Plane of the Week and Weekly Newsletter
PLANES & CHESS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
8/5/2025
Plane of the Week: The Sikorsky S-72
The Sikorsky S-72 looked like a strange cross between a Blackhawk helicopter and an A-10. Funded by DARPA for the U.S. Army and NASA, the S-72 was intended to combine the best of both worlds: plane and helicopter. The S-72 was originally a heavily modified helicopter with wings and turbofan engines supplemented by main and tail rotors. In addition, the aircraft could fly as a fixed-wing aircraft with a tail rotor by removing the main rotor. However, in the mid-70s, a daring new concept was proposed. Developed by the United States Navy’s Naval Ship Research and Development Center, the concept proposed a four-rotor aircraft that could take off vertically like a helicopter. When at altitude, the four rotors would stop and function as wings in flight. This concept, known as the X-Wing, could eliminate the need for a runway and potentially increase efficiency. Sikorsky was ordered to implement this new system into the S-72. However, the program was cancelled due to budget cuts. Regardless, the S-72 served as a remarkable feat of aviation both before and with the X-Wing.
Gambit of the Week: The Englund Gambit
The Englund Gambit is initiated by Black sacrificing the E-pawn and ending the game in a remarkable back-rank smothered mate.
News
First Malaysian GM (8/3/2025): 25-year old Yeoh Li Tian became the first Grandmaster from Malaysia.
Weekly Chess Riddle
I have no allegiance, a neutral party I stand,
Yet I dictate the flow across the land.
I sit in silence, not given a thought,
However, I matter a lot.
For I am the one that shows the way,
The path for all I silently lay.
Trophies will be awarded to the first correct answer. The answer and explanation will be in the next edition.
Previous Riddle Explanation:
Answered correctly by CHESSERJAMA and Emychock, the answer was a rook. The rook is also a bird.
Club Happenings
Dogfight Chess: We are playing in dogfight chess vs. GM Oogum Boogum’s Personal Club. The match will begin once more people from their side join.
Vote Chess: We are playing in numerous vote chess matches against ISM Chess Crew, Baseball Chess Crew, and others. Good luck and play well!
Member Activity
Member CHESSERJAMA was the most active member in the past week. Congrats!
To compete to be listed, post in the forums, chat, answer the riddle, and partake in other club-related activities.
Editor’s Note
Hello and welcome to the third edition of the Planes & Chess Weekly Newsletter! I apologize for the font differences (doing this on a cell phone). Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Again, if you want to suggest an addition, please DM me and I will consider you input.
