There is not a lot of information available on this quirky little design. What attracted us to it as a potential model design was a wonderful line drawing that we had stashed away in our future projects file. A search of the internet yielded some additional information including a few photos.
Lifelong Italian aviation enthusiasts, brothers Umberto and Ettore Ricci, started their aviation careers with rigid hot-air airship models and free flight gliders, designed and built in their youth. They went on to design huge flying boats, and a series of small aircraft, conceived as flying motorcycles. The Ricci Triplane is one of these designs. The 10-foot, 7-inch wing span aircraft, was powered by a six-cylinder Anzani engine that could propel the plane through the sky at approximately 78 miles per hour. The lovely little triplane was built for a competition of small light aircraft, held in 1919, it came in behind a few other competitors, including the little Breda Pensuti Triplane.
Although The Ricci Triplane is largely forgotten today, it can still take to the skies – in model form at least. The Stevens AeroModel Ricci Triplane UM features a modern kit design that builds trouble-free and quickly, thanks to modern design processes, pioneered by Stevens AeroModel.
Kit Includes:
- Precision laser cut parts
- Full size detail sheets with markings template
- Photo illustrated step-by-step assembly instructions
- Hardware package including push-rods, control horns, struts, receiver clip, profile pilot, wheels.
Kit Requires:
- 1/2 oz. Thin and Medium CA glues
- Sanding Block with 220 grit paper
- AeroLITE covering film (White and Red as shown- Two Patch Packs Suggested)
- Pre-Cut "N" numbers and "Zot" marking available as an optional purchase.
- Reciever, ParkZone PKZ3352 Receiver/ESC/Servo unit
- Motor, PKZ3624
- Propeller, 130mm x 70mm EFL9051
- Compatible Spektrum DSM2, ParkZone, or E-Flite Radio
