and other scale markings that really make this model stand out!

I prefer this method of construction as it is much easier to repair after any accidents.

The wing panels come with the flaps and ailerons installed and hinged. This feature will save a good bit of time. It should be noted that each flap and aileron requires a separate servo to operate.

The pilot, rear gunner and the "greenhouse" canopy are detail painted and installed. More time saving features are the finished molded wheel fairings and a bright yellow cowling.

Two wing drop tanks and a bomb are finished and painted and do require assembly to the JU87 Stuka.

This photo shows the underside of the fuselage, with the wing and hatch removed. You can see the typical  ARF RC airplane construction of laser cut lite ply and note that the rudder and elevator pushrods are installed for you!

The manual is well written and will take you through the assembly process, step by step. The JU87 is intended for intermediate pilots who should have had some experience with flying a low wing model.

The sharp taper wings, with little area at the tip, means that the speed must be kept up, to avoid the dreaded tip stall.

The fiberglass cowl is finish painted, as shown here. It must be cut and trimmed to clear the RC engine used and, of course, the muffler. Allow at least 1/8" clearance from all hot surfaces and cut a little at a time. A Dremel tool is ideal for this kind of work but do proceed SLOWLY!

The engine and/or muffler and the cowl have to be removed and added back a zillion times before the fit-up is good. Be patient and measure twice and cut once!

The characteristic landing gear features molded and finish painted fairings, that enclose the spring loaded oleo struts. The tail wheel also is fully spring loaded and steerable, to make ground handling a pleasure.

There are a total of 14 pre-painted , formed parts that need to be trimmed and glued into position on this JU87 Stuka. All parts are of excellent quality and fit well. After about 10 hours of very pleasurable assembly time the Stuka should be ready for that first flight.

Assembly time at the field should take no longer than 10 minutes

FLYING THE BH MODELS JU87 STUKA.

The JU87 needs a little right rudder to counteract torque and keep heading straight down the runway. After about 50-75 feet
she is ready to break ground.

Keep the power on during the landing approach and fly the Stuka all the way down to a feather soft landing on those oleo struts. Remember those small wing tips!- Do not fly too slow, especially during the landing!

All the typical scale aerobatics can be easily accomplished with this model. Loops, rolls, wingovers and low and high speed passes all look great!

This scale RC airplane is a great introduction to RC warbids and the intermediate flyer will really enjoy it.

The Ziroli JU87, built from RC Airplane Plans.

Nick Ziroli has been offering plans for giant scale RC airplanes for many years.

All the models. in the range have an enviable reputation for being great flying machines!

The JU87 is no exception and should be  fairly simple to build.

To make matters even easier, Ziroli plans has many features to cut the build time.

A complete fiberglass fuselage is available, for the JU87 Stuka, as well as many parts.

If you decide to build the built-up fuselage version, then a fiberglass cowl is available, as well as a canopy. Wheel pants and a scale aluminum spinner are also offered.

If cutting out the parts is not your thing, then Ziroli can offer you a "short" kit. This contains all the cut parts required. to build the model but no balsa sheeting.

You can even buy the engine from Ziroli! The Zenoa G62 or a Desert Aircraft 50cc unit is recommended.

This photo shows the fiberglass fuselage, the canopy and the cowl of the JU87 Stuka.

This may be a lot of work, but some of us enjoy that and the Ziroli JU87 Stuka has a reputation for scale accuracy and excellent flying characteristics.

Visit the Ziroli site for full details and/ or to buy.

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