BRITISH MINIATURE PYLON RACING ASSOCIATION

The home of UK R/C Pylon Racing!

The British Miniature Pylon Racing Association was established in 1970 and is the specialist body appointed by the British Model Flying Association to promote the sport of Radio Control model Pylon Racing in Great Britain.

The BMPRA is managed on a day-to-day basis by a Committee who are all current practising aero modellers, and it is governed by a Constitution and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy which can be viewed or downloaded HERE.

We hope you enjoy browsing the site and welcome any comments you may have on it.

The BMPRA currently schedule regular events for both Short Course and Long Course Pylon Race model. The Short Course classes flown are E2K and C32. E2K is largely regarded as entry level pylon racing but despite the comparatively low speeds of the models it really is quite competitive and great fun. Models are basic and have to comply with a strict set of rules in their shape, style and construction and all run an approved motor, a rpm flashed and restricted ECU and the same prop, an APX 8x8 i.c. prop. As a result the models are virtually all the same speed which gives the advantage to the pilot who can fly the most accurate course. C32 racing is a class for internal combustion engines of 0.32 cubic inch capacity (from an approved list). The models are often retro club 20 class models from the 1980's and bring a little nostalgia to the class. The racing on average is around 10% faster than the E2k class, but not always!

The Long Course classes run in the UK by the BMPRA are F3D and F3T.

F3D is the Formula 1 of model aircraft flying where pilots and mechanics battle it out internationally with an aim to winning the various championships. The class utilises specialised engines of 6.6cc (0.40 cu in) revving up to 32,000 rpm and achieving airspeeds of around 230mph. The airframes are all moulded and crafted from hi-tech composites; only a few skilled proffesionals around the world create these aircraft. It is an incredibly difficult class to compete in but there is a great sense of satisfaction and reward once it all comes together. Many compare it to a drug; you get one fast run and you want more!

F3D has very few restrictions compared to other race classes; model dimensions and weight are closely controlled as is a few parameters of the engine; mainly the capacity, intake sizes and propeller restrictions. F3D is flown on a full size pylon course of 40m x 180m x 180m and a race consists of 10 laps including takeoff, leading teams can achieve this in around 55 seconds.

F3T Pylon Racing is flown on the same long course as the F3D class but the models are front induction side exhaust 'sport' motors with lower rpm and therefore slightly lower speeds. The models are based very loosely on full size pylon racing aircraft such as might be associated with the Reno Air Races. Speeds of the models on the course approach 190mph