• Wing Span: 80.25 in. (204 cm)
• Wing Area: 1,344 sq. in. (8,671 cm²)
• Length: 64 in. (163 cm)
• Weight: 11.0 lbs. (5.0 kg)
• Engine: .91 - 1.2 2 - cycle
  (14.9 - 19.7 cc 2 - cycle)
  1.20 - 1.60 4 - cycle
  (19.7 - 26.2 cc 4 - cycle)
• 5 Servos required

A G23 had been removed from a 1/4 scale Cub and was gathering dust. This resulted in a need for a model to house the engine. After admiring the Stinger line of sport planes from Lanier for some time, the decision was made to try something sportier. The Giant Stinger was out of the question because it is too heavy so the choice was narrowed down to the Stinger 120.

The box arrived in about four (4) days and it was huge measuring 10"x26"x60". With this being a first experience building a foam wing, it was disapointing to find two (2) big square blocks of foam. After removing the foam blocks from the box, the wing cores fell right out of the blocks. The wing can be built 72" to 81". The 81" version was built so no material removal was required from the wing cores. The wings are very easy to build flat on the board with no dihedral as per instructions. The spar slots and leading edge notches were cut out with a band saw but an old hacksaw blade will work just fine. After installing the leading edge and trailing edge sheeting with 3M adhesive spray, all that was left was the capstriping. An old aluminum tube from a junk TV antenna was used to cut the holes for the aileron servo wires.

The fuselage is made of one piece real plywood, which speeds up building and the enclosed plastic turtledeck goes on easily. The firewall was moved back exactly 1 1/4" to help offset the weight of the G23 and the balance came out perfect. Two (2) Hitec 425 servos were used for each elevator half and the ailerons. The elevator servos were mounted under the horizontal stabilizer. The plans call for using aileron pushrods made of wire and 1/4" wooden dowels but 4-40 wire were used and no problems have been encountered after about 25 flights. For the rudder, a Hitec 545 high torque servo was used with a Dubro pull-pull system.

Since Lanier does not furnish hardware, items that were in stock were used, like a tailwheel assembly from a Sig 1/4 scale cub and 3 1/2" Dubro wheels off another model. The landing gear is 1/4" aluminum and is really strong. The plastic cowl was used although it required a large cutout for the G23 muffler. A Pitts style muffler would have eliminated this. The plans call for dual flying wires but the decision was made to use a single wire setup from the fin to the horizontal stabilizer. The dual wire setup may be required for those who perform more advanced aerobatics.

A Futaba 6XA radio was used to control the Stinger. The throws were set to the "sport" settings recommended by Lanier.

The plywood parts make the plane strong but heavy. There was some doubt about the ability of the G23 to pull the aircraft but the spirited performance was a pleasant surprise. Rolls, loops (both inside and outside) were performed with ease as well as torque rolls, inverted flight and a beautiful knife edge from one end of the field to the other. Vertical performance was not unlimited although this was expected going into the project. Due to the fully symmetrical airfoil, this is a "go where it's pointed", smooth flying aircraft but it is not a trainer and requires lots of attention to fly. Landings were a little hot due to the weight but uneventful. The instructions from Lanier left a lot to be desired however their plans were sharp, accurate and easy to read.

The Lanier Stinger 120 is a good aircraft for someone wanting to get into large scale planes and a G23 or a good 120 4 - stroke would provide all the power needed. The Stinger 120 is recommended for someone that has built a few kits and has some advanced flying experience.