To understand the significance of the "Two 20," one must first appreciate the era from which Florida Sun Models emerged. Founded in the latter half of the 20th century, the company rose to prominence during a golden age of aeromodeling. This was a time when the hobby was transitioning from free-flight and control-line models to radio-controlled flight, yet the primary building material was still balsa wood and film covering.
Based in the Sunshine State, Florida Sun Models capitalized on the region's rich aviation history and favorable flying weather. They became known for producing kits that were accessible enough for the average builder but sophisticated enough to stand out at the flying field. Unlike modern "foamies" or Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) models, Florida Sun Models kits required the builder to cut, shape, and assemble the aircraft from raw materials. This process created a bond between the pilot and the plane that is often missing in today's instant-gratification hobby market. Florida Sun Models Two 20
The moniker "Two 20" has been the subject of debate in modeling circles, but it generally points toward a specific class of aircraft designed around the .20 to .25 size engine range. In the "glow engine" era, engine displacement was the primary metric for categorizing aircraft size. A .20 cubic inch engine offered a step up in power from the smaller .049 "cox" engines, providing enough thrust for larger airframes without requiring the heavy fuel consumption and sheer bulk of larger .40 or .60 engines. To understand the significance of the "Two 20,"