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For the last few years I've been getting into radio controlled electric airplanes. I got the idea that it would be a fun challenge to try to make an r/c plane out of duct tape . . . just to see if it could be done. Here is what I came up with.
Be sure to check out the video in step 11, and let me know what you think.
Be sure to check out the video in step 11, and let me know what you think.
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Signing UpStep 1Lay-out
I made a frame for the plane out of foamboard, and covered it with duct tape.
The wing is 40 inches wide, and the center of the wing is 8.5 inches across. I laid out each wing half separately on a single sheet of 20" by 30" foam core.
I have included a lay-out I drew up to give more details for those interested in making something similar. The rib patterns need to be printed out the correct size, however. Click the little "i" in the upper left corner of each photo and grab a copy of the original size. You will have to do some resizing in your photo editor to make sure that the number 1 rib prints out at about 8 1/2" (about 215 mm), and the number 6 rib prints out at about 6 3/4" (about 172 mm). This will ensure that all the rib patterns on both sheets are true to scale. The center lines on each rib pattern are used as a guide. This center strip is to be cut out and discarded when you cut out top and bottom half of each rib.
I wrote a couple of additional notes on the lay-out that should provide enough detail for those attempting this build.
As a warning, this wing isn't very durable and won't make for a very good first experience in radio control. If you want to get into r/c airplanes, I recommend epp flying wings as they are super-durable and fun to fly. I like traditional planes too, but I had a great experience entering the hobby through epp flying wings, like slope gliders and combat wings.
The wing is 40 inches wide, and the center of the wing is 8.5 inches across. I laid out each wing half separately on a single sheet of 20" by 30" foam core.
I have included a lay-out I drew up to give more details for those interested in making something similar. The rib patterns need to be printed out the correct size, however. Click the little "i" in the upper left corner of each photo and grab a copy of the original size. You will have to do some resizing in your photo editor to make sure that the number 1 rib prints out at about 8 1/2" (about 215 mm), and the number 6 rib prints out at about 6 3/4" (about 172 mm). This will ensure that all the rib patterns on both sheets are true to scale. The center lines on each rib pattern are used as a guide. This center strip is to be cut out and discarded when you cut out top and bottom half of each rib.
I wrote a couple of additional notes on the lay-out that should provide enough detail for those attempting this build.
As a warning, this wing isn't very durable and won't make for a very good first experience in radio control. If you want to get into r/c airplanes, I recommend epp flying wings as they are super-durable and fun to fly. I like traditional planes too, but I had a great experience entering the hobby through epp flying wings, like slope gliders and combat wings.
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Try one of these or something similar (I have the assassin)
This is the radio I have.
I concur, it's definitely a rush see your own creations fly!
And the motor that you are using there is too big for it. As far as I can see from the image, you use a motor that uses 9x4 and 1300 mA battery. Hmm. It is really creative. But erhm. I think the "foam" is not the right material for this kinda plane - "Zagi". I think balsa wood would be much more proper.
The layout for the wing base and all the ribs to step 1. I also added a bit to step 7 about the CG, which you should know if you do build this.
I don't mention a lot about the elevons, but they should be about 16 1/2" long. Mine are about 3" at the wing tip end, and about 2" on the narrower end. They were cut at 45 degrees on the bottom of the hinge edge so they can move up and down easily.
Hope all this helps. Let me know if you build one. I'd love to hear about it.
Your project looks like huge fun.
So duct tape can fly...
Yep, I was surprised it flew so well too. The final weight was 24 oz. even, and I'm flying at almost exactly 5280 ft. above sea level. I added another step at the end with info on all the radio gear.
That wing has got some lift to overcome the weight of the duct tape, nice!