Subject: DBF Q&A #1
2004 DBF Q&A #1
Nov 3, 2004

This is the first in the series of Q&A updates for the 2005 DBF competition.  All answers provided during the Q&A updates constitute a clarification and extension of the official rules.

Q: The FAQ states: "The Release mechanism must attach to a fitting “external” to the tube profile, it can not reach “inside” the tube to connect to it."  The RULES state: "WBS   3.0 Empennage - 5 hr/Vertical Surface (Any vertical surface, including winglets, struts, end plates, ventral etc) with no active control ".  Can you clarify if we are charged for a vertical surface for each mounting provision on the payloads/airframe?

A:  There are NO RAC factors associated with features on the payload.  You may have any length "strut" or mount extension on the payload that you desire.  However, remember that the rules also state that "The identically same payload must be used for both the INTERNAL and EXTERNAL payload missions (any fairings, fins or other structures used for the external mission must also be in place during the internal missions)" so any extension added to the payload for wing tip mounting must be provided for in interior room for the internal storage.  The payload may not have any form of removable/retractable component.

If the aircraft side of the wing tip attachment has a visibly faired "vertical section" (not a blister or a bump, which is defined in this case as a profile that is wider than it is tall) outside of the wing airfoil lower surface profile than it is to be included as a vertical surface as per the RULES.


Q: How are wing-body fillets accounted for in the RAC?

A: They are not included.  It will be at the discretion of the judges to determine if it is a "fillet" or a "blended wing-body", and the RAC values outlined in the RULES for each case will be applied.  If you wish a ruling on your particular fillet prior to the fly-off you may send a few good photos of the aircraft showing the overall view and fillet close-up views and we will determine your teams individual status for you.  The photos and status will be confidential to each team.


Q: Can we use NiMH batteries for the aircraft RC pack?

A: Yes


Q: During the missions, do we have to land between the start/stop lines?

A: No.  You may touch-down prior to reaching the "start" line, but must cross the "start" line for it to be considered a complete lap.  There are more details for cases where the aircraft veers off the runway already outlined in the RULES and FAQ.


Q: Do we have to take off in the same direction for every lap or can we do a downwind takeoff for lap 2 and then do an up wind take off for lap 3?

A: The flight pattern direction will be determined by the FLIGHT LINE JUDGE prior to the first take-off for a mission and will remain in effect for the duration of that mission.  You are not allowed to reverse direction on the course at any time.


Q: After the remote payload deploy can we take-off or do we have to wait for the payload to be removed from the runway?

A: We will arrange the deploy points and the measured take-off location such that once the payloads are both deployed you may taxi to the start line for the next take-off.  For the re-load portion of the mission, you will not be allowed to start to taxi from each re-load point until the ground crew has returned to the safety box and the aircraft is approved to "move" by the FLIGHT LINE JUDGE.


Q: Can we use different size/rating/cell count battery packs for different missions?

A: Yes, but all packs must meet the rules and be inspected and approved by the inspectors during the tech inspection.  The single heaviest pack will be used for your RAC, and that single RAC value will be applied to ALL missions.


Q: Does the external payload have to be capable of remote drop if we are not doing the sensor reposition mission?

A: The RULES state "The aircraft MUST be configured to support both wing tip EXTERNAL payload carriage and fuselage INTERNAL payload carriage, even if the sensor re-position mission is not flown", and that includes the remote drop.  Also, the remote drop will be checked (to NOT activate) as part of the fail safe test during the tech inspection.


-Greg

Gregory S. Page
ITT AES B210
2560 Huntington Ave
Alexandria, VA 22303
202-404-1251
202-767-6194 FAX

Contest web page: http://www.ae.uiuc.edu/aiaadbf/  ** NEW ADDRESS **
Toys web page :    http://corvetteforum.net/classics/gregp/65corvette.htm