Model Aircraft Aerodynamics

This is sort of a classic updated periodically. It has some math in it, but it is not overwhelming and if you skip those parts you won't be lost on the concepts, which are well explained within the scope of the book. It will not teach all there is to know about model aerodynamics.

Don't judge this book by it's lightweight looking cover like I once did. This book is a CLASSIC filled with 100's of pages of important information for understanding aerodynamics in general and improving your model aircraft. Simons has a gift for conveying all of this knowledge without resorting to mind-numbing mathematics, instead relying on vector graphics and charts so that all can follow along. I am now reading the book for a second time highlighting important bits as I go! It's a great value for anyone wanting to design or just learn more about their R/C hobby. There are even chapters on the dynamics of propellers and helicopters. Appendix 1 contains all the salient calculations necessary to design a plane from scratch. Appendix 2 has some experimental data on airfoils. Appendix 3 has hundreds of airfoils and laminar bodies from many different sources. Publishers: please add more polar data to appendix 2 and replace that cheesy cover with something more appropriate in the next edition.

This is an awesome book for those interested in Aerodynamics. It starts soft and easy and ends beyond most peoples mathematical abilities which makes it perfect for getting all the info that most will need. AKA read until your happy with what you learned it will bring you there in very understanding language even if you start in knowing nothing. BUY THIS BOOK FOR BOTH YOUNGSTERS AND ADULTS AND SIMPLY READ AS FAR AS YOU DESIRE. THIS BOOK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ALL PROFESSIONALS WHEN THEY'RE ASKED "WHERE DO I START?"

This book contains a lot of information about wing design, theory and applied aerodynamics. It's not for the feint of heart, or someone who is intimidated by math. Though the author does a good job of minimizing equations and complex physics. One of my complaints is that a lot of the illustrations are on different pages than the text that references them. I realize this is hard to get around, but I found it annoying when trying to understand a concept in the text I had to bounce back and forth to an illustration on another page. If you are a serious glider pilot or someone who likes to design RC airframes, this book should be on your shelf.

I have recently studied the 2009 edition. First, I confess prejudice, since he references my work on airfoils. But this is a truly excellent volume, well written, well illustrated, virtually without equations and correct in every respect. I could not find a single item that was wrong, or even required more precise expression. I expect that readers who do not have college aerodynamics may find it a little abstruse. But the truth is seldom simple.Most of the reviews give good, useful descriptions of the content. It is a pity that one reviewer was so totally ignorant as to knock the book because it "used Bernoulli for airfoil lift"!! The book he quotes as a basis for this nonsense is actually incorrect, and is widely known as a joke in the professional business. It is sad how definite fools may be. And how harmful!

Even though its focus is models, this book is a great inexpensive companion to the far more costly textbooks on full-scale airplane design. A lot of its discussion is applicable to aircraft of any scale. About 1/3 of the book is devoted to airfoils, including discussions of section shape, camber, turbulent flow, laminar flow and the impact of Reynolds number. Like the other reviewer I particular like the appendixes which cover almost 130 pages of this book. The appendixes contain most of the math in the book, including the mathematical formulas for computing lift coefficient, camber, drag, static margin, etc. Mostly, though, they contain wind tunnel test results and profile shapes for many airfoils, not just the NACA ones, but also Eppler, Wortmann and Selig profiles and a few others that I had never heard of. The NACA profiles are easy to find (like in 'Theory of Wing Sections') but its nice to see such an extensive list of the harder-to-find profiles as well.

If you are looking for a book that you can use to help you make design decisions in your own models, look elsewhere. Most (if not all ) topics in this book are touched on in VERY shallow detail. Many topics in this book that deserve a full chapter or more of discussion, have only a paragraph or two. Just not enough depth to be useful. Maybe could be useful if you need a low level introduction to these basic principles, but even still, the topics are pretty poorly covered.

Covers fundamentals of model aircraft design and engineering in a way that ferrets out the subtle and significant considerations for building a small scale aircraft. Martin Simons long experience with small scale aircraft shows the value and limits of advanced math applied to aircraft. Yet, the book use of math is practical and does not require advanced math. This book is one of the most useful relevant books I have read in this area. It is a how-to cookbook to improve most aspects of model aircraft construction and can be used for ARF (almost ready to Fly) kit planes and really tweak them for high performance flying. You will not regret getting this book!Someone liked my copy so much I had to re-order, the newer version is definitely an improvement.

¡Genial!

Endlich ein Buch, das die physikalischen Grundlagen allgemeinverständlich und dennoch korrekt und im notwendigen Umfang wiedergibt. Absolute Empfehlung für alle, die wissen wollen, warum ihr Modell wirklich fliegt.

Excellent ouvrage, présente de façon claire didactique et très complète l'aérodynamique et la mécanique du vol. Le propos est illustré par des schémas très pédagogique. Cet ouvrage concerne aussi bien les modèles réduits que les avions en"vraie grandeur".

Por mi trabajo estoy en contacto con las tecnologías aeronáuticas, por lo que tengo ciertos conocimientos sobre el tema. Se trata de un libro para aeromodelismo, es cierto, pero el contenido es útil también para profesionales. De hecho su tratamiento intuitivo de los perfiles laminares es muy interesante. Muchas veces los contenidos mas interesantes vienen en libros que se dirigen al público en general. Muy recomendable

Information inside this book is amazing, it is easy to understand and very well written. The book is ideal for a beginner providing to don't get too overwhelmed by some of the technical information. I've learnt a tremendous amount as a beginner. I am now more confident about making a model aircraft also buy the right model kit after read and studying the aerodynamic inside this book. Pictures, photos and diagrams are very clear and in colour but some are in black and white or gray and white. It is an excellent book👍 🛫.