The Bowers FlyBaby is a homebuilt sport plane from the '60s. It has been built after a set of plans in many different variants by aviators around the world. One of the latest builders of a FlyBaby is Jim Katz from the USA, who has created one of the nicest ones ever built. This has sparked the idea of building a FlyBaby as a large-scale model.
Most of 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, not many models are actually 'building' anymore today. 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 below 25 kg, and if this European weight limit isn't a problem, there are endless possibilities for scaling it up and detailing it out.
Everything is ready for the installation of RC components, linkages, wiring, servos, engine, electric landing gear, 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, strong enough to hold heavy and powerful engines. All parts have a scale fabric surface structure with visible stitching on the ribs. Even the inside of the fuselage in the cockpit area 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, requiring no full-load-bearing flying wires. The flying wires are only flexible dummies for scale appearance. Setting up and breaking down at the field takes 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 motor domes, which are mounted to the fuselage with 10-12 bolts. All engine electronics, as well as the throttle and choke servos, find a place inside this motor dome. Fuel tank and fuel pumps as well. 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 engines of 150 cc are, of course, also possible, but will require additional weight in the cowling to make up for the CG.
The two-part cowling is split in the same way as the original. It can be removed easily without taking off the propeller or silencers.
Transportation is easy due to removable wings, stab, rudder, fin and even the firewall with engine and cowling is removed within minutes.
This is an example of what your plane can look like after you finish the build process. 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 actual kit content, an array of accessories is available, including different wheel styles, a tail gear & a scale spinner. Wood propeller (Fiala FM-210), fuel tank, and, additionally, we offer the MacGregor Servos in combination with our very own CARF-Models servo arms. Optionally, we provide a 1/2-scale full-body pilot, which we produce in cooperation with Best: Tailored Pilots from the UK. The inside of the fuselage features an imitation wood structure similar to the original. A wooden pilot seat, an instrument panel, and a stick can be purchased as accessories.
These are the two standard schemes we will offer. In addition to that, we do produce custom schemes as well.
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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 |
