Overview
Peter Rake's Ryan PT-22 Recruit is a beautifully designed 52-inch span scale model of the classic US Army Air Corps primary trainer that prepared thousands of pilots for World War II. The PT-22 has been a favourite of many modellers since seeing one fly at the Watsonville Antique Fly-In back in the early 1980s, with its sleek polished aluminum fuselage and swept back yellow wings. Then there is the distinctive sound of the Kinner radial, which idles so slowly that it seems you could count the pistons firing. This electric-powered model captures the character of the full-size aircraft in a practical and enjoyable package.
This Varlocity Laser & Models laser-cut short kit provides the precision-cut components required to begin construction, allowing builders the satisfaction of completing the structure using traditional techniques. The kit is ideal for modellers looking for a rewarding scale project that offers excellent flying characteristics.
Aircraft History
The Ryan PT-22 Recruit evolved from the Ryan ST/STA (Standard Trainer and Standard Trainer Aerobatic), which were powered by the Menasco six-cylinder engine. The aerobatic capabilities of the STA caught the eye of the US Army, and some changes were called for to militarize the design, including replacing the more fragile Menasco engine with the more robust Kinner radial. The longeron running between the top of the cockpits was also moved outboard to facilitate the pilots wearing parachutes, resulting in the PT-22 weighing 400 lbs more than the STA. These and other modifications necessitated sweeping the wings back 4 degrees 10 minutes to maintain CG.
The PT-22 was the first metal monoplane primary trainer adopted by the Army Air Corps. By the time production was completed in 1942, the Air Corps accepted 1,023 PT-22s. The aircraft was known for its distinctive Kinner R-540 engine producing 160 hp, with a top speed of 125 mph and a service ceiling of 15,400 feet. The PT-22 was the main military version of the Ryan ST and was used by the United States Army Air Forces during WWII for primary pilot training.
All of these modifications resulted in a Primary Trainer with a reputation for wanting to spin in stalls, followed by wanting to spin in the opposite direction as spin recovery was attempted by novice pilots. In the Air Progress flight report on the PT-22, the pilots interviewed stated that if the type had been designated BT-22 or AT-22, it would have had a better reputation as a trainer, as its flight characteristics more closely resembled the Vultee BT-13 or the North American AT-6.
About the Model
Peter Rake's Ryan PT-22 is a scale model for electric power and four-channel control. The construction follows Peter's well-proven method, featuring a horizontal crutch fuselage build and laminated wingtips and tail feathers. The design is simple yet captures all the character of the real plane.
The model uses HS65HB servos for all control surfaces except the rudder, which is outfitted with an HS65MG to handle the load from the tail wheel. The ESC can be a Castle Creations Thunderbird 54, and for power, an E-flite Power 10 is recommended, producing around 430W swinging a 12x6 wooden prop. The ready-to-fly weight is around three pounds, providing plenty of power for good scale flights.
Features
- Precision laser-cut balsa and plywood components
- Based on the original Peter Rake design
- Traditional built-up construction with horizontal crutch fuselage
- Accurate rib and former profiles
- Lightweight design for excellent flight performance
- Designed for electric power (brushless outrunner)
- Four-channel control (aileron, elevator, rudder, throttle)
- Laminated wingtips and tail feathers
- Scale-faithful outlines including swept wings and radial engine profile
- Proven flying characteristics
- Manufactured by Varlocity Laser & Models
Why You'll Love Building It
- Traditional stick-built aeromodelling that's enjoyable from the first rib to final covering.
- A rewarding project for scale enthusiasts.
- The horizontal crutch fuse build is simple and effective.
- The laminating of wingtips and tail feathers is a satisfying technique.
- Peter Rake's design has a simplicity with all the character of the real plane.
- Excellent flying characteristics with a three-pound all-up weight.
What's Included
- Precision laser-cut balsa wing ribs
- Laser-cut plywood formers
- Laser-cut fuselage components
- Wing ribs
- Tailplane components
- Fin and rudder components
- Lite-ply structural parts
- Additional laser-cut structural components shown on the original plan
Only the precision laser-cut wooden parts are supplied. Strip and sheet wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, and power system are not included.
