99" Aquila Sailplane
The 1977 F3B World Championship design — and a complete, honest list of everything else you'll need to finish it.
A Legend, Faithfully Cut
The Lee Renaud Aquila is a piece of RC sailplane history — Skip Miller flew it in the 1977 F3B World Soaring Championship, the first world title for the USA in that discipline. Originally manufactured by Renaud's own Airtronics company, it was considered the finest sailplane kit of its era. Fifty years later, it still flies beautifully.
Kit Cutters supplies the precision laser-cut wood. This guide covers the rest: the honest, model-specific list of what you'll buy to complete it, with real sources for every part.
What's in the Box?
Included in the Short Kit
- Precision laser-cut wood parts only — ribs, formers, shaped parts
- High-aspect-ratio wing rib set
- Slim fuselage pod formers
Required Separately
- Plans (free download from Outerzone.co.uk)
- Spars, sheeting, and stick balsa
- Hi-start bungee or aerotow equipment
- Servos, radio gear, covering, finishing hardware
Everything Else You Need to Complete This Kit
Model-specific, with real sources. Where Renaud sells a part directly, that's noted; where there's a choice (like gas vs. electric power), both paths are laid out.
Launch Equipment
The Aquila is a pure sailplane — no engine. It launches via hi-start (bungee) or aerotow. Choose your launch method before building, as it affects the nose hook placement.
| Hi-start bungee | Standard RC sailplane hi-start set; ~200 ft of surgical tubing with drogue chute. 99" span class needs a robust set. | Specialty RC sailplane retailer |
| Aerotow option | If aerotowing, install a standard tow hook per plan. Requires a powered tug aircraft. | Per plan |
Servos & Radio
4 channels minimum| Aileron servos | 2x lightweight, 40+ oz-in — weight matters on a pure sailplane | Builder preference |
| Elevator servo | 1x lightweight, 40+ oz-in | Builder preference |
| Rudder servo | 1x lightweight, 40+ oz-in | Builder preference |
| Spoiler / crow servo | 1–2x for spoilers or crow braking (recommended for landing control) | Builder preference |
| Receiver | Lightweight 4–6 channel receiver | Builder preference |
| Battery | Small lightweight LiPo or NiMH receiver pack | Builder preference |
Covering & Finishing
| Covering | Lightweight iron-on film (Oracover Lite or similar) — minimize weight at all costs | Specialty RC retailer |
| Sanding sealer | Lightweight sealer for balsa surfaces before covering | Specialty RC retailer |
| Paint | Minimal — fuselage nose pod only if desired; keep it light | Builder preference |
Hardware
| Wing joiners | Carbon fiber or aluminum wing joiner tubes per plan — critical for structural integrity at this span | Specialty RC retailer |
| Control horns | Lightweight plastic or carbon fiber horns | Specialty RC retailer |
| Hinges | Lightweight mylar hinges preferred for minimal drag and weight | Specialty RC retailer |
| Nose tow hook | Standard RC sailplane tow hook (hi-start or aerotow) | Specialty RC retailer |
Detailed Specifications
| Wingspan | 99 in |
| Fuselage length | 42 in |
| Wing area | 810 sq in |
| Weight (AUW) | ~16 oz (pure sailplane — no engine) |
| Type | Pure sailplane / glider |
| Launch method | Hi-start (bungee) or aerotow behind a tug aircraft |
| Min. radio channels | 4 (aileron, elevator, rudder, spoilers/crow) |
The Aquila is a pure sailplane — no engine, motor, or fuel system. Weight is the primary performance driver; build as light as possible. Plans are a free download from Outerzone.co.uk. Airtronics (original manufacturer) is no longer in business.
Lee Renaud
Lee Renaud designed the Aquila for his own Airtronics company in the 1970s. The original Airtronics company is no longer in business, but the plans live on as a free community download from Outerzone.co.uk. No model-specific accessories are sold by the designer — sourcing is third-party.
Get Renaud PlansThe Build Journey
The Aquila is a more approachable build than the warbirds — no engine installation, no retracts, no complex cowls. The primary discipline is weight: build as light as possible at every stage.
Where a short kit saves you time
Renaud's plans include full-size templates for all parts. A high-aspect-ratio sailplane wing at 99" represents a significant rib-cutting job. Laser-cut ribs arrive with consistent profiles — important on a glider where wing shape directly affects performance.
The four stages of assembly
Stage 1: Wing Assembly
The high-aspect-ratio wing — the heart of the design.
- Build the main spar
- Install all ribs at consistent spacing
- Install spoiler bays
- Sheet leading edge and cap strips
Stage 2: Fuselage Assembly
The slim fuselage pod.
- Align and pin fuselage formers
- Build the canopy frame
- Install tow hook
- Finish the nose profile
Stage 3: Tail Assembly
Conventional tail group.
- Build the horizontal stab
- Build elevator
- Build fin and rudder
- Join tail to fuselage
Stage 4: Systems & Balance
Radio installation and final balance.
- Install servos (minimize weight)
- Install receiver and battery pack
- Check CG — critical for a sailplane
- Maiden on a calm day
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Build Your Aquila Sailplane?
Buy the 99" Aquila Sailplane Kit — $288.00
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