Galloping Ghost Project

[octagon]

I have started to build a small plane using Galloping Ghost technology, which was used in the 60s before modern digital systems existed. The plane is quite straitforward and an easy build. I have sent for the GG actuator to a fellow in the states that modifies the actuator so that it will plug into a modern 2.4 receiver. He will also modify an old time radio to perform with modern 2.4 technology. I had an old Orbit 27 mhz that I wish I had kept, as it would be interesting to have it modified.

[pmackenzie]

Have you seen this web site?

http://www.singlechannel.co.uk/

Many years ago I had one of the Mattel single channel pulse radios.
I built a little glider for it, but because it was intended for slop flying I only managed to get short flights with it.

I can't recall the name of it, but I will have to look for the plans online now

[octagon]

Thanks Pat. Lot of good stuff on that sight. I know radios and equipment are so much 1) better 2) cheaper and 3) more reliable, but I am still fascinated by the technology that  was around when I was a kid in the 50s and 60s.

[octagon]

The structure is pretty much done. I have tried to build this one kind of old school. The hinges will be figure of 8 knots. It is important that there is no friction from hinges or binding anywhere, because the actuator is not very powerful. The landing gear is held to a ply bulkhead by drilling holes either side of the gear and using threat and expoxy to secure it to the bulkhead. I am using a simple plywood rotating hatch retaining bar. I am waiting for the actuator that will hopefully be here in the next 10 days or so. Frank VB was good enough to come up with a motor ESC package that should be just about perfect for this guy, as I did not have anything suitable, thanks Frank. The throttle in this setup runs just like every other electric plane, just plugs into the throttle port on the rx. The original GG actuators controlled the elevators and rudder, but also controlled the throttle, I think in a kind of full/ idle style. I think I am going to use the rubber band method to hold the wings on to the fuse. I find rubber bands are more likely to give, so damage in a mishap is to a little bit, lessened. I am not at all sure about the GG setup working, but I wanted to try something different so we will see how it goes.

[Frank v B]

I only saw one Galloping Ghost model fly in about 1966 in what is now Sunnybrook Park.  It sounded funny to hear the thing flapping as it flew by.  If you build in a squeek and it really sounds weird.

For those of you who have never seen a Galloping Ghost actuator work it was a really crude system.  The rudder would flap back and forth an equal amount around neutral for straight flight.  A "left" input would make it flap more to the left side than the right side making the airplane turn.  It's a bit like a dog wagging his tail while walking in a straight line.  Yes, the butt would sway along with the tail.  The flight was never a straight line.

Frank