GRAUPNER Kwik Fly MkIII
Radio-Controlled Planes for RC Pilots
Overview
The Kwik Fly MkIII is a classic radio-controlled (RC) model aircraft, originally designed by Phil Kraft, a pioneer in RC aviation. Released in the late 1960s, the Kwik Fly MkIII is part of the Kwik Fly series, which gained popularity for its excellent flying characteristics and suitability for precision aerobatics. It became a benchmark design for pattern flying, a competitive aerobatic discipline in RC aviation.
The MkIII features a conventional low-wing monoplane configuration with a symmetrical airfoil and a tricycle landing gear. Its sleek fuselage and clean aerodynamic lines provide stability and precision in the air. The airframe is typically constructed from balsa wood and plywood, covered with lightweight materials like Monokote.
The model is designed for glow engines, commonly in the .40 to .60 cubic inch displacement range, though it has been adapted for electric power by modern enthusiasts. It offers excellent control authority, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots looking to perform aerobatic maneuvers.
The Kwik Fly MkIII remains a celebrated design in RC model history and is often replicated or built as a nostalgia project by enthusiasts worldwide. It represents a milestone in RC pattern flying and continues to be admired for its timeless design and performance.
