I've always wanted to build one of them R/C Aircraft but never knew how to start off. Then I heard of this great website called spadtothebone.com which for some reason has been closed down, over there they had this lovely little plan for a Glow engine plane called the GNAT. I loved the plan but it was a Glow plane so I decided to convert it to an Electric. Despite no previous experience in Aero-modelling, I embarked on a quest that took me back and forth to a few places, hunting for parts that are no so readily available in the state of Qatar and Voila! I did the unimaginable.
NOTE: Unfortunately I finished my aircraft shortly before beginning this instructable so I decided to make Diagrams of the steps involved. also this is my first instructable so guys, please be polite in the comments section. Thanks in advance.
This is what I consider to be an Easy-Intermediate build on account of the Aluminium parts involved so I would recommend this build to somewhat experienced aero-modellers. Hope you guys enjoy building this wonderful aircraft like I did. The original plans to the S.P.A.D. GNAT are available here (http://spadtothebone.net/freeplans.htm) and I take no credit for the original plans. What I have here is a heavily spliced and somewhat simplified version of the GNAT. Also the plane's dimensions have been altered along with some building steps. It is built for power and is more heavier than conventional foam or balsa planes. I take no responsibility for any damages or injuries resulting from attempting to build this plane due to carelessness, negligence or otherwise. Have fun building this Plane but also do keep safety in mind, especially when using drills, saws and blades. Let's get started then, shall we?
UPDATE: I just went to my local Hobby Club and they told me that there were a couple of problems with MY plane... Here's what the upgraded SPAD looks like... I've lso rechristened this instructable based on the color scheme of the plane. A drone is a male bee and bees are yellow and black. Also, being my first plane I decided to make it an 'experimental' aircraft so voila! The Drone 0.1
NOTE: Unfortunately I finished my aircraft shortly before beginning this instructable so I decided to make Diagrams of the steps involved. also this is my first instructable so guys, please be polite in the comments section. Thanks in advance.
This is what I consider to be an Easy-Intermediate build on account of the Aluminium parts involved so I would recommend this build to somewhat experienced aero-modellers. Hope you guys enjoy building this wonderful aircraft like I did. The original plans to the S.P.A.D. GNAT are available here (http://spadtothebone.net/freeplans.htm) and I take no credit for the original plans. What I have here is a heavily spliced and somewhat simplified version of the GNAT. Also the plane's dimensions have been altered along with some building steps. It is built for power and is more heavier than conventional foam or balsa planes. I take no responsibility for any damages or injuries resulting from attempting to build this plane due to carelessness, negligence or otherwise. Have fun building this Plane but also do keep safety in mind, especially when using drills, saws and blades. Let's get started then, shall we?
UPDATE: I just went to my local Hobby Club and they told me that there were a couple of problems with MY plane... Here's what the upgraded SPAD looks like... I've lso rechristened this instructable based on the color scheme of the plane. A drone is a male bee and bees are yellow and black. Also, being my first plane I decided to make it an 'experimental' aircraft so voila! The Drone 0.1
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Signing UpStep 1: What you need...
Here are a list of parts you might need. All are fairly easily obtainable.
General:
-Corrugated Plastic, aka COROPLAST sheets, width 2-3mm length: Greater than 32", Width: Greater than 20".
-Aluminium 'U'-Channel of dimensions 3/4"x1/2"x1/2"x24".
-Small section of aluminium 'V'-Channel of dimensions 1 1/2"x1 1/2"x1 1/2". Cut it as shown in the diagram.
-Carbon fibre dowel 32" long and thin enough to insert into the coroplast sheet.
-Control horns, Pushrods, Clevies (for flight control).
-2mm width screws with (Optional) corresponding bolts and washers.
-Small 1mm by 10mm-thick strip of aluminium no shorter than 12".
-(Optional) Hinge tape for aircraft control surfaces or hinges.
-An old wire hanger. Not a rusted one mind you.
-Lots of zip-ties.
Electronics:
-Transmitter and bound receiver at least 4-channels.(In some countries like Qatar, you may require a licence to operate a Radio Transmitter. please check your local radio guidelines and laws).
-4 Servos between 15g and 20g.
-50g OUTRUNNER motor with a kV rating of 1000 or above.
-Corresponding Electronic Speed Controller or ESC as they are better known.
-Lithium Polymer or LiPo Battery, 11.1V, Greater than or equal to 100mah(refer to motor requirements)
-8" to 10" Propeller with all necessary attachments to fix it to your motor.
-Electrical tape and preferably Heat shrink tubing.
And here are the tools required
Tools:
-Hobby knife.
-2mm Drill bit. With a drill of course.
-Screwdrivers. Duh.
-Hacksaw.
-Not a Tool but also required: CA Glue or more commonly known as Super Glue.
General:
-Corrugated Plastic, aka COROPLAST sheets, width 2-3mm length: Greater than 32", Width: Greater than 20".
-Aluminium 'U'-Channel of dimensions 3/4"x1/2"x1/2"x24".
-Small section of aluminium 'V'-Channel of dimensions 1 1/2"x1 1/2"x1 1/2". Cut it as shown in the diagram.
-Carbon fibre dowel 32" long and thin enough to insert into the coroplast sheet.
-Control horns, Pushrods, Clevies (for flight control).
-2mm width screws with (Optional) corresponding bolts and washers.
-Small 1mm by 10mm-thick strip of aluminium no shorter than 12".
-(Optional) Hinge tape for aircraft control surfaces or hinges.
-An old wire hanger. Not a rusted one mind you.
-Lots of zip-ties.
Electronics:
-Transmitter and bound receiver at least 4-channels.(In some countries like Qatar, you may require a licence to operate a Radio Transmitter. please check your local radio guidelines and laws).
-4 Servos between 15g and 20g.
-50g OUTRUNNER motor with a kV rating of 1000 or above.
-Corresponding Electronic Speed Controller or ESC as they are better known.
-Lithium Polymer or LiPo Battery, 11.1V, Greater than or equal to 100mah(refer to motor requirements)
-8" to 10" Propeller with all necessary attachments to fix it to your motor.
-Electrical tape and preferably Heat shrink tubing.
And here are the tools required
Tools:
-Hobby knife.
-2mm Drill bit. With a drill of course.
-Screwdrivers. Duh.
-Hacksaw.
-Not a Tool but also required: CA Glue or more commonly known as Super Glue.
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i am building a uav, and i am stuck with the desigh, so i was thinking if u could help me with the design.
btw, i voted for you
If you still insist then temmie if you want the Gnat plans or the Electric Drone plans.
=P
superb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!