RC Paper Fighter Jet

by Just4Fun Media

37K33927

Intro: RC Paper Fighter Jet

After seeing some RC fighter jets online I decided to build my own. I may have had a little too much fun with the Top Gun tribute:

https://youtu.be/HFjgLf-54Ps

I am seriously impressed with the performance of the CX-10 mini quadcopters.

I have also built a Predator Drone skin, plans and instructions: https://www.instructables.com/id/Personal-Predator-...


To build this fighter jet you will require:

- a CX-10 mini quadcopter or equivalent (http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopters/pp_115681.html)

- "Crash Cage" (http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopters-parts/pp_166087.html)

- a sheet of 8.5"x11" 16-20lb paper (don't go any heavier or else it will not fly)

- Glue

- Clear Tape

-a Printer

Optionally you can also switch from the standard props to high performance aggressive 3 leaf props.

This will help to increase the speed and maneuverability.

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STEP 1: Print, Slice, and Dice

Print out the PDF (below), and check that the document printed at true scale, the safety cage should exactly match the cutout. If not simply adjust the print scale.

Next cut out all of the pieces.

STEP 2: Assembling the Supports

To keep the plane lightweight and rigid, there are three support braces. One under each wing (A1-right and A2-left) as well as one under the tail (C). Simply apply glue to the center of the supports, then fold the middle two sections together, while keeping the edge sections apart.

The angled end of the support will be aligned to the corresponding wind tip, running along the leading edge of the wings. The tail support runs longitudinally from between the engines to the cut away. (consult above diagram)

STEP 3: The Nose and Air Scoops

First glue and fold part E, making sure to keep the flaps at eh rear of the cockpit free. Then glue and fold piece F over part E, while keeping both the top and rear flaps free of glue.

Next insert the cockpit (pieces E and F) into the slot on the front of piece D, making sure to keep the flaps on E above part D and the flaps on B below. Next glue the flaps on E and F onto D.

STEP 4: **Insert Quadcopter Here** :-)

Now that most of the plane in assembled you can insert the quadcopter. Make sure that the nose of the aircraft goes on the front of the quadcopter, otherwise flying it will be very interesting...

Simply pull the tabs through the small holes at the edges of the cage, then glue the tabs down to the part being attached.

After the nose has been attached, you can then close in the air scoops and tape the long tab on the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the quadcopter.

STEP 5: Add the Verticals, Then Go Vertical

All that is left to do is add the vertical stabilizers than you are ready to hit the skies!

If you make your own, feel free to post photos in the comments. Also, if you have any issues or suggestions feel free to comment below or PM me.

Have a great day!

23 Comments

Leathaldose 8 years ago

too bad the F14 is NOT a VTOL. you should have made it a Harrier Jump Jet. and your paper model looks more like an F15.

DaxManGaming 6 months ago

You're not wrong, but at least be a little more positive dude.

Leathaldose 8 years ago

apparently I care. Its a cool idea, but use proper jets.

Leathaldose 8 years ago

apparently I care. Its a cool idea, but use proper jets.

Just4Fun Media 8 years ago

I am actually working on a Harrier at the moment. The curved intakes are interesting to support. Bending the paper adds extra torque and less contact area with the quadcopter cage.

Have a great day! :-)

gelki 8 years ago

Hi thanks for the info, where did you get your paper from, I went to the local office store and asked about 23-29 gsm paper the guy looked at me and laughed then smiled and said they don't make paper like that. Do you have a link to your supplier. Cheers

Just4Fun Media 8 years ago

I am sorry, I converted using the text paper not cover.

1 lb. of Cover paper = 2.708 gsm

You want to find paper in the 43gsm to 54gsm range.

Have a great day!

darrenhall 8 years ago

Really like this instructable, because I find drones themselves a rather boring design - ha ha not sure I can sanction buying a drone now just so I can make a cool fuselage but it is a clever, smart build - great job.

Just4Fun Media 8 years ago

As long as you stick with the manually controlled quad copters they are quite economical $15-$30 for the small ones, $100 for ones that can carry action cameras such as GoPros. But, as I have learned the hard way, it takes a little practice to learn to fly without advanced gyros, compasses, and GPS units.

darrenhall 8 years ago

Hi - yeah i know ya can get the little drones pretty cheaply - might just have to get one to play around with body designs.
Says you have a web site on your profile but I could not see the actual address - if ya let me have it I will check it out.
Also a F/B group has been created called PROTO - TYPE - CHAT, it would be great if ya popped over sometime and told a little bit more about who you are and any new projects on the horizon etc.

WayneA13 8 years ago

Are you keeping it a secret? Post the link!

darrenhall 8 years ago

Hi Wayne - no feel free to call in - great to chat to anyone and have them post some things that interest them - getting a bit boring just posting my stuff :-)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1245005275532259/?fref=ts&__nodl

if the link does not work then
going to Find Friends on F/B and typing PROTO - TYPE - CHAT upper case with dashes

ohoilett 8 years ago

This is really cool.

TacticoolTillius 8 years ago

Can anyone scale this up to fit my Acme Q cruiser 420 drone? Im not sure howto upscale and fit it to my drone design

Just4Fun Media 8 years ago

To scale it up you just need to determine the maximum thrust of your Quadcopter and the density of the material you are working with or the scale you want the model to be.

Most stock quadcopters have a 1/4 or 1/3 weight to thrust ratio, you want to shoot for a maximum of 1/2 (or somewhere close to it) allowing for the model and the Quadcopter.

If you supply me with the weight, thrust, and model size or material I could definitely crunch the numbers for you.

Have a great day! :-)

TacticoolTillius 8 years ago

Okay thanks,once i get home from school i will go and do some measurements.?

gelki 8 years ago

Hi what gsm weight is the paper just use 80gsm and although it did fly a little it struggled alot I have the fq777 same side has the cx10
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