DBF Q&A #1

There have been several questions about the rules requiring the softballs to be "a minimum of 2 directly abreast (no staggered rows), and single height", so I'll paraphrase a few of them.

Q: Can there be a divider between the rows of balls or must they be touching.
A: You can have a divider or other structure between the balls within a single body, but each "body" must have the minimum 2 rows.  For example, you could have a fuselage web running down the centerline, with one row of balls on each side.  If you had a dual fuselage configuration, each fuselage would have to contain at least 2 rows, you can't have one row in each fuselage.

Q: Does the single layer have to be all on a single plane.
A: No.  For example, if the payload "floor" raises up when it passes over the wing that is ok.

Q: What about a single layer "wrapping" inside a round fuselage.
A: As long as there is no overlap when viewed from straight above it would be ok.  For example, if you had three balls wide, you could have the balls follow the "curve" of the fuselage bottom (the center one being lower than the two side balls), as long as you add retainers to prevent the outside two balls from being partially "over" the center ball.

Q: What is the size and weight of the softball
A: This is, as they say, "an exercise left to the student" to determine.

Now, on to other questions.

Q: If we have three battery packs can we use all of them in the loaded lap and two or one pack in unloaded laps
A: Battery configuration may not change during the flights (nor can you swap packs between sorties).  The rules state "Batteries may not be changed or charged between sorties during a flight period"

Q: The rules state that any horizontal surface greater than 25% of the
main wing will be scored as a wing. How does this apply to the size of
a V-tail?
A: There is no exception for a (large) V-tail.

Q: Are there any limitations about turns (180 and 360 degrees) being a specific radius?
A: No.  The turn radius is part of the aircraft design, you have to decide how small or large a turn radius you want the aircraft to be capable of.

That's all for this installment.  If you sent a question that isn't covered above please try again.  And remember to check the FAQ and rules for the latest versions (there was one revision to the rules prior to the contest official start date of 31 October).

-Greg






Gregory S. Page
ITT AES B210
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