Model Aircraft Glossary

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Radial Engine

An engine design where the cylinders are designed symmetrically around a central crankshaft and hence radiate out.

See also: 1/6^th Kinner Radial model built by Mick Cherry.

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Radial Mount

A moulded plastic or metal mount which is fastened to the mounting lugs of an engine and then bolted directly to the engine bulkhead or firewall.

Radio Control

See also: Radio Frequencies.

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Radio Frequencies

Do you know your radio frequencies and use?

Ramjet

A type of jet engine with very few moving parts which consists of a specially shaped tube open at both ends in which air is compressed purley from the forward speed. The addition of fuel and this being then ignited increases the volume of air. Note that ramjets only operate above certain speeds.

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Rate of Roll

A measure of the speed with which an airplane rotate around its long axis, or roll. This is normally measured in degrees per second.

Rate Switch

A switch on the transmitter which changes the amount of movement of a control surface when the stick is moved.

Range

The maximum distance over which radio control can safely be maintained.

Reamer

Reflex

A reversal of the camber on a flying surface. Often used on flying wing or delta planform aircraft.

Resistance

Air drag, or the opposition of the air to being displaced by the forward movement of an aeroplane.

Resonance

Resonance's occur when the source of vibration has a frequency that coincides with one of the natural frequencies of the structure.

Retractable Undercarriage

Rib Section

The cross-section shape of a wing, from leading to trailing edge.

Roll

A rotation of an aircraft around the longitudinal axis. This effect is produced by the ailerons.

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Roll Control

Provided by the ailerons.

Root

The part of a wing where it meets the fuselage.

Rotary

An aircooled engine whose cylinders, arranged like the spokes of a wheel, rotate around a fixed crankshaft. The fuel is supplied to the engine through the crankshaft and the engine normally exhausts straight out the top of the cylinder. This arrangement was used with early engines as the mass of the engine was used as the flywheel allowing the engine to run smoothly.

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Rudder

The moving part of the vertical tail surface of an aeroplane which provides yaw control.

Rudder Arm

A crank that converts linear motion into rotary motion. This may be used for linkages such as those used for nose wheel steering.

See also: Servo.

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