What's Required
Mandatory Items
- Original Peter Rake plans - Available separately on Outerzone
- Strip wood
- Sheet balsa
- Plywood sheeting where required
- Building board
- Adhesives
- Covering materials
- Hinges
- Control linkages and pushrods
- Hardware
- Power system
- Radio system
Recommended Equipment
- Brushless outrunner motor (E-flite Power 10 or equivalent)
- Appropriate speed controller (Castle Creations Thunderbird 54 or equivalent)
- 4-channel radio system
- Servos: HS65HB for ailerons, elevator, and flaps; HS65MG for rudder (or equivalent)
- Battery pack for electric power
- 12x6 wooden propeller
- 1/16 x 1/4 balsa strips for laminations
Verified Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Designer | Peter Rake |
| Aircraft | Ryan PT-22 Recruit |
| Scale | Not specified on the original plan |
| Wingspan | 52 in (1321 mm) |
| Length | Not specified on the original plan |
| Wing Area | Not specified on the original plan |
| Flying Weight | ~3 lb (1360 g) - builder's choice |
| Power Type | Electric (brushless outrunner) |
| Construction | Balsa and plywood |
| Radio Functions | 4 (Aileron, Elevator, Rudder, Throttle) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate builder |
Recommended Equipment
- Brushless outrunner motor (E-flite Power 10 or equivalent)
- Appropriate speed controller (Castle Creations Thunderbird 54 or equivalent)
- 4-channel radio system
- Servos: HS65HB for ailerons, elevator, and flaps; HS65MG for rudder (or equivalent)
- Battery pack for electric power
- 12x6 wooden propeller
These recommendations are based on the original design documentation. Builders may select equivalent modern equipment to suit their preferences.
Builder Notes
- Suitable for intermediate builders with some experience in traditional balsa construction.
- As with many large-scale plans, some builders have noted that the plans leave room for builder interpretation, which is part of the traditional scratch-building experience.
- Pay close attention to the wing construction. The aileron leading edge and wing trailing edge pieces are full depth and need trimming to follow the wing section.
- Fit the cap strips and facing parts before gluing the spars and ribs in place.
- Use 1/16 x 1/4 balsa strips for the tail and wingtip laminations.
- Consider adding some wood or fiberglass to give strength to the front part of the fuselage.
- Consider a more robust solution for the main landing gear installation.
- The PT-22's reputation for stalling and spinning stemmed from the additional 400 lbs the Army added to it. As long as the wing loading isn't scale, you'll end up with a fine flier.
- Dry-fit major assemblies before gluing.
- Maintain accurate alignment throughout construction.
- Balance the completed aircraft carefully at the recommended centre of gravity.
- Lightweight covering is recommended for best performance.
Historical Information
Manufacturer: Ryan Aeronautical Company
Country: United States
First Flight: 1940
Primary Role: Primary Trainer
The Ryan PT-22 Recruit was the main military version of the Ryan ST, a two-seat low-wing monoplane that was introduced to the civil market in 1933. It was the first metal monoplane primary trainer adopted by the Army Air Corps. The PT-22 was developed from the earlier PT-16, PT-20, and PT-21, with the main changes being an engine change to the more powerful Kinner R-540-1 and the removal of the fairings around the landing gear which had proved troublesome for maintenance crews.
The aircraft's distinctive polished aluminum fuselage and swept-back yellow wings made it a standout on the airfields of the early 1940s. Over 1,000 PT-22s were built, and despite its challenging reputation, it played a vital role in training the pilots who would go on to fly in World War II.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this kit include the plans?
No. The original Peter Rake plans are required separately and are available as a free download from Outerzone. - Is hardware included?
No. This is a laser-cut short kit only. - Is this suitable for beginners?
Some experience with traditional balsa construction is recommended. - Can it be covered with film covering?
Yes. Lightweight iron-on film is suitable. - Can modern radio equipment be used?
Yes. Modern micro receivers and servos are entirely suitable. - Does the kit include strip wood?
No. Strip wood and sheeting must be supplied by the builder. - What motor is recommended?
An E-flite Power 10 or equivalent brushless outrunner is recommended. - What prop is recommended?
A 12x6 wooden prop is recommended.
Safety & Disclaimer
This product is a precision laser-cut short kit. Strip wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, power system and building supplies are not included unless specifically stated. Builder experience is recommended. Power system recommendations are suggestions only and should be selected to suit the completed aircraft and intended flying style. All specifications are based on the original Peter Rake design documentation and are subject to builder interpretation. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for the final assembly, airworthiness, or operation of the completed model. The builder assumes all responsibility for the safe construction and operation of the model aircraft.
