Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / February 2005

I would like to build a 1/64 (preferred) or 1/48 scale model of

   FHE-400 HMCS Bras d'Or hydrofoil experimental ship.

As was the case with the original, whereby the foil system was designed by
deHavilland Aircraft Company of Canada, I am approaching the "air" category
to find someone who can assist PRIMARILY with the analysis of the
hydrofoil from a standpoint of

   1) angle of attack
   2) sizing of chord
   3) lift estimates
   4) determination of forward speed sufficient to provide adequate lift
for
       a realistic-looking scaled motion.

For those who are not familiar, the Bras d'Or had a canard wing arrangement
with 90% of lift from the main rear foil and 10% from the bow canard foil
which was also the rudder.

I am approaching this project in a number of phases as follows:

   I) analysis of scaled dynamics and feasibility of proportional foil
structure
       - challenge:    sizing foil so that inherent surface-piercing
lifting effects assist with stabilization
       - challenge:    sizing lift so that main-foil tip stabilizing fins
remain submerged for effect
       - plan start:    May 2005
       - plan end:    July 2005

       => SCOPE of current request is limited to Phase I only.

   II) design of foil control systems (servo-system I)
       - challenge:    coordinate bow foil turning with main foil
stabilizer fins
       - challenge:    eliminate need for tilting bow-foil during take-off
transition
       - plan start:    July 2005
       - plan end:    August 2005

   III design of propulsion system (servo-system II)
       - challenge:    design foil-mounted propeller system (if possible)
       - challenge:    design single propulsion system (valid for both
hull-borne and foil-borne modes)
       - plan start:    July 2005
       - plan end:    August 2005

   IV) building disposable experimental hull for control and dynamics
design confirmation/tuning of re-usable main/canard foil systems
       - plan start:    August 2005
       - plan end:    October 2005

   V) Iterations of control systems design
       - challenge:    self-stabilizing for rolling, even (tricky part)
during inclined turns
       - plan start:    October 2005
       - plan end:    April 2006

   VI) building realistic scaled hull, re-using above working foil system
       - plan start:    April 2006
       - plan end:    August 2006

   VII) building scaled stand-off docking facilities (as originally planned
by RCN)
       - challenge:    keeping concept of electro-magnetic clamps
sufficiently simple, compact and light-weight
       - challenge:    mechanizing lifting/pivoting of gantries (docking
clamps)
       - plan start:    August 2006
       - plan end:    November 2006

Phases (I) thru (V) are go/no-go phases depending on confirmed feasibility
(within my limited skills).

Any individuals who wish to put their name forward for this project will be
more than welcome to participate.

In the long run, it would be nice to have a number of individuals, each with
their own model ship,
so as to create the fleet that never was !!!!

       (please allow me my momentary insanity and delusions of grandeur)

Thank you in advance for your comments.

Eric