The Bowers FlyBaby is a homebuilt sport plane from the '60s. Aviators around the world have built it from a set of plans in many different variants. One of the latest FlyBaby builders is Jim Katz from the USA, who has built one of the nicest ones ever. This has sparked the idea of building a large-scale FlyBaby model.
Most such wooden airplanes are built up and covered with iron-on film. Either they are made in questionable quality in ARF factories or individually built from plans. However, few models are actually 'built' anymore. So the ARF factories are the only options. Wrinkles, bad glue joints, oil-soaked wood frames, and iron-on covering coming off over time - who doesn't know these problems?
CARF-Models set out to change this completely. Would it be possible to build an all-composite 'wooden airframe' in the molds? Imitated wings made from ribs and spars, covered with fabric, stitched on the ribs? Painted in the molds, with a hard, sturdy, and clean surface, easy to maintain as new?
The CARF-Models FlyBaby has a wingspan of 4.2m (165") and a weight of 24-28 kg, depending on the engine. With a 150-180 cc 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, it can be built safely under 25 kg; if this European weight limit isn't a problem, there are endless possibilities for scaling it up and adding detail.
Everything is ready for installing RC components, linkages, wiring, servos, the engine, electric landing gear, and battery packs; there is simply no "building" to be done. It is ONLY about equipment installation.
Every component- wings, fuselage, stab, and fin- is a composite sandwich part. In the tail area, they are ULTRA LIGHT; in the front, they are strong enough to hold heavy and powerful engines. All parts have a scale fabric surface structure with visible stitching on the ribs. Even the cockpit area of the fuselage imitates a wooden structure.
The plane is controlled by 5 high-torque servos. No fuss, no fancy. Simple, straightforward, everything is prepared for easy installation.
The wings and stabs are connected by self-supporting carbon tubes, so no full-load-bearing flying wires are needed. The flying wires are flexible dummies for scale appearance only. Setup and teardown in the field take only a few minutes.
The landing gear is a strong carbon gear with stainless steel axles. Two-wheel variants (foam and air tube) are available, as well as a fantastic, strong, scale tail gear with a 60 mm wheel.
For the various engines we offer, we mount motor domes to the fuselage with 10-12 bolts. All engine electronics, as well as the throttle and choke servos, fit inside this motor dome. The fuel tank and fuel pumps are also located there. Very easy maintenance is guaranteed.
Our prototype has a Kolm 240 B4 installed. The 2nd plane, the first serial-production unit, will have a VALACH 210 2-cylinder boxer. 2-stroke 150 cc engines are, of course, also possible, but will require additional cowling weight to compensate for the CG.
The two-part cowling is split in the same way as the original. You can remove it easily without removing the propeller or silencers.
Transportation is easy thanks to removable wings, stab, rudder, fin, and even the firewall with engine and cowling, which you can remove in minutes.
This is an example of what your plane can look like after you finish building. We offer the FlyBaby as an ARF kit or PNP with or without an installed engine. Check back with us to learn about engine options (2- and 4-cylinder, 2- and 4-stroke).
In addition to the kit contents, an array of accessories is available, including various wheel styles, a tail gear & a scale spinner. We also offer a wood propeller (Fiala FM-210), a fuel tank, and MacGregor servos paired with our CARF-Models servo arms. Optionally, we provide a 1/2-scale full-body pilot, produced in cooperation with Best: Tailored Pilots from the UK. The fuselage interior features an imitation wood structure similar to the original. Accessories include a wooden pilot seat, an instrument panel, and a stick.
These are the two standard schemes we will offer. We also offer custom schemes.
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Fly Baby 1:2 Customer Credentials
There’s only one FlyBaby to talk about right now, so here’s my honest first impression of the prototype’s flight characteristics. It flies just as expected—a smooth, easy-going classic sport plane. While it shares traits with other classics like the J-3 Cub, Spacewalker, or Decathlon, the FlyBaby stands out with its unique charm and vintage style. It's low wing loading, forgiving airfoil, and large stabilizers make it incredibly easy to fly. With a good gyro like a Cortex Pro or iGyro, even wind isn’t a problem. Takeoffs and landings are so slow and gentle, it feels like it’s flying itself. This plane is pure flying enjoyment—no stress, no rush. You’ll cruise high or low, do touch-and-gos, slow flybys, a few rolls or loops—then throttle back and just enjoy the ride.
Andreas Gietz (Owner)
At first glance it seems to be a plane for old guy's... but most people can't even imagine the hot capabilities of that big scale aircraft! The FlyBaby does everything and more! Precise classic aerobatic maneuvers, relaxed cruising or even soft 3D like prop hanging... The scale surface is beyond everything you have seen within an all composite scale prop plane which is suppoed to be maxe of wood. Additionally it's one of the easiest planes to build, min. 6 servos, an engine and some electronics, everything is ready to finish the plane within a few hours. I'm in the 20s and couldn't be happier with any other plane!
Max Chrubasik (Team & Factory Pilot)
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165" (4200 mm) - single half wing 77" (1960 mm) |
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106.5" (2700 mm) - without rudder 96.5" (2450 mm) |
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54-60 Lbs (24 - 27 kg) |
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150-180 cc 2stroke boxer, 170-240 cc 4stroke boxer |
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standard size, 5 high torque servos, 2 regular servos |
